DL Guard or ????

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I recently launched my first digital product and started promoting. I did pretty well for my first product, but as with any business I got a few of those unautorized transactions from my paypal account. I do plan on getting my own shopping cart and merchant account, but still would like to get a program in the mean time, and for when ever I need to use paypal, to protect my downloads, track IP's, expired DL links and hopefully it will have a membership site option as well so I can capture their address if I deem neccessary. The more proof the better.

I think using all this stuff together will end up in less purchases being ripped off by people who just want a free product. I know it won't stop all purchase reversals as that is inevitably up to paypal or the customers bank/credit card provider.

Is DL Guard pretty much the best out there or are there any other good ones that I should consider?
#internet marketing product reviews & ratings #guard
  • If you are using wordpress, wishlist member is the cheapest and simplest option if you are just looking for basic protection / selling / membership sites.

    If you are looking for something that can expand in the future as you grow, You would go with digital access pass.


    DL guard is a great product for protecting download pages. But the membership protection is cut and dry compared to the other 2. You basically put code on a page, and people have to enter a password to enter. The other 2 has more diverse membership features.


    I have tried all 3, all 3 I would recommend. I hope this helps in your decision.
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
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    • Oh and as far as people ripping you off, I really dont know how much proof there needs to be? At the very WORST I would figure you could send paypal the product, and send them a screenshot where you MANUALLY email the person the product?... So even though they claim they never bought it through DL Guard or any other delivery system, what could possibly be their beef if you send it to them manually? Or hell, even tell paypal to email it to them themselves?

      If people really would go through extreme measures just to try to get a free product that's pretty sad, but I'm sure you wont run into this too often.
      • [1] reply
  • I can vouch for DLGuard. Sam provides amazing support and its easy to use out of the box.
  • If you are looking for download protection, e-junkie works great. If you are looking to host your own protected files and maybe start a membership, then try DAP.
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  • I kinda like the hands off approach or anything that will free up more time for me, I'm not lazy but if I have to watch all my downloads or manually send them an email with link, that could take up a lot of time I could be using to create another product or do other stuff. Also I like the idea of expiring DL links. I was thinking about setting up my autoresponder so that they would have to check their email for a password to access my DL page, and a few other options I was thinking of, but these software programs have a lot of other useful things in them and I would like to get one.
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    • Oh no, dont get me wrong. As far as manually sending things out, I meant ONLY if someone is disputing something.. It's just hard to believe you would have more than what, 2 or 3 disputes a week, if that? Their must be some very crooked customers buying your product.

      If expiring links is your thing, DL guard will likely be the way to go. With wishlist member you can set up a membership that expires in 1 day. DL guard you can set links to expire in 2 hours or whatever you want.
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  • Here's another option you may want to look at:

    Rapid Action Profits

    Thanks,

    John
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  • I've been using DLGuard for years. The product and support are top notch.

    If funds are tight, ejunkie is a good way to get started, but I would invest in DLGuard as soon as possible.

    John
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    • Now that's a sweet option, when the customer sees there name and email already filled in it is just one click for them and they get my free offer or whatever I am using to get opt-ins.
  • Hi Dan,

    I'm the owner/developer of DLGuard, so I'm happy to help out if you have any further questions!

    DLGuard's memberships are often underestimated simply because of their simplicity - but it's the simplicity that can make them really quite powerful. For example, people have created whole web services using DLGuard as the membership management.

    Having said that, I'll be adding some more "stock" features into the memberships to cover the most popular things.

    With WishList - Wishlist doesn't protect your actual download links. Recently I've created a plugin that'll allow Wishlist and DLGuard to work together - Wishlist will control Wordpress memberships like usual, and DLGuard will offer secure downloads within those members areas, all automated.


    DLGuard's memberships can be set up to link to the products you're selling. So you're selling your Paypal product, you can just link a membership group to it, and that automatically gives anyone that buys your Paypal product access to the members area.

    That member group can be set to expire, if you like, or it can be used (as I do myself) as a handy place to offer membership info, updates, patches, etc.

    I hope this helps!

    cheers
    Sam
    • [ 4 ] Thanks
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    • Looks like a first class product. I was thinking to myself, wow this is going to be very expensive but the price seems extremely fair for all that functionality. This would take days to weeks to code if you were to create your own solution.
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  • Banned
    I couldn't live without DLGuard. The best for digital downloads. Of course it doesn't stop people from sharing, but it does a lot and makes a digital delivery and payment a breeze.
    • [1] reply
    • Thanks all,

      I looked at e-junkie and it looks good, but I think I will swing for the DLguard software for a one time payment.

      Membership site is something I was thinking for the future, but it sounds like wishlist and DLGuard will do it for me anyway when I am ready. I will look into that part more when needed, It sounds like DLGuard may still be good for that, depending on what I need I guess.
      • [2] replies
  • Ultimately there is no solution on protecting any digital download product. The problem is once they have it, they can upload it to a warez site and it's free for the download. If you want to get sick to your stomach, do a search on the name of your product and you'll see all the warez sites with it available. This especially true of any really popular product from Microsoft on down.

    If you clamp down with a password protected access even after download it just causes too many issues for legit customers and support becomes a problem.

    As far as refunds (especially to drive by buyers), I just hit the refund button and move on. It used to bother me years ago but there's no reason to fight over one purchase and it's time wasted.

    Both issues are just part of the IM game. Luckily there are plenty enough legit buyers and so I've found the best plan is to just move forward.

    Take the standard precautions, like any of the solutions mentioned above, but don't get crazy over it. 99% of my customers are great, so I just forget the 1% that are rip off artists and scum.
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    • Ultimately there is no solution on protecting any digital download product.

      Secure e-book works pretty well for PDF files. It embeds a PDF reader inside an executable file that requires an access key. The key can be revoked at any time by the seller and can only be used once. And printing can be disabled.

      Short of doing a screen capture of every page, this is about as secure as you can get for protecting e-books.

      As for download management, I use DL Guard as well as a combination of Easy Clickmate and Easy Clickguard. The latter combination of products works well if you sell your products through affiliates.

      Charlie
    • @Texjd, you make a great point. I make this exact same point (it's uncanny how we both seem to use the same kind of numbers - like 99% and 1% :-) to people almost a few times every week.

      Here's an email I sent someone just hours ago today, who had earlier asked whether my company's software (DigitalAccessPass.com) can protect PDF files. And after we'd said yes, he then went on to ask if DAP could prevent people from downloading the PDF's to their desktop, and somehow force his members to view the PDF's online. As he didn't want people uploading them to fileshare sites.

      So here was my exact response, copy/pasted from my email to him:

      ----------------------------------------
      DAP does very much protect PDF files. It has a lot of built-in security - like files can be accessed only by authorized members. On top of that, if they pass their log-in info to their friends, DAP will automatically lock their account - things like that.

      But I don't think you should go to the extent of trying to prevent them from downloading what they've paid for, and try to force them to view everything online.

      Our sincere recommendation is that instead of focusing on how to prevent your paying customers from downloading your information, you should focus on how many different ways you can offer them the same files for consumption. Go the completely opposite direction.

      The best membership sites we know offer the same content in multiple formats: Video, audio version of that same video, PDF transcripts of the video, powerpoint slides used in the video, etc. 4-5 different ways in which their members can consume that very same content.

      As it is, it's very hard to get people to come, buy and stay and keep paying you month after month. You don't have to be so paranoid about your content getting stolen - unless you are selling highly classified "national security" information that will put our country at harm if it falls in to the wrong hands :-).

      Almost no one has the time to search for stolen content online. And if there are losers who do have that kind of time, then they're probably looking for content from people who are already actually making millions of dollars online - like the Frank Kerns and the Mike Filsaimes. They're probably not going to be searching for your product or ours.

      Hope you can understand this very critical mindset issue that stops most people from being successful online.

      Don't worry about the 1% who will steal your content and pass it to their 4 loser friends. Instead, focus on the 99% of your legitimate paying customers, who will never think about 'stealing' your content, and who don't have the time, energy or intention to illegally pass on your content to others, because they all have a life, and a business to run.

      ----------------------------------

      :-)

      - Ravi Jayagopal
      Founder & Co-Developer, DAP

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  • OK, there are ways to put a password on anything. Send it to me and I'll break it in a matter of minutes =8~). It's like a lock on a door, it keeps honest people out but if someone really wants in they'll be able to do it.

    Software like DLGuard provide a lot of automation plus the basic security available. That's as good as you really need to get or you cause customer service issues and that can cost more than the few that steal your stuff.

    Don't get hung up on a perfect solution since it probably doesn't exist. Just sell more and forget the idiots and deadbeats. Someone asks for a refund, I just hit the button and I'm done. I refuse to let someone ruin my day over one sale.

    I can go months without a refund or a problem. Then I'll get three in one week. It's a crap shoot and I doubt I ever even hit 1% per year. And forget PayPal backing you up, not going happen on digital stuff, maybe on hard products. You can talk till you're blue in the face and it won't help any as far as I've seen.

    Put your time and energy on getting more sales, making a better product, or other constructive pursuits.
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    • There is no seller protection on digital products through PayPal. When a customer claims anything against your digital product, just tell PayPal the product is digital, and PayPal will let you have the sale. I learned that here in the Warrior Forum at this thread: http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...ml#post3619799

      I am evaluating DL Guard and DAP right now, trying to figure out which one will best suit my needs. This thread has been helpful. Thanks, everyone!
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  • Although DL guard is a great product, membership sites are the way to go. Digital Access Pass is the Gold Standard for membership sites. Additionally, get away from PayPal and go with a real merchant account. Paypal always sides with the purchaser on a digital product purchase. Whereas, with a real merchant account, it is a bit more difficult for the ripp off artist to get a reversal as long as the grace period is honored and the merchant has clearly held up their end of the deal.
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    • Not in every case - if you're selling a digital product, you don't want to force your buyer to have to create an account and sign-in to a members area just to download their product.

      Membership areas are great if you have something your customers will return to, such as online information, new resources, etc.

      If you're just selling a single item product, you need to minimise the number of steps your customer has to take.

      That's DLGuard's strength - minimising hoops for your customers to jump though.

      They click on the buy button, they pay, they're returned to a page where they click on a download link.

      Quick and easy.


      Naturally with DLGuard you can also mix single item products with memberships as well. Give them their ebook or product for instant download after payment, but you can also attach a members area to that product too if you wish.

      That way people can go to the members area to get updates, more resources, etc. later on.

      But the important thing is giving your customer the product they just paid for as quickly as possible, and with as little fuss as possible.

      Membership areas are great, but they're certainly not a replacement for, and in most cases not preferable to, a quick and easy buy-and-download process.

      cheers
      Sam
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  • Hi Mark,

    Sorry to hear you didn't get the email response! I wrote back to your ticket in 4 hours, 20 mins. Sounds like you may not have gotten the notification?

    I'll PM you your ticket details!

    cheers
    Sam
  • Hi Ravi,

    Sorry, I hope I didn't give you the wrong idea - I wasn't talking about DAP in particular (I haven't seen DAP in action), it was more a reply about the comment that membership sites are the way to go.

    While they are in some cases, as you know you have to choose the best solution for your particular circumstances,

    There times when you'll want a membership area, and there's time when you'll want a straightforward buy-download process (and times when you'd want a full cart system).

    It just depends on the project!

    cheers
    Sam
  • Sam,

    No worries. I wasn't offended by your response in any way.

    I just wanted to clarify things about DAP, because that's a valid concern some people may have.

    Cheers!

    - Ravi
  • Oh good, I was worried I may have offended you too

    cheers
    Sam
  • Just PMd Rav, re DAP and DL Guard. Would I need DL guard as well as DAP. Saw a post here that the prospects name etc can be automatically entered with DL Guard.
    I am building my membership site and have DAP, as I have heard, and been recommended it by a fellow warrior and 'mentor'.
    I've gone past my enthusiasm on buying 'shiny new things' and as yet not 'plugged' DAP in as yet, so am not fully conversant with it's capabilities...
    Any advice would be appreciated Rav and Sam

    Oh and I think you guys rock, by the way.

    Best

    James
  • James,

    Since I don't wish to put down DLG just to make a DAP sale, let me just tell you what DAP can do.

    DAP can do file protection, and can automatically process payments (both one-time as well as recurring subscription payments).

    If you have any specific questions about what DAP can do, go ahead and post it, and I'll be happy to answer it for you.

    >>Oh and I think you guys rock, by the way.<<
    Cool! My wife thinks the same about me too - except, like in a "don't sit there like a rock - get up and do the dishes!" kind of way... lol!

    - Ravi Jayagopal
  • Hi Rav,
    I have purchased DAP after a recommendation from a fellow warrior and 'mentor'. Been away on tour( busking magician) and not had it plugged in as yet. So much mail to catch up on as well as everything else.
    Know what you mean about 'being a rock'. Hopefully, nay definitely, the flat screen succubus will not win over. Dishes...well they need to be done.
    Thanks for your reply and it's heartening to know that those who di good like you and Sam, are ethical, as well as good folks. More power to you both.

    Cheers

    James
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  • I am trying to find out if DL Guard is still planning to add affiliate capabilities. I read a post where it was being worked on but that post was from 2008 or 2009 I believe. Does anyone know if the affiliate capabilities for DL Guard was put on ice, and if so, is there something similar to DL Guard which does offer affiliate capabilities? Thanks
    • [1] reply
    • Hello Evolve,

      I just asked Sam this is in a support ticket as I just purchased DLGuard after migrating from e-junkie (reason being that e-junkie cannot configure OTO's the way that I want whereas DLgaurd can)

      Sam informed me that he is working on it and it is going to be released sometime this year.

      Hope that helps.

      Matt
      • [1] reply
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    DL Guard or ????

    I recently launched my first digital product and started promoting. I did pretty well for my first product, but as with any business I got a few of those unautorized transactions from my paypal account. I do plan on getting my own shopping cart and merchant account, but still would like to get a program in the mean time, and for when ever I need to use paypal, to protect my downloads, track IP's, expired DL links and hopefully it will have a membership site option as well so I can capture their address if I deem neccessary. The more proof the better. I think using all this stuff together will end up in less purchases being ripped off by people who just want a free product. I know it won't stop all purchase reversals as that is inevitably up to paypal or the customers bank/credit card provider.