Content Goods
Content goods generally include a wide variety of intangible assets. In most cases, these are digital content. This can include text, images, apps and videos, as well as video games and computer software. These are referred to as content goods if they can be ordered directly via the Internet and then downloaded or simply viewed and used. As these are exclusively content goods, there is no traditional shipping of goods. Instead, rights of use are transferred that are otherwise protected by copyright and are only available to a certain group of people.
Special features regarding the purchase of content goods
Since the sale of content goods is carried out via the Internet, various warranty-related problems can arise and the risk of fraud is also higher. This is due to the fact that content goods are not viewed and purchased in a store in the same way as other goods, or are first viewed and then handed over and receipted as part of a mail-order purchase. This means that application rights are transferred that permit the use of certain content from the author. If fraud occurs, it is often not easy to prosecute and punish over the Internet. It is therefore often difficult for content goods sellers to find an acquirer to offer their customers the option of secure payment by credit card.
Content goods on the rise
Content goods are being used more and more, especially in the publishing industry. This is due to the fact that information exchange is increasingly focused on the Internet and the print market is declining. According to information from the Bundesverband Deutscher Zeitungsverleger e.V. (BDZV), the vast majority of newspaper apps are already fee-based. The payment models for content goods vary widely. Payments are often offered by direct debit, but now content vendors are also increasingly relying on payment providers, credit card payments, or even offer payment options via cell phone or a Google account.
