Physical
Show the item itself, useful details, scale, packaging and examples of it in use.
One purchase, two types of content
A physical product can also include digital material. This can work well for instructions, guides, templates, reference material, supporting resources or other content that complements the item being shipped.
The important thing is to make the distinction obvious. Customers should understand what arrives physically and what they receive digitally.
Tip: Don't make customers search through the description to work out what's in the parcel and what's a download. Separate the two clearly.What arrives
Describe the physical product, what's included in the package and anything customers should know about its size, materials, finish or contents.
What you can download
List the digital files included with the purchase, their formats and what they're intended for.
When to expect your order
Explain typical processing and delivery information for the physical part of the order.
Accessing digital files
Explain when the downloadable part becomes available and how customers can access it after purchase.
Show both parts of the product
Your gallery doesn't have to concentrate solely on the physical item. Consider including preview images that show the accompanying digital material as well.
Digital
Preview the supporting files with screenshots, sample pages or examples without exposing the full paid content.
Think about timing
The two parts of the purchase may reach the customer at different times. Digital files may become available shortly after a successful payment while the physical product still needs to be prepared and shipped.
Explain this clearly so customers don't wait for the parcel expecting the digital content to be inside it, or wonder why they have received a download before their physical order arrives.
Make the combination worthwhile
The digital content should add genuine value to the physical product. Useful combinations might include:
- A physical product with a detailed digital guide
- Equipment with downloadable instructions or reference material
- A kit with printable supporting resources
- A book or workbook with additional digital material
- A creative product with templates or project files
- A physical course pack with supporting digital resources
Check both sides before publishing
- Is it clear that the purchase contains both physical and digital elements?
- Have you listed what's included in each?
- Are the downloadable files complete and tested?
- Is physical stock accurate?
- Is the correct shipping setup applied?
- Have you explained when downloads become available?
- Have you tested the entire purchase, download and fulfilment process?
Treat both parts as part of the same customer experience. The purchase isn't complete until the customer can successfully receive and use everything you've promised.
Combine something delivered physically with useful digital content included as part of the same product.
Make it clear which parts will be shipped, which parts are downloaded and when the customer can expect access to each.
