How To Get Paid On Gumroad

Introduction.

Gumroad has become a popular platform for creators looking to sell their products, whether it’s eBooks, courses, art, or music.

If you’re one of those people thinking about selling something on Gumroad, you’re probably wondering: How do I get paid? It might seem a bit confusing at first, but once you break it down, it’s pretty straightforward.

Getting paid on Gumroad is the whole point of selling on the platform, right? So, it’s essential to know exactly how it works.

Gumroad makes it easy for creators to set up shop and start earning money. But to make sure you don’t hit any bumps along the way, you’ll want to understand how the payment process works.

In this article, I’m going to walk you through the entire process step-by-step, from setting up your Gumroad account to receiving your payments.

I’ll also cover some common questions people have about payouts, taxes, and what to do if something goes wrong. So, if you’re ready to get paid for your hard work, let’s dive right in!

Setting Up Your Gumroad Account

Before we get into the payment details, you’ll need to create a Gumroad account. Luckily, this is super easy to do. All you need is an email address to get started.

Here’s how to do it:

Sign Up for Gumroad
Head to Gumroad and click on “Start Selling.” You’ll be asked for your email address and to create a password. Once you’re in, you’ll be able to add your product and start selling right away.
Add Your Products
Once your account is set up, you can upload the digital files or list the products you want to sell. This could be anything from an eBook to a course or even physical items, like t-shirts. You can set your price, offer discounts, or even set up a pay-what-you-want model.
Fill Out Your Profile
Make sure your profile is complete with a bio, profile picture, and links to your social media. This builds trust with potential buyers and gives them an easy way to learn more about you.

How Does Gumroad Pay You?

Now comes the good part—getting paid. Gumroad handles payments securely, so you don’t need to worry about complicated setups. Here’s how it works:

Gumroad’s Payment Processing
Gumroad uses a payment processor called Stripe to handle most of its transactions. Stripe makes sure the money gets from your customers to you, safely and securely. This means when someone buys your product, Gumroad collects the payment and sends it to you via your chosen payment method.
Choose Your Payment Method
To get paid, you’ll need to set up a payout method. Here’s a rundown of the options available:
- Bank Transfer (Stripe)
  This is the most common option, and it’s free. When someone buys your product, Stripe sends the money directly to your bank account. This option is available in most countries. You’ll need to link your bank account to your Stripe account to get started.
- PayPal
  If you’re more comfortable using PayPal, you can choose this option too. It works the same way as Stripe, with PayPal acting as the middleman between you and your bank account. PayPal payments usually take a little longer to process than bank transfers, but it’s a good option for many sellers.
Payment Processing Fees
Gumroad charges a small fee for processing payments. It’s about 8.5% + 30¢ for each transaction (depending on your pricing tier). This covers the transaction fees that Gumroad incurs from Stripe or PayPal. So, if you sell something for $10, Gumroad will take a small cut, and you’ll get the rest.
Payout Frequency
After someone buys your product, the payment is held by Gumroad until it’s time for your payout. You can choose to have your payments sent out daily, weekly, or monthly. The payout can take a few business days to show up in your account, so don’t expect it instantly. If you’re just starting, you’ll likely need to wait a bit longer for your first payout.

Understanding Gumroad’s fees

Gumroad’s fees are straightforward, but it’s important to understand them so there are no surprises when you get paid.

Here’s a breakdown:

Transaction Fees
As I mentioned earlier, Gumroad takes a small cut of each sale. The basic fee is 8.5% + 30¢ per transaction for the free plan, but it gets lower if you subscribe to Gumroad’s premium plan, which costs $10 per month. With the premium plan, the fee drops to 3.5% + 30¢.
Currency Conversion Fees
If you’re selling internationally and someone pays in a currency different from your payout currency, there might be a currency conversion fee. This is usually pretty small but worth considering, especially if you’re dealing with a lot of international customers.
Refund Fees
If you offer refunds to customers, Gumroad doesn’t charge extra fees, but Stripe and PayPal might have their policies. You’ll still have to cover any payment fees related to the refund, so keep that in mind.

When Will You Get Paid?

Once everything is set up and you’ve started selling, you’ll want to know how long it will take to get paid. Here’s what to expect:

Standard Processing Times
Typically, Gumroad payments take around 3–5 business days to be processed. So, if you made a sale on Monday, you might see the funds in your account by Thursday or Friday.
First Payout Takes Longer
If you’re a new seller, your first payout could take longer, sometimes up to 14 days. This is just a precautionary measure to make sure everything is working smoothly. After your first payout, things should get back to normal.
Holds on Payments
In some cases, Gumroad might place a temporary hold on your payments, especially if there’s something unusual with your account (e.g., a spike in sales). If this happens, don’t panic—just check your email for any updates from Gumroad about why the hold was placed.

What to Do if Something Goes Wrong

Occasionally, things might not go as planned, and you might run into issues with payments. Here are some steps to take if that happens:

Check Your Payment Settings
Double-check your payout method and ensure everything is up to date. If you recently changed your bank account or PayPal info, you’ll need to update that in your Gumroad account.
Look for Payment Holds
Gumroad will send you an email if there’s a hold on your payments. If you don’t see one, check your spam folder or Gumroad’s help center for more info.
Contact Support
If you’re still having trouble, reach out to Gumroad’s support team. They’re quick to respond and will help you figure out what’s going on.

FAQs

1. Can I sell physical products on Gumroad?

Yes, you can! While Gumroad is mostly known for digital products, it’s also a great platform for selling physical items. You can set up shipping fees, track inventory, and manage orders directly through Gumroad.

2. Are there any hidden fees on Gumroad?

Gumroad is pretty transparent about its fees. The only charges you’ll face are the transaction fees, and if you choose to upgrade to a premium plan, you’ll have the monthly fee. No surprise costs!

3. How can I track my earnings?

Gumroad has a handy dashboard where you can see your sales, earnings, and payout history. You can also download detailed reports if you want to dive deeper into your earnings data.

4. Do I need a business license to sell on Gumroad?

Technically, no, you don’t need a business license to sell on Gumroad. However, depending on your country and the amount of income you make, you might need to report your earnings for tax purposes. It’s a good idea to check with a tax professional.

Conclusion

Getting paid on Gumroad is pretty simple once you’ve got everything set up. Whether you’re selling digital goods or physical products, the platform makes it easy to get started and start earning money.

Just be sure to keep an eye on fees, set up your payment method, and follow up if something goes wrong.

The most important thing is to be patient—payments take a few days to process, and sometimes there are small delays, but soon enough, you’ll be seeing that money in your bank account or PayPal.

Now that you know how it works, are you ready to start earning on Gumroad?