I'm trying to figure out how to sell an ebook without allowing customers to download the content. I want them to be able to read it online only to prevent any sharing or unauthorized access. I've explored platforms like WooCommerce and Shopify, but they just allow one download which isn't what I need. I also looked at Kajabi, which offers a bit of a workaround by letting users read it as a course instead of a PDF, but that's not ideal either. Are there any third-party services or WordPress plugins that specifically cater to the sale of non-downloadable ebooks? Thanks for your help!
3 Answers
You can't fully prevent users from saving content, even if it means taking screenshots. Sure, you can use things like watermarks or disabling right-click, but if they really want to download it, they'll find a way. Honestly, you're fighting a losing battle here, but I get why you want to try.
Honestly, big companies like Amazon have invested tons of money trying to prevent downloads and sharing, but it's super tough. As a consumer, when I buy something, I expect to have some say over how I consume it, like downloading it for convenience. It could be an uphill battle for you.
There's always a way for users to download content once they can see it. For one client, I set up a system where buyers accessed the ebook through unique links embedded in a webpage, making it harder to download. You might want to look into creating a web-based format or integrating some form of authentication for access. Custom plugins could help here, but they would likely need to be developed specifically for your needs!
Right, making it difficult is all you can really aim for. Just remember, every extra layer of complexity could lead to more headaches down the road in terms of customer service.