Usage data is critical—but many of you don’t use the Site Update module consistently. We’re exploring the idea of a small standalone module focused solely on telemetry to better understand real-world adoption without requiring full updater usage.
Recommendations Based on Your Feedback
No Listing Fees During the Pilot
It’s currently the only financially feasible model that allows template makers to set their own pricing and manage licensing. On-site sales would require significant investment and admin overhead—but it’s being actively explored if not for MVP, then for future phases.
Revisiting DCP Accessibility
To keep the pilot focused and feedback structured, we’re starting with partners already contributing both financially and technically. Future expansion is possible, but perhaps the best approach is to make sure that the DCP program is accessible to .
- Support solo contributor/very small teams (up to 3 people)
- Accept in-kind contribution in lieu of some financial sponsorship
Standalone Telemetry Module
While one-click hosting is not part of the MVP, the DrupalCMS Leadership Team is exploring this for the future. It’s not a must-have for the pilot, but definitely on the roadmap.
Strong Preference for On-Site Purchasing
Several of you shared that the current DCP model may be out of reach for small but impactful contributors. The DA is encouraged to explore whether the DCP program can:
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the pilot limited to DCPs?
Thank you for helping shape a Marketplace that’s community-centered, contributor-aware, and designed to build trust from day one. If you haven’t already, head to #drupal-cms-marketplace to continue the conversation or drop in with questions.
Why off-site sales?
This came through strongly in feedback: people want reassurance that templates will be supported and updated. That can be finalized through participation agreements—maintenance is required, and templates that go stale will be delisted.
Why was a $395 listing fee proposed?
A 10% referral fee applies to any upsell tied to a Marketplace listing. The length of this referral window (no more than 12 months) will be finalized with initial partners.
Why would the DA receive fees if they’re not handling sales?
Thanks to everyone who’s participated in the proposal feedback! Based on your input, here’s a transparent summary of what’s changing, what’s under consideration, and what questions we heard most.
How are referrals and upsells handled?
Because quality review, governance, platform updates, and Marketplace operations all require staff time and infrastructure. The proposal aims to break even in Year 2 with listing fees and a 10% referral share from upsells—without those, it may run a small deficit.
What about updates and support for templates?
Feedback was clear: many of you want on-site purchasing with a seamless Drupal.org experience. While MVP will still use off-site sales (for financial viability), the DA will investigate what on-site options might be possible with comparable investment.
How do templates get deployed?
To keep the pilot accessible and grounded in contribution, we’re recommending no listing fees during the initial pilot for DCPs. This will allow us to gather real cost data on quality reviews and operations before deciding on any post-pilot fees.
Next Steps
- Board review: The DA Board will vote on the pilot and MVP investment on July 24.
- If approved, DA staff will begin outreach to DCPs to confirm participation and finalize the initial 10+ templates and will explore technical delivery options—including on-site purchasing possibilities.
That fee reflects ~50% of estimated QA costs per template. However, it’s not being recommended for the pilot based on your feedback. We’ll revisit this once we have real usage and cost data.
