Pre-purchaser asking for theme documentation

I received a message from someone saying they’re thinking about purchasing one of my themes but before they do, they want to see screenshots of the admin panel (totally understandable) and also the documentation file to review.

I don’t have a problem giving screenshots but the documentation file? The theme instructions are a relatively large PDF file (the theme got a “well documented” stamp of approval).

Is it normal for purchasers to ask for that?

I have never been asked to see the documentation. I would probably send the documentation and then go through my usual “copyright protection” routine to see if there was an obvious cause for concern.

I’ve ever had customers ask for that. I sent it to them

I wouldn’t give it ot them. It;s down to Themeforests reviewers as to what level of documentation you get. Is strive for Well Documented as well, but you don’t know whether they’ve downloaded this from elsewhere.

You could send them a random page or so, or some screenshots but dont send the whole thing. If they have a query about anything post-purchase you can always help them then.

jeffeatworld said
You could send them a random page or so, or some screenshots but dont send the whole thing. If they have a query about anything post-purchase you can always help them then.

Yeah, send them some excerpts as a sample. Just explain it’s a large document but you’ve provided a sample for their review, etc.

Parallelus said
Yeah, send them some excerpts as a sample. Just explain it’s a large document but you’ve provided a sample for their review, etc.

I think this is the best solution

mixey said

Parallelus said
Yeah, send them some excerpts as a sample. Just explain it’s a large document but you’ve provided a sample for their review, etc.

I think this is the best solution

+1… and also whether you send them a sample, the whole thing, nothing at all, it doesn’t really matter a whole lot. I mean how often does someone come to you asking that? not very often. I say if it’s not too inconvenient for you to send it, just give it to them.

If it makes a sale why not

Only an excerpt is what I strongly suggest – no need to see everything before purchase – they can ask questions – this would raise a flag for me especially with what we all know goes on with our hard work etc etc

Thanks for all your feedback everyone! I weighed all my options and in the end, I sent them the full documentation. True it might be an issue of someone obtaining a copy of the theme illegally and wanting the docs along with it but I decided in the end that I needed to show a little bit of trust and confidence in my item in exchange for a potential sale.