Two years ago I released a Mac app (https://heyfocus.com/) that couldn't be in the MAS due to sandbox restrictions (tried 3 times—frustrating experience).
I sat on it for an entire year because I was convinced nobody buys stuff outside of the AppStore anymore.
A year ago, the project still had really good traction, so I decided to try to sell it directly as a test (using Paddle.com).
Boy, was I wrong! TONS of people buy outside the MAS, and Focus is doing better than ever. If you're questioning it like I was, give it a shot.
Tangent: From Firefox, if I increase the font n https://heyfocus.com/ (for accessibility reasons) the buttons _come apart_ (specifically the right sides overlap the lower center of their button). Even with that font size increase, the text under the buttons is still extremely hard to read!
Good choice. I stopped using the AppStore because I hate how it connects an app to my apple ID. For example, when I came to the U.S. I had to create a new AppleID. So each time I want an app from the old AppleID I have to change to the German app store. Quite annoying.
I sat on it for an entire year because I was convinced nobody buys stuff outside of the AppStore anymore.
A year ago, the project still had really good traction, so I decided to try to sell it directly as a test (using Paddle.com).
Boy, was I wrong! TONS of people buy outside the MAS, and Focus is doing better than ever. If you're questioning it like I was, give it a shot.