How to submit to AppSumo, and alternatives

Deal marketplace · Checked October 18, 2026

AppSumo is a marketplace of software deals for entrepreneurs, best known for one-time lifetime deals on new tools.

Best for: SaaS products ready for a burst of users and support.

Visit AppSumo

What AppSumo does for a launch

Deal marketplaces sell software at a discount, often as a one-time lifetime deal, to buyers who like trying new tools. A deal can bring a burst of users, revenue and reviews, but the marketplace takes a cut and lifetime customers keep needing support, so price the offer carefully.

How to get listed on AppSumo

  1. Read AppSumo's partner or seller terms: the revenue share, the deal format and what it expects from you after the deal ends.
  2. Decide what you can sustain: a capped number of codes, the plan limits buyers get, and how you'll support them.
  3. Apply through AppSumo's partner page with your product, current pricing and traction.
  4. Prepare for the volume: onboarding emails, docs and a support inbox before the deal goes live.
  5. Answer questions and reviews on the deal page quickly. Buyers read them before they buy.

Tips for AppSumo

  • Plan support capacity before the deal; volume can be high and buyers expect quick answers.

What to prepare before you submit

You'll paste the same things into every launch platform and directory, so write them once:

  • A tagline under 60 characters that says what it does (see how to write a product tagline).
  • A description under 160 characters, plus a longer one of two or three short paragraphs.
  • A square logo (at least 256×256) and three or four screenshots at the same size.
  • Your pricing in one line, including whether there's a free plan.
  • A spreadsheet of where you submitted, the listing URL and whether the link is followed.

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Frequently asked questions

Is a lifetime deal on AppSumo a good idea?
It can be for an early product that needs users, feedback and cash. Cap the number of deals and the plan limits, because lifetime buyers never pay again but keep costing support and hosting.
How much does AppSumo take?
Deal marketplaces keep a share of each sale, and the split varies by marketplace and deal. AppSumo's partner terms have the current numbers.
Can I run deals on more than one marketplace?
Often yes, but some marketplaces ask for exclusivity during a deal. Check each one's terms before you commit.

IndieLaunch isn't affiliated with AppSumo. What's here comes from its own site, checked October 18, 2026; prices and policies change, so check before you submit. Our full list is in the startup directories guide.

AppSumo alternatives