23 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
23 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Physical vs Digital products

by Steve Lim
20 replies
Hi all, I think a lot of warrior members market digital products compare to physical products.

I am doing both at the same time, but I love digital products, because No need buy/ import products, No capital to buy products, No keep stocks, No many paper works, No shipping & delivery, No customers services, No import tax declaration.. and so on.

Digital products seems a great trend today in internet marketing. What do you think? Are you prefer physical or digital?
#digital #physical #products
  • Profile picture of the author PMinc
    Actually glad you brought that up. The next few products I will be marketing will feature my products in both formats, but mainly as leverage.

    Some older people simply can't get over the thrill that comes with having something heavy land on the door step - I happen to be one of them.

    If you take a look at Perry Marshall' White Paper course, that is an excellent example of how you can use a physical product enhance the price point of the digital counterpart.
    Signature


    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4238645].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author MacS09
      As usual, it all depends. It depends on what you like, on the potential for gettting a return, on finding evergreen vs. seasonal markets. And on whether your local market is big enough for physical products. This would be for your own products.

      It's the same for affilliate marketing. But most important of all is getting your market research right. I have a few affiliate sites for physical products, they rank on page 1 above the fold, but... the living ain't easy. Why? Who knows? The only thing I know is that I didn't get my market research right for these sites.

      I hope this helps.

      Max
      Signature
      Big Videos For You
      Stand Out From The Crowd With Your Own FREE Professional Looking Videos
      An Internet Marketing Journey - Phase 2 (The Plot Thickens)

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4239365].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author theory expert
    Banned
    It boils down to moolah...I did hear one marketer a few years back say, he makes $30,000 a month, or, more from all digital products(can't remember the exact number).

    If someone is comfortable with their income, and, can do it all on autopilot, then I guess digital is fine for them.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4239869].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author BloggingPro
    I prefer to actually sell digital products. Nothing to stock, no paper to print, digital delivery, etc.

    However, when it comes to promoting products I would rather promote physical products. Why? Because of higher commissions. I would rather make 17%-25% with a merchant through CJ or SaS than make 50%+ through Clickbank or elsewhere and have it scrubbed because of a refund.

    Physical products are more reliable in that regard and I really enjoy promoting in the various niches that I do. For example last week I had someone purchase almost $360 worth of product through one of my links, one that I get a 25% share. In other words... I can't wait till the 4th quarter for this site!
    Signature
    You're going to fail. If you're afraid of failure then you do not belong in the Internet Marketing Business. Period.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4239909].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author stacyssg
      Do you have any sites that are medical or pain related?
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4240472].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author BenFromSoMo
    Despite the obvious advantages of digital products, I prefer physical products in general for the simple reason that I understand them more due to some of my previous marketing training and experience. I have much more to learn before I will feel completely comfortable hawking digital goods.
    Signature

    If you do any kind of blogging and want to try the next big thing, PM me.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4239927].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Tom Ryan
      I regards to affiliate promotions I do both. Digital products tend to have a higher commission than physical products, but on the other hand physical products tend to have more brand recognition, thus making them easier to convert. I like a good mix of both.

      From a vendors perspective I prefer digital products over physical because there is no inventory to deal with.
      Signature


      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4239987].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author dtaylor
      Both are great.

      Digital is good, but even better if it is your own product. I like my own digital products. Promoting digital as a affiliate is nice, but there are some drawbacks such as refunds etc.

      Physical products with a good Info Product Killer type website are nice because they just keep on bringing in money. Wish I had a few hundred more of them. Also, they very rarely refund. People that purchase a physical product tend to keep it.

      Do both.

      DTaylor
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4239991].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Matt Barrington
    Sure, there's plenty of room for both in the world. I like digital because I can throw them on my phone or laptop and carry them anywhere, but I like physical because I like to write in the margins, highlight things, and other stuff. It all comes from being a kinesthetic learner (learn with my actions).
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4240028].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author tomsyler
    Yes selling digital good as compare to physical good is rather easy. there are two reason one is delivery of digital goods are usually instant and second people or buyer don't have to look deeply into the product like people usually do in case of physical goods.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4240167].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author NateRivers
    Both- my sites get much higher conversion rates from clicks within blog posts on physical products from amazon, cj, and shareasale, but digital products work best in email and autoresponder messages.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4240260].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author rowanman28
    I have built one website so far selling a digital product, it's only been a few days, but I get the feeling I should make a site selling stuff I can buy cheap from China.

    Maybe if I do a range of things, and test their profit with cheap advertising, I'll see which way to go. You have to factor in your time mailing boxes to people.
    Signature
    Social Media Marketing Services
    Custom Facebook page design, Facebook Ads management, Facebook likes, Twitter followers, Google Plus, Instagram, social sharing, SEO, content production, video production, whatever you want.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4240277].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Money on the Side
    As far as info products go, I like digital myself....instant gratification and I can take them with me on my phone, ipad, computer, thumb drive, etc. Others, however simply refuse to buy digital products...especially ebooks from websites.

    I wrote an ebook a couple of years ago that was selling like crazy. My wife brought up the point that I should turn it into a hard copy book because soooo many people (like her) would never buy an ebook.

    I thought she was crazy...but that simple move actually doubled my sales!

    I think for some people (like me), we get shortsighted sometimes...thinking that everyone thinks the same way we do. In reality, there are many others that think totally opposite than us.

    I guess my point is...if your product allows for both, do both. If you're just wondering if you should promote physical or digital...I guess my recommendation would be both as well.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4240448].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author RevenueGal
      I love promoting digital products as an affiliate become the commissions are often higher, and of course, it ties in with the types of websites that I manage.

      But, many people are making a killing off of physical products as well. There's a golden opportunity there. So, I think it's just a matter of preference and what exactly your interests are....both are winners.

      As killercopy stated, if you're selling digital products yourself, then offering both types would be beneficial. But, again, that's depending on your situation. As a work at home mom, I value my spare time too much to be swamped with delivering physical products. Of course, I "could" outsource it if I really wanted to.
      Signature

      ~ Rhonda White
      Sell Information Products - Five FREE Products
      PLRContentShop.com ~ Quality PLR Content on SALE ==>> Plus, FREE GRAPHICS & IMAGES!

      YourFreeGift.org ~ Receive a Free Trip to Heaven! (Money can't buy it!)

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4240494].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Robert Mangan
    I retail fitness equipment from site on a dropship basis so there's no stocking issues - although there are plenty of other problems! I retail entirely in the U.S. - Delaware LLC, business account etc., but I run it from my home home in Melbourne, Australia. So, I kind of get the same freedom as selling digital products in that regards.

    One advantage I see about selling good-old-fashioned physical products for the home is that they don't go out of fashion; I know I could be retailing them for many years to come.

    I'd like to know from those that do retail digital products, whether they find that this type of product has a short shelf life and that they are having to constantly replace one digital product with another?

    I'd appreciate your comments.
    Signature

    Want Solo Ads with Maximum Price of JUST 0.38 Cents/Click?
    Want Solo Ads with Minimum Optin Rate of 30%?
    Want to Learn How to Build a List FAST and Make $3000/Month Selling Solo Ads?
    $27 Lifetime Membership == > TheSoloAcademy.com - That's What My Members Are Getting!

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4240693].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author JamesGw
    Digital products are generally better for the vendor to sell. The only problem is that the market for digital products is incredibly small when compared to the market for physical products. Digital sales are starting to gain traction with iTunes and the Kindle, but there's still a lot of ground that needs to be covered before it's anywhere near as large of a market as physical products.
    Signature
    Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Techniques | Precision SEO
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4240729].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Patient-X
    Like previously mentioned the market for digital products is really small at the moment. In the future you will be seeing more and more digital item as big companies such as Apple and Amazon promote products that support this format.

    Also due to the way of the world and the 'get it right now' attitude will mean people will want things right away instead of having to wait. Sometimes you love getting your hands on an item even though its 2.07am!

    However I don't think that physical products will ever loose their appeal. There's just something about people being able to see, hold and feel an item. It makes it feel as though it is actually there's, and they own it!

    I personally don't mind either product. And i think it depends on what market you are working in as to which one you should use!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4240818].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author theory expert
    Banned
    When adobe make pdfs a little bit more user friendly where you can highlight and underline the pdf thats when it will be a game changer. I still print off many of my pdfs for the highlighting and pen underlining.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4241967].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author celente
    I actually sell both, and thinking one was betteer than the other I was wrong. they both sell fairly well and at the same rate.

    These days many people hate to have something in their hand. Digital products you cant do that, but physical you can. I think it all comes down to your offer and copy but. that seems to affect our sales greatly. And another reason you should be constantly testing your stuff.
    Signature
    Create a $5000 USD a month Business. 1-on-1 Coaching. By 6 figure marketer! - CLICK HERE
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4242096].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Steve Lim
      I prefer and enjoy market digital product. Because when I off to holidays for a weeks, after I come back, I need to settle many things, like product shipping, customers service, paper work.. and it seems like not really a passive income and fall into another job, haha..
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4246240].message }}

Trending Topics