Selling digital autographs (IAP?)

Question

Created Oct ’15

Replies 5

Boosts 0

Participants 3

Hello fellow developers!

We have developed a social network App where you can receive digital autographs from celebrities. These autographs are basically an image with a text and a signature overlay of the celebrity. Now I've been requested to add the option for our users to ask for an autograph to a celebrity, pay for the autograph and get it delivered to his/her app.

I'm not quite sure if this enters in the IAP category. Obviously it's a digital good (its not associated with a physical autograph or anything else), but it's not something that can be listed like the typical IAP (i.e: buying 300 bullets for an action game), there will be an indeterminate number of autographs for a dynamic number of different celebrities.

My question is... does this apply for an IAP scheme? And if it does not, which are my options?

Thanks in advance!

Best.

Boost

Answer 1

KMT OP

Oct ’15

Accepted Answer

If the autograph (image?) is _only_ consumed (viewed?) inside the app, your plan might be allowed via IAP.

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Answer 2

Digital Leaves OP

Oct ’15

Thanks. Indeed the image is only consumed inside the App, but can be shared to social networks like Facebook / Twitter. Does this suppose a difference?

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Answer 3

KMT OP

Oct ’15

Dunno, sorry - I'd wonder if there is precedence in the store when it comes to IAP'd images. I don't think sharing would abuse the initial transaction - which is essentially in place to draw a line between what Apple feels like getting invovled in. Example: IAP for doggy treats could put Apple into a position of responsibitly for something they have no control over should an animal get sick, etc.

I'm trying to imagine if a user had an issue with their purchase in your example that Apple might think would put them in a similar position, but nothing comes to mind, unless... they try to sell the signature and come back on Apple should fraud come into the picture [pun!].

You might have to either try a submittal and see if review accepts it, or... I've heard lately you can call them up and try to get a basic ruling beforehand.

I was asked to make a signature capture app several years ago, but it was decided that users wouldn't want something they couldn't touch/sell. Perhaps IAP would put a different light on things today. Don't forget to add voice memo capability along with location detection.

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Answer 4

PBK OP

Oct ’15

Apple may consider the signing of the object, assuming it is done by a person with a writing device, a 'real world service' ineligible for IAP

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Answer 5

Digital Leaves OP

Oct ’15

Well, the signature is done with the fingers directly in the iPhone screen, so I don't think this would qualify for a "real world service", as there is no physical good associated, I guess...

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