We've been using FastSpring for ThinkCode.TV since day one. They are a very good choice.<p>In my opinion, their main weaknesses are:<p>* Relatively expensive if you sell low priced items like we do (there is a $0.75 transaction minimum).<p>* Their anti-fraud algorithm requires customers to complete a huge form before allowing a purchase. This has been, in my experience, a major turn-off for customers.<p>* No support for recurring billing.<p>* Their upload applet is a nightmare if you are uploading large files like we do (e.g., 150+ Mb files). Transactions fail all the time.<p>Other than that, they are a good choice.
I'll say one thing about FastSpring - you can use them like a highly intelligent robot. Instead of going to their panel, I'd send emails like:<p>"I'd like a source code option on product x, and it should be for free with variation y, and should look like x"<p>In 15 mins you get a cheerful "No Problem", and 30 minutes later: "All Done."<p>I used to feel guilty asking them to do this for me instead of doing it myself, but then I realised that that's why I was sticking with them.<p>Their prices are not high compared to the competition, and the handle all the stuff you should do (like VAT).
I'm all for great customer service, but 6-9% discount rates are frightening. It's not that hard to do direct paypal/credit card processing for something in the 2.5-4% range. That's a big chunk of a company's revenue, not to be given up lightly.
I've been using FastSpring on my site for about 4 months. Customer support is indeed great. I sell software and I like that they have file fulfillment services. After a certain number of downloads/days the link stops working cutting back on piracy. I could code this all myself, but it would take time and it would be a headache to deal with email. Also, I really like how there is no monthly fee. This makes FastSpring ideal for testing new products albeit a little more expensive than alternatives in the long run.
I'll also highly recommend FastSpring, their customer service has been phenomenal and the store features have saved me loads of time.<p>You'd be crazy to try and build a store like it yourself. Instead, go with FastSpring and spend the time you've saved on your product.