The sentence of Epic Games was announced on September 10 and there are already those who want to get a cut. Or at least try. It’s about paddle, a platform that will allow the developer to get around the App Store’s in-app payment system and its 15-30% commission. It is, therefore, the first contender that aspires to offer the same as Apple, although at a much lower price.
The App Store without its high price
This is how Paddle is advertised on its website, as a collection platform for the developer who you don’t have to go through the in-app payment system hoop. The system is currently in preparation to launch on December 7, after just 27 days have passed since the ruling. Paddle announces that its prices are as follows:
- Trades under $ 10: 10% commission.
- Trades over $ 10: 5% plus $ 0.50.
In addition to this, Paddle offers the developer management of taxes, invoices, access to customer email and refunds, among other benefits. It claims to be more flexible than Apple’s in-app system, and is also much cheaper for the developer.
In this way, it ensures that the developer can benefit from the App Store distribution system. without having to pay your commissions. Of course, 10% for small transactions is much less than 15-30% of Apple’s usual commission.
Privacy and creating an account as the main obstacles
Paddle shows on its website a small video in which you see the payment process. At first glance, it seems very simple and has few steps for the user. The summary of the process is seen in these screenshots:
- The user clicks on the pay button, which redirects him to the Peddle website.
- There is prepared a payment token using Apple Pay.
- The user clicks on Apple Pay and confirms the purchase.
- The app reopens confirming the payment.
What the video does not show is that the user must be previously registered in Paddle, with your email and password. This is where the issue of privacy, security and fraud comes into play, of which Apple has repeatedly warned. The user must leave his data to a third party, who will also demand to be able to contact him for billing or reimbursement questions.
It is not necessary to enter the payment method, since the transaction is made through Apple Pay (which charges its own commission to the bank). Which will be an added expense to the developer who is not mentioned. Overall, the Paddle system seems more designed to attract the developer than to offer a frictionless platform for the user. This company also does not have the level of popularity enjoyed by others such as PayPal, which would be in a much higher position.