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At-a-glance comparison
| Option | Ease of upload | Fees | Audience reach | Control | Payout method | File delivery | Email list building |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon KDP | Easy | 30–65% royalty split | Huge | Low | Bank deposit | Automatic | No |
| Payhip | Very easy | Free–5% per sale | Small (you bring it) | High | PayPal/Stripe | Automatic | Yes |
| Gumroad | Very easy | ~10% + fees | Small (you bring it) | High | PayPal/Stripe | Automatic | Yes |
| Shopify Starter | Moderate | $ Monthly + fees | Small (you bring it) | High | Shopify Payments | Apps | Yes |
| WooCommerce | Harder | $ Hosting only | Small (you bring it) | Highest | Stripe/PayPal | Plugins | Yes |
The options, side by side
Amazon KDP
Best for Amazon reach
Pros
- Built-in marketplace of millions
- Trusted checkout
- Print-on-demand option
Cons
- You don't get the buyer's email
- Less price control
Payhip
Best for Beginners selling direct
Pros
- Free to start
- Keeps customer emails
- Coupons and memberships
Cons
- You must drive traffic
- Smaller built-in audience
Gumroad
Best for Quick direct selling
Pros
- Fast to set up
- Good for digital files
- Built-in audience features
Cons
- Higher per-sale fee
- You must drive traffic
Shopify Starter
Best for Growing a store
Pros
- Professional storefront
- Sell more than e-books
- Strong ecosystem
Cons
- Monthly cost
- Digital delivery needs an app
Our plain-English take
Use Amazon KDP to be found by strangers searching Amazon. Use Payhip or Gumroad when you'd rather sell directly to your own people and keep their emails so you can stay in touch. Many authors wisely do both.