Gumroad vs. Stan Store: Why I Switched Platforms as a Digital Creator

If you’ve been in the creator economy for any amount of time, you’ve probably heard of Gumroad — the go-to platform for indie authors, artists, and digital product sellers.

I’ve used Gumroad myself to sell mini books, digital courses, and templates. It’s a solid platform. But after building and growing my own self-publishing business, I recently made the decision to move everything to Stan Store.

Here’s why — and how it might help you grow your business, too.

Gumroad: The Indie Classic

Gumroad has been around since 2011. It gained popularity because it gave creators an easy way to sell digital products without needing a website or complex setup.

Pros of Gumroad:

• No monthly fees: You only pay a 10% fee per transaction.

• Sell almost anything: From PDFs and eBooks to memberships and subscriptions.

• Simple to set up: Upload your product, write a description, and you’re ready to sell.

• Trusted by creators: With over 90,000 sellers on the platform, it’s well-known and well-tested.

After a while, I realized I needed more than just a digital shelf. Because that is what my Gumroad Store felt like it had become. What I needed a digital roadmap for specific products that people actually care about.

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Stan Store: The Creator’s Modern Toolkit

Stan Store popped up on my radar after seeing several creators (especially on TikTok and Instagram) link to it in their bios. At first, I thought it was just another “link in bio” tool like Linktree. But after digging in, I discovered it was much more.

What Stan Store offers:

• Digital product sales (just like Gumroad)

• 1:1 coaching and booking pages (built-in)

• Email list building and automation

• All-in-one dashboard for analytics, sales, and leads

• Clean mobile-optimized design perfect for link-in-bio

In short, Stan Store isn’t just a sales platform — it’s a mini business in a box.

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Gumroad vs. Stan Store: Side-by-Side Comparison

If you’re a beginner testing the waters with one or two products, Gumroad is still a solid option. But if you’re trying to build a brand, offer coaching or calls, grow an email list, and scale — Stan Store is the better tool.

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Why I Made the Switch

Here’s why I decided to leave Gumroad behind:

1. Predictable Costs: Gumroad’s 10% fee was fine at first — but as I started to make more sales, it felt like I was losing money every time. With Stan’s flat $29/month, I keep more of what I earn.

2. Clean Design and User Interface: I love how clean it is and how intuitive it is to make a purchase. This is easier for people who may not know much about Gumroad or even be comfortable going their for sales.

If you want to see more on why I made the switch, I wrote this article:

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Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?

It really comes down to your goals as a creator.

• If you’re just starting out, have one or two products, and don’t want a monthly fee — Gumroad is a great no-frills option.

• If you’re ready to treat your creator business more seriously — with offers, calls, email automation, and a polished storefront — Stan Store is the better choice.

I don’t regret starting on Gumroad. But I’m even more excited about where I can go with Stan Store.

Want to See My Stan Store?

You can check out my full store — including free resources, mini-books, and coaching offers — here:

👉 https://stan.store/TheMinimalistAuthor

If you’re a creator, author, or coach looking to simplify your business while leveling up your presence, I highly recommend giving Stan Store a try.

Got questions about the switch? DM me or drop a comment — I’m happy to help!

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My name is J.R. Heimbigner and I am a #1 Bestselling Author on Amazon with 20 self-published books. Learn more about The Minimalist Author HQ!

Also, this post may contain sales or affiliate links, so I might get a little kickback if you purchase anything. Thank you in advance!