Does anyone know how or where I can find information about how to automate serial code distribution via Paypal? Basically, I have a pool of authorization codes to use my software. The download is free, but when they use it, they have to enter a serial. Upon payment being successful, I want my PayPal to automatically send them one of the authorization codes from the pool of codes so the user can then enter that into my software and begin use. Is this possible? Any pointers would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Paypal is not made for distribution of serial code. However, the only means would be to create a script which would use Paypal IPN to accept payment and once successful, it would be reverted back to your website script which would generate the authorization code for your customer. I would think that you would be better served if you use a shareware specific payment processor like http://www.plimus.com or http://www.shareit.com to handle that for you. Not only can you accept Paypal, you can handle credit card payments which will open up a whole new bigger market for your products.
I have checked both of these services out but don't seem to see any sign of solving my problem. Besides, I have seen PayPal distribute ID's or serial's before. I cannot believe there isn't a script already in existence for this. Anyone??
Like I say, this feature is not provided by Paypal since it is primarily there as a platform for payment solution for eBay. There are probably shopping cart scripts around which may provide that feature. I am using Plimus.com as my payment processors for my software and Plimus automatically generates the keys on my behalf when a sale is cleared and it frees me from doing anything in that area. It also allows you to send them a huge bunch of unlock codes and they will be used in turn until they get exhausted and you will then neeed to submit more.