How to charge for pay-for-view?

[chibiabos]

Very basic question here.

I'm looking for a way to charge surfers for instant downloads. Not necessarily pay-for-view but things like archives and premium content. Something safe, secure and instant.

Something like PayPal that won't cost an arm and a leg and doesn't require a programming degree.

What's the preferred method?

-chib

[sunfunbill]

Actually paypal DOES allow you to use them now for adult sales as long as it's not a recurring type, like a paysite.

So if it's a one time download each time I think it would be safe to use them. But check with them first.

[chibiabos]

Thanks for that insight. I'll check with PayPal. I'm already set up for it through other websites but heard adult sites violates their TOS. It's actually the easiest and most widely accepted method to use, if they allow it.

-chib

[Josea]

I don't think they allow adult downloads but will allow hard goods like magazines, CDs and DVDs. But read their terms carefully to be sure.

[chibiabos]

Here's paragraph 2 of their Acceptable Use Policy, under "Prohibited Activities:"

You may not use the PayPal service for activities that:

relate to sales of (a) narcotics, steroids, certain controlled substances or other products that present a risk to consumer safety, (b) drug paraphernalia, (c) items that encourage, promote, facilitate or instruct others to engage in illegal activity, (d) items that promote hate, violence, racial intolerance, or the financial exploitation of a crime, (e) items that are considered obscene, (f) items that infringe or violate any copyright, trademark, right of publicity or privacy or any other proprietary right under the laws of any jurisdiction, (g) certain sexually oriented materials or services, or (h) certain firearms, firearm parts or accessories, ammunition, weapons or knives

Items (e) and (g) seem to apply, although I have another website in which I use PayPal without problem for the sale of (h).

Is there another method without these prohibitions?

-chib

[sunfunbill]

Notice it says "certain sexually oriented materials". It does not say all. And obscene is in the eyes of the beholder.

All I know is we have had several threads about paypal accepting adult stuff as long as it's not a recurring charge thing. There must be more sub-sections in their tos spelling it out, but I'm not going to dig through it.

Maybe Hammer will respond here, He was the one that brought this to my attention that paypal does now allow adult sales under certain rules.

[chibiabos]

There's not much to dig through. The only substantial mention of "obscene" materials is in the paragraph I already quoted. There are pages and pages of updates to the TOS but keyword searches turn up nothing else about it. No details on what "certain" means, although we can assume it involves things that are already illegal like kiddie porn.

My website contains self-produced 3D erotica, some of it violent, none of it illegal in my country (USA). I'm finally starting to see a little income from referrals and want to kick it up a notch.

-chib

[Titmowse]

PayPal does not process for digital adult content:

http://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr...side&ed=mature

Mature Audiences Policy
PayPal will process payments for the purchase and sale of certain sexually oriented physical goods but currently does not allow transactions for sexually oriented digital goods. PayPal also currently does not allow transactions for any sexually oriented physical or digital goods by non-U.S. residents.

Physical Goods
PayPal permits transactions for certain sexually oriented physical goods by U.S. residents. Physical goods include videos, DVDs, magazines or other tangible products physically delivered to the customer. In determining what physical goods are permitted or prohibited, PayPal may consider some or all of the following factors:

* Any regulations or restrictions on the purchase or sale of the good in the applicable jurisdiction.

* The classification of the good by a recognized ratings board.

* Whether the work depicts or describes, in a patently offensive way, sexual conduct.

* Representations or descriptions of intercourse, masturbation, excretory functions, or lewd exhibition of the genitals.

* Dominant theme of the material or website.

* Literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.

* Safety and protection of its customers, both buyers and sellers.

* Medical or educational usage of the product or service.

Digital Goods
PayPal prohibits transactions for all sexually oriented digital goods. Digital goods include downloaded pictures or videos, subscriptions to websites, or other content delivered through a digital medium.

Other Prohibited Goods and Services
Notwithstanding the requirements and factors described above, PayPal prohibits transactions for the following goods or services:

* Any sexually oriented goods or services involving minors, or made to appear to involve minors.

* Any services for which the purpose is to facilitate meetings for sexually oriented activities.

PayPal will not include sexual preferences or viewpoints as a factor in determining what goods or services are prohibited under the Mature Audiences Policy.

As for a comparable alternative, E-Passporte is said to be comparable.

Frankly, if you're going to charge for your content, you're going to have to spend a chunk of money to do so.

Here is our Billing page:

http://www.cozyfrog.com/listings/billing/menu.asp

[chibiabos]

That seems to settle it for PayPal.

Thanks for the tip about E-Passporte, and for the link to the billing page. Will research all.

-chib