#distribution
What does stapling a notarization ticket actually do?
Stapling attaches Apple's notarization ticket to your app, disk image or installer package, so Gatekeeper can confirm the notarization even when the Mac has no network connection. Without it, Gatekeeper has to look the ticket up online.
Mac App Store vs selling your Mac app directly
The Mac App Store takes a commission on each sale (15% for small developers) and handles everything; selling directly costs a merchant-of-record fee instead, and you keep the customer relationship and your own licensing.
Do you need to notarize a Mac app you sell yourself?
Yes — an app you distribute outside the Mac App Store should be signed with a Developer ID certificate and notarized by Apple, so Gatekeeper lets people open it without a warning.