Creators of shareware software use shareware registration processing services to process credit card orders. It is very difficult to open a merchant account, so most software authors will work with shareware program registration services. The shareware registration applications can accept payment from buyers via credit cards and checks. The shareware online registration services will send the software creator a monthly check for all the orders processed minus the fees it charges for providing the service to the author.

If you need to find online shareware registration services, consider using one that offers more than simply payment processing. You can find a shareware registration center that can perform the following tasks for you:

1. Create and/or host your website.

2. Customize your shopping cart and order page.

3. Create and deliver back-up CDs to customers with shareware registration software.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Join shareware registration services with an affiliate network

Affiliate programs are a way that you can sell software from other shareware software authors on your website to make a commission. You can choose which programs you would like to sell so that you have control over what appears on your website.

I recommend: Each shareware registration service has a different commission structure, but check out the programs offered by BMT Micro, eSellerate and Plimus for specific details.

Choose a shareware registration program that can create your website

Maybe you have a great software program, but you simply do not have the time to create a website to sell it. You can enlist the services of a shareware registration center that can create the website for you. These companies let you customize what you would like your website to look like.

I recommend: Emetrix and SWREG offers customizable website setups that includes tiered pricing for high volume orders.

Select shareware software registration services with no sign-up fees

Online shareware registration services set their fees for the services that they provide to you. Some charge set-up or sign-up fees which means that you will pay them even if they never process a single order. Finding shareware software registration services that only charge fees if they process an order will save you money.

I recommend: iPortis.com and NorthStar Solutions will only charge you fees if they process a payment order on your behalf. Neither iPortis.com nor NorthStar Solutions requires you to have an exclusivity agreement with them, which means that you are free to market and sell your products through other shareware software registration services.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Use multiple Internet shareware registration services to increase your visibility. Not all shareware registration processing services can handle all currencies, so you may need an additional service to handle foreign currency payment processing. In addition, having multiple services will increase your product marketability.