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AppSumo
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Researched profile. Starter Story's AI research system compiled this page from 31 public sources — the founder didn't write it. Automated research can misread or misattribute a source, so treat figures as best-effort. How this works →
AppSumo logo

How AppSumo Makes Money

Marketplace for lifetime software deals

How did AppSumo monetize?

Summary of the sourced claims below

AppSumo monetizes primarily by taking commissions from sales on its digital marketplace, typically around 50%. It also offers lifetime deals where customers pay once for lifetime access to software without monthly fees. Additionally, AppSumo generates revenue through a yearly subscription plan called AppSumo Plus, which provides discounts and exclusive deals to members.

Revenue sources

5 sources · grouped by how AppSumo makes money

  • Marketplace commissions

    · 6 mentions · 6 sources
    “The Revenue Share Model: It’s negotiable, but AppSumo takes 65-80% of revenue from my research (even though recently I saw this comment from Noah on LinkedIn saying the average is 50%).”
    high
    Show 5 more quotes
    “AppSumo takes a percentage of sales from every deal, typically 50%.”
    high
    “our core customer, we have two, because it's a marketplace. It's a software creator anywhere in the world that's creating software for solopreneurs. And it's a solopreneur that buys that software.”
    medium
    “When a SaaS developer lists on AppSumo, they get visibility, early adopters, and initial funding — all while AppSumo takes a commission on the sales.”
    high
    “This also included a very heavy commission rate for AppSumo.”
    high
    “Today, AppSumo is all about making entrepreneurship accessible to everyone. Noah's one-man show has exploded into the leading digital marketplace trusted by 1.25M+ entrepreneurs.”
    medium

  • One-time / lifetime deals

    · 4 mentions · 4 sources
    “AppSumo is a popular marketplace that offers lifetime deals on software, tools, and services for entrepreneurs and creators. It’s known for helping startups grow and giving users access to premium tools at a one-time discounted price.”
    high
    Show 3 more quotes
    “AppSumo, a platform for digital marketplace deals focusing on software aimed at entrepreneurs and small businesses.”
    medium
    “The Lifetime Deal (LTD) Approach: Customers pay once for lifetime access on AppSumo and have a 60-day money-back guarantee.”
    high
    “With our lifetime deals, you can access incredible software with no monthly fees. Just pay once and you’re good to go.”
    high

  • Recurring subscriptions

    · 1 mention
    “then consider getting the AppSumo Plus yearly subscription of 99$. As an AppSumo Plus member, you’ll enjoy: 10% off on every purchase ... AppSumo Plus will save you a lot more than buying deals individually.”
    high

  • Add-ons & upsells

    · 1 mention
    “What is AppSumo Plus? It’s a $99/year plan that gives 10% off all purchases, exclusive deals, and a $25 coupon every 90 days.”
    high

  • Affiliate / referral commissions

    · 1 mention
    “these Facebook groups would come out of the AppSumo audience. ...and be affiliates of us. So we would actually pay them to promote the deals.”
    high

How 1,889 businesses make money

Of businesses with mapped revenue sources, the share using each — AppSumo’s highlighted.
  • Recurring subscriptions
    54% ◀
  • Services & consulting
    30%
  • Physical products
    28%
  • One-time / lifetime deals
    24% ◀
  • Affiliate / referral commissions
    15% ◀
  • Course / training sales
    13%
  • Sponsorships & partnerships
    10%
  • Usage-based fees
    9%
  • Advertising revenue
    9%
  • Add-ons & upsells
    9% ◀
  • Marketplace commissions
    6% ◀
  • Licensing
    2%
  • Setup / onboarding fees
    2%
  • Donations & tips
    2%
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