|
I'm developing a "free" iphone app for selling shirts based in an Asian country. The payment method is by credit cards or wire transfer, not by Apple's in-app purchases. Does Apple allow this kind of app in their store? If so, do I have to share revenue with Apple? Gilt also sells items online in their app. Do you know what's Gilt's business model? Do they share revenue with Apple? |
|||
|
|
Apple in-app purchase is only for (and required for) non-tangible goods. For that, they get 30%. IF you are selling tangible goods (shirts, etc) use other services like braintreepayments or zooz |
|||
|
|
The TOS for apple is clear that IAP must be used when selling virtual goods, and cannot be used for selling tangible goods. eBay will sell about $5B of merchandise this year via their app, without giving apple a cut from the sales. While apple can always change the rules, under the current ones, you have nothing to worry about. |
|||
|
|
|
AFAIK Apple don't allow you to have "In App" purchases without using their system and giving them their cut. Doing so is a ToS violation and could get your app pulled. As far as I can work out you can do a simple link to a web page from your app. Even Amazon had to comply http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9218629/Amazon_caves_to_Apple_drops_Kindle_s_in_app_button http://www.pcworld.com/article/227899/apple_inapp_purchase_policy_has_consequences.html http://www.pcworld.com/article/227899/apple_inapp_purchase_policy_has_consequences.html (Disclaimer - I am really not involved with Apple/Mobile business so may be talking rubbish!) |
|||
|
|
|
I can't give you a 100% answer from experience, but Amazon has an app for the iPad, and there is no way Amazon is giving apple 30% or anything really. They don't have such big profit margins and would use a web app instead if they were giving up a percentage of sales. I know recently (a few months now) Apple changed their terms, and this is no doubt why you are worried. At the time I spoke to Apple and couldn't get a straight answer, however I think comparing to what others are doing might be the best evidence you can find. |
|||||
|
