You've built your creator business on Stan Store, and now you need to make a change. I get it - switching platforms feels like moving houses while trying to run a business.

Your income and community are at stake, and you want to make sure your next platform choice sets you up for success.

I've helped dozens of creators make this exact transition, and here's what I've learned: the right alternative to Stan Store comes down to your specific needs, not just following what other creators are doing.

Let's look at your options and find the best fit for your creator business.

Sellfy: The Clear Front-Runner for Most Creators

After testing multiple platforms and hearing feedback from creators who've made the switch, Sellfy stands out as the most reliable choice for most Stan Store creators. Let's explore why together.

I think of Sellfy as an all-in-one digital storefront - it handles everything from digital downloads to physical merch, without the complexity of platforms like Shopify.

At $29 per month, it's priced the same as Stan Store's $29 monthly minimum, but don't let that fool you. You're getting more features, not the same.

What makes Sellfy particularly good alternative for Stan Store creators is that the setup process feels familiar - you can literally have your store running in an afternoon.

You also won't lose money during the transition thanks to instant payouts. And your existing digital products can be imported very quickly.

For creators who are selling print on demand, the built-in print-on-demand service on Sellfy means you can keep selling merch without holding inventory.

A creator I worked with recently, Sarah, switched her digital art business from Stan Store to Sellfy.

She told me, "I was worried about losing sales during the transition, but I actually ended up making more money in my first month because Sellfy's checkout process converted better."

I think that says it all.

One thing I'd keep in mind is that while Sellfy doesn't charge extra transaction fees like Gumroad's 10% for example, you'll still pay standard credit card processing fees.

For most creators, this ends up being significantly cheaper than platforms with percentage-based fees though.

Digital Download Platforms That Actually Work

Look, if you're selling digital products, you've got some solid options.

I've spent years helping creators figure this out, and I've seen what really works. Let me break down the platforms that stand out.

Gumroad, Payhip, Lemonsqueezy, and Sendowl each bring something different to the table. But instead of just listing features, let me share what I've learned from my own experience and from creators who use these platforms every day.

Gumroad: Simple But Comes at a Cost

Here's the thing about Gumroad - it's super easy to use, which is why so many creators start there. You can literally set up shop in minutes.

But there's a catch: that 10% fee adds up fast. And that's a big catch. On top of that 10%, you will also be charged with credit card processing fees, and as of October of 2024, Gumroad also doesn't support Paypal anymore.

One creator I know, Mike, sells digital art tutorials. He told me, "Gumroad was perfect when I was starting out. But once I hit $5,000 in monthly sales, that 10% fee meant I was leaving $500 on the table every month."

If you're just starting out or testing the waters, Gumroad might be your speed just because it's so simple to setup.

But if you're making regular sales, you might want to look at platforms with fixed monthly fees instead.

For example, my recommendation Sellfy charges a flat monthly fee and gives you more control over your store's look.

Payhip: The Happy Medium

Payhip hits a sweet spot that a lot of creators love. You get instant payouts (no waiting around for your money), and their free plan only charges 5% per sale.

What makes Payhip special is how it handles different types of products. Let's say you're selling both ebooks and courses - Payhip lets you set different delivery methods for each.

Pretty handy when you don't want to juggle multiple platforms.

The dashboard is straightforward - no hunting around for basic features. You can set up:

• Pay-what-you-want pricing

• Discount codes that actually work

• Affiliate programs without the usual headaches

One thing to keep in mind though is that while Payhip works great for digital products, it's not perfect for physical goods like merch, because it doesn't handle the inventory management.

And compared to Gumroad, for example, it has less "marketing" features, too.

Lemonsqueezy: Fresh Take on Digital Sales

Lemon Squeezy brings a straightforward approach to digital product sales. Their pricing setup is clear-cut: 5% plus 50 cents per sale, with no monthly fees to think about.

What sets them apart is that their license key system runs on autopilot - once you set it up, everything from download links to license key distribution happens automatically.

The security features are top-notch too, with 256-bit encryption keeping your products and customer data safe.

Three key features that make Lemonsqueezy particularly appealing:

1. Global reach with support for 95 currencies and built-in tax compliance

2. Strong subscription management tools with automated dunning for failed payments

3. Developer-friendly API for custom combinations and advanced applications

The platform excels at handling software sales, subscription management, and automated delivery of digital products. You can process payments in 95 different currencies, and they take care of all the tax compliance headaches for you.

I find Lemon Squeezy to be an absolute best option when it comes to selling subscriptions or digital products. But it's not really a platform meant for selling merch or physical products, so keep that in mind. For that, and that reason only, I don't think it's the best alternative for Stan Store.

And as of July of 2024, Lemon Squeezy has been acquired by Stripe. What that means for Lemon Squeezy future is still uncertain and we are yet to see any big changes coming from that acquisition.

SendOwl: Built for Digital Product Control

SendOwl shines when you need precise control over your digital products.

The platform lets you bundle different types of files together, set download limits, and even stamp PDFs with customer information to discourage unauthorized sharing.

The platform's streaming capabilities make it particularly good for video and audio content - you can choose whether customers can download files or just stream them. This works great for course content or exclusive media releases.

What makes SendOwl particularly useful is its toolkit for managing teams and automating your marketing. You get detailed sales reports, marketing automation tools, and connections to services like Stripe and Google Analytics built right in.

Full Shop Builders: Going Beyond Basic Sales

Sometimes you need more than just a digital product storefront.

Full shop builders give you complete control over your online presence, letting you sell anything from digital downloads to physical merchandise.

Let's look at your main options:

Shopify: The Full Package (With a Learning Curve)

Shopify's e-commerce powerhouse stands as a comprehensive solution for creators looking to build and scale their online businesses.

Shopify gives you everything you'd want in an online store, plus some features you probably haven't thought of yet.

What sets Shopify apart is its creator-focused features through Shopify Collabs, enabling you to manage influencer relationships and track performance effectively.

Success stories like Moonboon's $1M in affiliate sales demonstrate the platform's potential for creators. The platform's versatility allows you to sell both digital and physical products

The platform connects smoothly with social media shops, turning your TikTok and Instagram posts into direct sales channels. Plus, their analytics tell you exactly what's working and what isn't.

All that being said - Shopify is the biggest beast on this list. That's why, if you are just starting out, Shopify's set of features and customizability is likely an overkill.

Big Cartel: Simple Shops Without the Fuss

Big Cartel keeps things simple. Their plans make sense: start free with 5 products, pay $15 monthly for 50 products, or get 500 products for $30 monthly. If you want to save some money, you can pay annually and get 20% off.

The best part is that you only pay the standard 2.9% + $0.30 processing fee per sale. No extra platform fees eating into your profits.

Here's what makes Big Cartel worth considering:

• Quick product setup through manual entry or CSV uploads

• Built-in tools to track your inventory

• Marketing connections for Google and Facebook ads

• Simple product management that doesn't require a degree in tech

Big Cartel is a very solid option for creators selling physical products like merch, jewelry, clothing and home goods. But its specialty starts and stops with physical products - so if your plan is to sell an eBook or a subscription, you are better of with Lemon Squeezy.

Square Online Store: Where Online Meets In-Person

Square Online Store stands out if you're thinking about selling both online and in person.

You get a free card reader to start taking payments anywhere, and everything syncs up automatically.

The pricing makes sense - you'll pay between 2.6% and 2.9% + 30¢ per sale. You can start with their free plan to test things out, then upgrade when you need more features.

What works really well:

• QR code ordering system that links physical spaces to your online store

• Time-based product releases to create buzz around your launches

• Direct connections to Google, Facebook, and Instagram shops

• Custom fonts and design options in the Plus plan, including a free domain

WooCommerce: Total Control (If You Want It)

WooCommerce is different - it's not just a shop or a platform, it's a complete toolkit that plugs into WordPress (CMS).

You'll get unlimited product listings right out of the box, along with flexible payment options and advanced shipping features that'll help you manage your store effectively.

The platform enables creators to boost sales through engaging customization tools that enhance the overall shopping experience.

What makes WooCommerce particularly appealing is its extensive customization capabilities through plugins and themes. The platform's integration with WordPress blogging tools makes it ideal for content marketing strategies.

You can transform your store using the Product Designer plugin for creative merchandise, set conditional logic for product options, and execute detailed quantity controls.

When you're ready to scale, there's no cap on products or sales volume.

Compared to platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce offers you more control over your store's functionality and appearance.

While other platforms might limit your customization options or charge premium fees, WooCommerce's open-source nature means you'll have complete freedom to modify your store.

The platform's strong community support guarantees you'll find solutions to technical challenges quickly, and its vast plugin library lets you add features like subscription services, membership areas, or digital downloads whenever you need them.

However, the consensus is that WooCommerce is ideal for more tech-savvy users looking for powerful features and customization options. You will also have to find dedicated hosting for your WordPress + WooCommerce set up, and some of the plugins and themes you may want to use come at a price too.

So if you were hoping for a fully free option, WooCommerce while getting pretty close to it, is still going to cost you money.

Social Selling Options

Let's talk about making money directly through social connections. These platforms handle the money part while you focus on creating and connecting.

Buy Me a Coffee

Buy Me a Coffee strips away all the complexity.

Set up takes minutes, not hours, and you keep 95% of what you earn. You can sell one-time products, run monthly memberships, or just accept tips from fans who love your work.

The platform focuses on building genuine relationships with supporters through meaningful engagement. You'll find a streamlined setup process that takes less than two minutes, letting you focus on what matters most - creating content and connecting with your audience.

The platform stands out with its creator-friendly 95% revenue share, meaning you keep more of what you earn.

After receiving support, creators can strengthen relationships by sending personalized thank-you messages to their supporters.

You'll also appreciate how Buy Me a Coffee integrates smoothly with your existing online presence through widgets and QR codes, making it simple for supporters to find you.

The customizable pages serve as both a portfolio and monetization hub, where you can showcase your work with posts and galleries while building your brand.

When you're sharing updates, your followers receive notifications, helping maintain engagement and ensuring your community stays connected to your latest content.

All that being said, Buy Me a Coffee is far from an ideal solution if you want a full fledged store with powerful marketing and customization features.

But it is a nice little tool that is a stepping stone to test how much your audience likes and appreciates your content.

Ko-fi Store

Through its strong creator-focused platform, Ko-fi Store delivers multiple social selling options that rival Stan Store's capabilities.

You'll find essential features like a tip jar, membership tiers, and a commission system, all while enjoying minimal platform fees ranging from 0-5%. Popular creators like Mochi Buddies have successfully utilized these features to grow their business.

Setting up your Ko-fi Store is straightforward, with direct payment processing through PayPal or Stripe and instant payouts for your earnings. With approximately 9 million monthly visitors, the platform offers decent exposure potential for creators.

You can sell both digital products, like wallpapers and tutorials, and physical items such as stickers and prints, while managing your workload through an effective commission slot system.

While Ko-fi's storefront customization options are basic compared to dedicated e-commerce platforms, you'll appreciate the platform's versatility in handling both one-time donations and recurring memberships.

The gallery feature lets you showcase your visual work proficiently, though you'll need an existing fanbase to optimize the platform's potential.

At $6/month for Ko-fi Gold, you'll get access to premium features while maintaining freedom from donation fees, with only a 5% transaction fee on shop items.

Coordination with social media platforms guarantees your work reaches your audience effortlessly.

Patreon

Patreon's social selling platform offers creators three powerful income streams: digital product sales, membership subscriptions, and exclusive content monetization.

You'll find a comprehensive suite of tools that lets you sell digital products like ebooks, templates, and tutorials while integrating them effortlessly into your membership tiers. Monthly billing provides a stable income source for creators.

The platform's straightforward setup process and built-in promotional tools make it easy to showcase your products across multiple channels. The Shop tab allows creators to sell to anyone with access, not just existing patrons.

While there's a 5% transaction fee plus payment processing costs, you won't encounter any listing fees, making it cost-effective to maintain your digital storefront.

Here are three key ways to enhance your Patreon store's potential:

1. Diversify your offerings by including digital products within different membership tiers

2. Employ Patreon's analytics tools to track engagement and improve your product lineup

3. Cross-promote your digital products on social media to expand your reach

Before plunging in, note that digital product selling is currently waitlisted, requiring an application process.

Once approved, you'll need to verify your content meets Patreon's community guidelines while maintaining age-appropriate material for all audiences.

Thanks for that guidance! Let me pivot to the practical content that comes after platform reviews, approaching it with a more personal, coffee-chat style while adding valuable insights beyond what's in the document.

How to Actually Choose Your Platform

Look, picking a platform isn't just about features and pricing - it's about finding what works for your specific situation. Let me share what I've learned from seeing hundreds of creators make this choice.

First up, ignore what everyone else is doing (including my suggestion at the top in this blog). Just because your favorite creator uses Shopify doesn't mean it's right for you.

Instead, you should start with a set of basic exploration questions.

What are you selling right now?

• Digital products need different tools than physical goods

• Some platforms handle hybrid sales better than others

• Course creators have specific needs that not all platforms meet

What's your tech comfort level?

• Are you comfortable tweaking code? WooCommerce might be your jam

• Need something that just works? Sellfy or Gumroad won't give you headaches

• Want to grow into more features? Look at platforms with room to scale

What's your real budget? Let's get specific about costs. Take your monthly sales and run the numbers:

If you're making $1,000/month:

• Gumroad (10%) = $100 in fees

• Sellfy ($19/month + processing) = about $50 total

• Shopify ($29/month + processing) = about $60 total

See how that changes things?

Gumroad's simplicity might not be worth paying twice as much in fees.

The Tech Side: What Nobody Tells You

Platforms love to say "no coding required," but here's the real scoop on what you'll actually need to handle:

Setting Up Your Store

• Most platforms need 2-4 hours for basic setup

• Plan a full day if you want it to look professional

• Custom domains can take 24-48 hours to work properly

Daily Operations you'll spend time on:

• Processing orders and handling customer service

• Updating product listings

• Managing inventory (if you sell physical goods)

• Checking analytics to see what's working

Here's what I wish someone had told me earlier: pick a platform that makes your daily tasks easier, not just one that looks good on paper.

Thanks for the style guidance! Let me continue with practical advice about making the platform switch work.

Making Your Platform Switch Work

Let's talk about moving your business to a new platform without losing sales or confusing your audience.

This part really matters - I've seen great creators stumble here simply because they rushed the process.

First of all, start by backing everything up:

• Product files

• Customer information

• Sales history

• Email templates

• Store settings

Even if you think you won't need it, grab it anyway. Trust me on this one.

Talk to Your Customers (The Right Way)

Your customers need to know what's happening, but don't make it sound like a big deal. Keep it simple:

"Hey! I'm moving my store to [new platform] to give you a better shopping experience. Here's what you need to know:

• The switch happens on [date]

• Your previous purchases are safe

• Here's where to find my new store

• Here's how to reach me if you need help"

Send this message twice:

1. Two weeks before the switch

2. The day before the switch

Handle Your Links Like a Pro

This part trips up a lot of creators. You've probably got links everywhere - social media, emails, YouTube descriptions, blog posts.

To handle them correctly, make a checklist that includes (but is not limited to):

• Social media bios

• Email signatures

• Course materials

• Marketing materials

• Partner websites

• Anywhere else you've shared your store link

Pro tip: Don't delete your old store right away. Set up redirects or a simple landing page that points people to your new store. Give it at least a month.

Launch Day: A Real Plan That Works

Pick a quiet day for your switch - maybe a Tuesday or Wednesday when sales are typically slower. Here's how your ideal timeline should look like:

The Day Before:

• Test your new store one last time

• Set up your payment systems

• Double-check all your products

• Have your customer message ready to go

Launch Day:

• Switch your main links first thing in the morning

• Send your customer update

• Post updates on social media

• Watch your analytics closely

The First Week:

• Check for any customer issues right away

• Monitor your sales patterns

• Keep both stores running (old one redirecting to new)

• Save any customer questions to build an FAQ

The Bottom Line

Choosing your next platform comes down to matching what you need with what each platform does best. Here's what matters most:

Know Your Must-Haves

Think about what makes your business tick:

• Are you selling mostly digital stuff?

• Do you need print-on-demand?

• How important is having your own brand look?

• What's your monthly sales volume?

Write these down and keep them close while you're deciding.

Watch Your Money

Money gets tight during platform switches.

Plan for:

• Platform fees during the overlap month

• Time spent setting up the new store

• Any design costs

• Lost sales during the transition

Give yourself a buffer - things usually cost more than you expect.

Think About Growth

Your business next year might look different than it does now. Ask yourself:

• Will this platform grow with me?

• Can I add new product types easily?

• What happens if my sales double?

• Will the fees still make sense?

Pick Tools That Feel Right

You'll spend a lot of time in your new platform. If something feels off during the trial period, listen to that feeling. A clunky tool will drive you crazy six months from now.