Which is Best, Physical Product or Instant Download?

7 years ago

Well personally since this is the Digital age I would be inclined to go for an instant downloadable product.

Of course do not always be bent in thinking that Physical is not relevant or not effective because it can definitely be

But my gut response is the former

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Sven300

7 years ago

Yes I agree with Discrat: instant download. Not only are we in a digital age, but we live in a time when people want everything immediately.

But if you want a "scientific" answer, do A / B testing!

Good luck!

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catchit

7 years ago

Originally Posted by Sven300

Yes I agree with Discrat: instant download. Not only are we in a digital age, but we live in a time when people want everything immediately.

But if you want a "scientific" answer, do A / B testing!

Good luck!

Thanks guys for your replies I really DO appreciate it! Still waiting for even more replies of more warriors who has actually tested physical DVDs and instant downloads.

Thanks for your help! : )

Dale

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catchit

7 years ago

Originally Posted by Sven300

Yes I agree with Discrat: instant download. Not only are we in a digital age, but we live in a time when people want everything immediately.

But if you want a "scientific" answer, do A / B testing!

Good luck!

Yes Sven300 that makes sense to A/B test and I will be doing this for sure. : ) Just thought i would get a running start by asking some of the marketers here on the forum who has actually tested the too methods...

thanks so much for your reply!

Dale

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Sid Hale 7 years ago

No it doesn't make sense.

Some people mention split-testing as a pat answer for any question (especially when they don't know the answer).

Originally Posted by catchit

Yes Sven300 that makes sense to A/B test and I will be doing this for sure.

Personally, I would offer 2 separate products.

One physical, one digital download only.

If you feel the need to split test something, test the pricing for the 2 options, your sales copy, graphics, etc.

You can charge more for the physical product, simply because there are "manufacturing costs" required, but you can also include an immediate digital download, so your customers get immediate gratification and the ability to begin putting your solution to work for them.

For those who are not able to justify the price of your physical product, offer a downloadable version at a cheaper price. Implement this as an "exit" offer for those who don't buy the physical product.
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- kilgore 7 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by Sid Hale
  
  Some people mention split-testing as a pat answer for any question (especially when they don't know the answer).
  
  So much this!
  
  And I'd also add that I strongly suspect that the people always suggesting split-testing have never actually run one.
  
  Personally, I've got better things to do than set up and analyze the results from A/B tests for every little aspect of my business. Usually -- though certainly not always -- it's just as effective to make an educated guess, try something out and adjust from there.
  
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  Sid Hale 7 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by kilgore
  
  And I'd also add that I strongly suspect that the people always suggesting split-testing have never actually run one.
  
  Yup.
  
  May not even know how to run one and/or they couldn't get enough information from their tests to make a statistically valid comparison because they simply don't get enough traffic.
  
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ZanyZebra

7 years ago

Originally Posted by catchit

Hi Warriors! I'm getting ready to launch a weight loss product. Everything is set to go by this month March 18th. The product is a DVD, manual and CD. As you can see it's a physical product which will be shipped to the customer's home.

My question is: which do you think would be the best format for reaching the most customers? Physical product with digital download after the product is shipped. Or Instant download of the product? I know this should have been asked earlier but it's been in the back of my mind and I thought it would be best to ask here in the forum.

I would really appreciate feedback from those who have done both formats physical and instant digital download and have a feel of which would be best.

Thanks in advance for your replies

Both.

Give the customer an option and let them decide what's best for them.

Good luck with your venture.

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EPoltrack77

7 years ago

Good question. Having something a person can feel and touch does wonders for sure. You can reach just about 2 different markets. You know the digital could be a lot easier and less overhead that is for sure but then again you might find your customers mainly prefer the cd or the other way. Downloading is much easier and that is what I see most people doing today. make an app as well.

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catchit

7 years ago

Hi Sid,

thank you for your honest opinion on this! And for explaining the two options. I thought of using an exit pop but not in regards to offering the digital version of the product. I think this is a Great strategy and I'll be using it as it does give them another option. Better to do that then to lose the customer entirely.

And yes, It sure will cut down on manufacturing cost. I myself love to see and hold the physical product in my hands but also from time to time purchase instant downloads as well. I think it's Great being able to give the customer both parts of the world!

Thanks again for your help.
I really appreciate it! : )

Dale

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Randall Magwood

7 years ago

I'm a digital product guy, but i know that there are some products that i wouldn't pay $300 for as an instant download. I wouldn't have a problem paying this much for something physical - as long as the product justifies the cost. To make your life easier and smoother, i would go with the digital product route. But no matter which one you choose, understand that at the end of the day...... it all boils down to great marketing. Good luck man.

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catchit 7 years ago

Hi Randall,

thanks much for your reply, Yes i do know what you mean. Sometimes its hard to tell without the testing and such. I like the fact that testing tells truth and also catching from what you've posting about price certainly help a lot!

Thanks so much for your post! I really appreciate it! : )

Dale
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Doug

7 years ago

What Sid said!

Here is my take, physical products are the QVC of the Internet.

Here is another perspective... I personally know a couple buying iron on transfer paper, the kind for making custom t-shirts. They repackage under their own label, and resell, making a nice income. plus this opens the door for many other products, and services that they provide.

eBay and Amazon pretty much physical products... yes, they do have avenues for digital. Shoot, right here where I live a friend of mine started a simple free ad site some fifteen years ago... the locals sell everything from used clothes to the kitchen sink, again physical products... usedones to boot.

Any who, food for thought.

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nancy666

7 years ago

Hi

Definitely the instant download version. People are impatient by nature and want things instantly.
Also it might be viewed by prospective buyers that you haven't got your "finger on the pulse" so to speak and this may drive people away.

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barbling

7 years ago

For me personally....

I would go for digital.

However, physical products often have a higher perceived value.

And don't forget - the product doesn't have to be a *download* ....

It could be a paid membership where customers can view videos

It could be a mobile-responsive html page created from a Word Document (ie, mobile viewers don't have to download a PDF - they can directly access it from their phones)

Heck, it could even be a mobile app!

But for the easiest approach..... digital almost always is the easiest way to go.

Hope that helps!

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YouCannotKillTheMetal04

7 years ago

This kinda brings me back to my first purchase of a Starwars (all episodes) Blu-ray set. Its actually good to have a physical copy too since most people like to collect CDs and all. But as the majority have suggested having a downloadable product could do well too since not everybody really has access to the internet or even knowledgeable on paying/downloading stuff online. (from my perspective, of course)

Also, yeah. try testing it out. But why test? when you can just offer both. I have friends who weight loss CDs and not 1 of them have downloaded related to that. So yeah i guess CDs still sells.

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wkriski

7 years ago

I'm doing all digital, no physical products like books, etc. Many people told me they don't make much on the physical product due to costs. Super easy all automatic delivery and high profits.

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talfighel

7 years ago

Personally, I would prefer to get the digital version. Once your customers actually pay for the product, it would be cool for them to just download it off on their computer. It is INSTANT and they don't have to wait a few days or weeks to get it and get started.

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begjorina

7 years ago

Originally Posted by catchit

Hi Warriors! I'm getting ready to launch a weight loss product. Everything is set to go by this month March 18th. The product is a DVD, manual and CD. As you can see it's a physical product which will be shipped to the customer's home.

My question is: which do you think would be the best format for reaching the most customers? Physical product with digital download after the product is shipped. Or Instant download of the product? I know this should have been asked earlier but it's been in the back of my mind and I thought it would be best to ask here in the forum.

I would really appreciate feedback from those who have done both formats physical and instant digital download and have a feel of which would be best.

Thanks in advance for your replies

of course I will choose the digital one with the instant downloading system, I will never wait for CD or, DVD to get by a courier. In my view, you should choose the digital one firstly. Then some people may ask you to get the Print copy. then you can send the product via courier. Thanks for asking. Best of luck.

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kurttasche

7 years ago

As far as which is better, each one has it's merits.

However, digital delivery will cut your cost way down. No need to pay for producing and shipping DVD's. Plus, nowadays, people want "instant gratification", so a digital download may be the best way to go.

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catchit

7 years ago

WOW! Thanks you all so much for all of your Incredible feedback on this! You guys Rock! Before I posted here on the forum I was really not clear on what to do next. But now It has all come together! Thanks to you. Just a few more days to the launch and I just wanted to say THANK you all from the bottom of my heart for your amazing willingness to help! : )

This is an Incredible forum full of Awesome people and I am so thrilled to be a part of it!

I'm looking forward to my first launch and I will post here to let you guys know how things went. So THANK YOU ALL again for your support and for giving me that boost I needed so much! : )

With Highest of Regards,

Dale