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Backend selling from USB Stick?

by John_Edwards
17 replies
I have a query...I am conducting research to find and enter a *new* market on eBay away from collectibles!

But heres the thing...I'm wondering if I sell a PDF Info product on eBay delivered via a USB stick...how can I offer an upsell to the *video version* that would be hosted on udemy.com...I can see how the pages could ALL host links to the Udemy sales page for the offer!

But my query is could I also somehow create a landing page sending them to the the udemy offer that opens automatically when the USB stick is placed in the buyers hard drive/

My idea is that if thats possible..then on my landing page I could place a link at the top to the PDF with the rest of the page pushing the video version?

If this cannot be done no worries...just have to rely on the links in the PDF...direct to the udemy course.

And one more idea...instead of links going to the course direct...how about a specific sub-niche blog post hosting the link instead?

Just wondering if an *experienced eye* could offer the BEST solution to this?

Thanks for your time guys...John.
#backend #selling #stick #usb
  • Profile picture of the author luketr
    It's completely possible but I would be concerned about those systems set up to not allow programs to auto-run from USBs.

    Given the threat of viruses these days most auto-run batches are blocked (especially without user input) so there's a fair chance that a majority of the people receiving your USB will never see the udemy course anyway; making the whole venture a wasted effort.

    Even in the event someone does see it, you'll have a lot of people closing, as its essentially a pop-up they weren't expecting and had no interest in seeing. (Yet!)

    I think a pdf or perhaps even direct web link file on the USB with emphasis on why they should click (eg periodic "click here for the video course to watch me over the shoulder do xyz") is the best way to go.
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  • Profile picture of the author yukon
    Banned
    I've been dealing with downloadable files for years.

    What I do is include an internet shortcut link inside each of the files traffic downloads to their PC. Create an internal page/URL & you can swap out sales copy for unlimited relevant products as often as you want for years. This way works because when traffic opens the folder on their PC there's two files (no distractions), the content file plus the internet shortcut link. Most traffic will click the link out of curiosity.

    My advice is also create some free entry level content that traffic will want to share with others in the same niche. Use that free content for branding & advertising.

    I don't get the USB stick idea unless you're trying to capture mailing addresses.
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    • Profile picture of the author luketr
      What I do is include an internet shortcut link inside each of the files traffic downloads to their PC. Create an internal page/URL & you can swap out sales copy for unlimited relevant products as often as you want for years. This way works because when traffic opens the folder on their PC there's two files (no distractions), the content file plus the internet shortcut link. Most traffic will click the link out of curiosity.
      This is what I was trying to articulate with "direct web link file on the USB". Agreed, yukon. Couldn't agree more with the power of curiosity traffic!
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    • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
      Originally Posted by yukon View Post

      I don't get the USB stick idea unless you're trying to capture mailing addresses.
      If this is what I think it is, the USB stick is a way around eBay's ban on selling pure digital products outside of a few specific categories. The stick is comparable to a print book, in that there is a physical component.

      Using CD-Rom and DVD discs used to be the way around the restriction.

      If it's something else, I'm curious, too.
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      • Profile picture of the author John_Edwards
        Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe View Post

        If this is what I think it is, the USB stick is a way around eBay's ban on selling pure digital products outside of a few specific categories. The stick is comparable to a print book, in that there is a physical component.

        Using CD-Rom and DVD discs used to be the way around the restriction.

        If it's something else, I'm curious, too.
        No, you're on the nail there John...eBay I'm researching niches, and at the moment I'm looking at creating a USP, and by offering a bonus *Information product*, my aim is to stand out from the comp?
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    • Profile picture of the author John_Edwards
      Originally Posted by yukon View Post

      I've been dealing with downloadable files for years.

      What I do is include an internet shortcut link inside each of the files traffic downloads to their PC. Create an internal page/URL & you can swap out sales copy for unlimited relevant products as often as you want for years. This way works because when traffic opens the folder on their PC there's two files (no distractions), the content file plus the internet shortcut link. Most traffic will click the link out of curiosity.

      My advice is also create some free entry level content that traffic will want to share with others in the same niche. Use that free content for branding & advertising.

      I don't get the USB stick idea unless you're trying to capture mailing addresses.
      Hey thanks for your input Yukon..USB stick is because I will generate the sales on eBay...you cannot sell digital products as a download anymore...I'm researching new markets and one idea to create a USP was to either create an Info product giving massive value as a bonus to the physical product sale...

      ...In a bid to raise the sales and offer a video version of the PDF as an upsell?

      Or sell as the frontend product itself?
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    • Profile picture of the author irawr
      Banned
      Originally Posted by yukon View Post

      I don't get the USB stick idea unless you're trying to capture mailing addresses.
      You can't sell downloadable files on Ebay, has to be on CD. Some people offer the ability to download the file and only send the CD on request. But I wouldn't do that and I'll explain why.

      As far as USB stick vs CD, well if the cost of the USB stick is cheaper then the CD, do that, but somehow I highly doubt that.

      I would print a professional label and include physical marketing material as well. Instead of just "mailing them a product," I would use this sale as their entry into a sales funnel and run a followup physical mail sequence.

      They should still get the product they buy, but this should be stage1. You can't add your ebay customers to an email list (ebay rules) but you can get them started into a physical mail campaign which leads into private coaching/seminars/higher ticket products...

      If you can work the cost of this out carefully, the cost of the product + fees + mail campaign could actually equal the price the customer paid on Ebay, if you can pull this off and get it rolling then you're a bonafide rocket scientist.
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  • Profile picture of the author Oziboomer
    If you are able to overprint the outside of the USB you may get a bump from a URL printed there with a message "Bonus content here" then URL

    At least they would see that every time they put it into their computer.

    Best regards,

    Ozi
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    • Profile picture of the author John_Edwards
      Originally Posted by Oziboomer View Post

      If you are able to overprint the outside of the USB you may get a bump from a URL printed there with a message "Bonus content here" then URL

      At least they would see that every time they put it into their computer.

      Best regards,

      Ozi
      Thanks for that that's food for thought!
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  • Profile picture of the author Bradley J Anderson
    An autoexec.bat file should do the trick.
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    • Profile picture of the author John_Edwards
      Originally Posted by Bradley J Anderson View Post

      An autoexec.bat file should do the trick.
      Hey how are you Bradley?

      I used a autoexec.bat for a cd rom BUT my query actually was could that work for a USB stick?

      That was my original question and ponder!
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  • Profile picture of the author Kurt
    You can add a sample video on the thumb drive. Upload the video to Youtube, then embed it in an html page (not pdf) so it will play instantly and add a link to your Udemy course on the html page.
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    • Profile picture of the author John_Edwards
      Originally Posted by Kurt View Post

      You can add a sample video on the thumb drive. Upload the video to Youtube, then embed it in an html page (not pdf) so it will play instantly and add a link to your Udemy course on the html page.
      Very cool idea...that way it generates instant interest as opposed to annoyance and distraction from downloading the pdf!

      Thanks Kurt.
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  • Profile picture of the author Regional Warrior
    John

    Here is an idea to throw at you , at my business I have a big red button for all my clients so any issue they hit it and up pops a support page very fast and swift for the client.

    I know we had them made in China for a Buck each ! oh and you must have on the red button "Dont Touch"
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    • Profile picture of the author John_Edwards
      Originally Posted by Regional Warrior View Post

      John

      Here is an idea to throw at you , at my business I have a big red button for all my clients so any issue they hit it and up pops a support page very fast and swift for the client.

      I know we had them made in China for a Buck each ! oh and you must have on the red button "Dont Touch"
      Great idea...*curiousity* serves as great leverage thanks for that Regional Warrior.
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  • Profile picture of the author agmccall
    Business On a Stick. What a great headline

    al
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