I want to try selling a couple of my apps online.

[longwolf]

I want to try selling a couple of my VB6 apps online.
The model I'm thinking about is to have a free limited features version and the full featured/pay for version.

I've bought a couple of programs online that work this way.
After you pay for the program, a special/temporary web page is generated for you.
You access that page to download your copy of the program.

I'm really not sure where to start in order to set this up.
A friend has a Network Solutions package that offers him more domains than he'll use.
He's offered to let me use one.
The Server is Windows based, I can have an MS access DB and runs ASP scripts from it.

I'm guessing that I'll need these things:
1. Some sort of script to take the customers order.
2. Scripts to enter the info into a DB.
3. Script to make a copy of the program installer with some kind of registration info built into it.
4. Script to create and later delete the customers download page.
5. Script to email the link to the customer.

Am I close?
Do I need anything else?
Anyone know where I can learn how to set this up?
I can write html but I've never done ASP web scripts.

[Jean.B]

once i thought about this to.. i had idea something like this:
there is web page where the client can buy the full version or limited, then when he does the money transfer (or just registers with the web page to download limited version) then some script generates and shows to client a unique code, and stores it in database.. then in download page the user can get his program if he writes the right code in.. the code could be used just 1 time.. so everytime someone downloads the application for 1st time you save it in database marked with a state that its already used..

dont know how good/bad this would work practicaly, or if there are any 'holes', never tested.. but you can get the idea

[todaydvd]

I think you can add a serial no/verify code in the software you sell, this is the way to protect your product.

Because the buy can simple upload the product to his website and resell.. So I think you should add some verification function in your product.

What kind of software are you selling?

[todaydvd]

Try to add verification in your software ...

When user buy it, you send the code for them to unlock.

[longwolf]

Thx for the feedback.

Here's an outline of what I think could do.

Let me know if y'all think it's workable, is too complicated or if y'all have a better idea.

Write the order page with VBScript to..
    Check for valid order info: Customer Name, email address, etc
    Send customer to PayPal
    Delay loop to wait for the PayPal Success or Failure MSG
    Enter order into the DB.
    
    Write/run an app on my local comp with VB installed
        It checks the online DB every x minutes
        When a new order is found...
            app creates a reg key
            app inserts key and buyer info into the source code
            calls VB from the command line to make the customer copy
            calls InnoSetup from the command line to make the installer
            Creates a unique temp folder on the server
            uploads the installer to the server.
            send the temp dir path to the DB with the ASP code for the buyer.
            creates an email for the buyer with the url/ASPCode in the link
                and the Reg Key number for the buyer to save/use for support
             
        When the buyer uses the ASP link it checks the DB and creates a 
            download page for the buyer, if not already done. 
            When they use the link ASP marks the DB record as downloaded and the time
            when the Download button is hit.
                    
            My local app 
                Local app checks DB for the download time, after x days deletes 
                the folder from the server

    Have a Redirect page in case someone tries to download the installer after 
    it's been deleted, it will tell the buyer to contact support for a new download page


If I get email support requests from to many email address for the same user, refuse support.
If I find a site offering the app for download, I download it, check the key and hammer the SOB.