FileCheckout vs Gumroad

Here's the thing about Gumroad

Gumroad is great if you're selling an ebook to thousands of people or running a template shop. But if you just finished a $3,000 brand package for a client and need to collect payment before handing it over? Gumroad feels like using a sledgehammer to hang a picture frame.

You don't need a storefront. You don't need product listings. You don't need Gumroad's discovery features. You need one thing: a link that locks your files until the client pays.

The real differences

• Gumroad takes up to 10% per sale. On a $2,000 project, that's $200 gone. FileCheckout charges zero on Pro.
• Gumroad makes you set up a product page with a storefront. FileCheckout gives you a link. That's it.
• Gumroad holds your money and pays you out on their schedule. FileCheckout sends payment straight to your Stripe.
• Gumroad has no watermarked previews. Your client either buys blind or you send the files separately (defeating the purpose).

When Gumroad actually makes sense

If you sell templates, courses, or digital products to a big audience and want people to discover your stuff organically, Gumroad is solid. It's a marketplace with built-in traffic.

But for freelance client work where the deal is already done and you just need to collect payment? That's exactly what FileCheckout does. Nothing more, nothing less.