BLACK Frequently asked questions
Sourcing & authenticity
Are these keys genuine?
Yes. Every key in this category is sourced through one of three legitimate channels: direct and API-based key distributors, Tier 1 Microsoft CSP/VAR programs, or — used sparingly and flagged internally — OEM/MAK volume clearinghouses. We do not stock gray-market or surplus keys as a default source.
What's the difference between the sourcing channels?
API key distributors give the fastest, most automated fulfillment for retail-style keys. Tier 1 CSP/VAR programs (like Ingram Micro) are how subscription seats such as Microsoft 365 are sourced. OEM/MAK clearinghouses carry more activation risk and are used only as a fallback, never the default.
Will a key ever get deactivated after my customer redeems it?
Genuine keys sourced through our primary channels activate and stay activated under normal use. See the Refund Policy for what happens in the rare case a key fails to activate.
Delivery & activation
How fast is delivery?
Instant. Keys are issued digitally the moment an order clears — there's no shipping step anywhere in this category.
How does my customer actually install and activate the software?
See our Download & Activation Guide for step-by-step instructions you can point your customers to directly.
What if online activation fails?
Microsoft supports phone-based activation using an Installation ID and Confirmation ID for exactly this situation. See Get Confirmation ID Online.
Which Windows 11 edition should I stock — Home or Pro?
Depends on your customer base. See Windows 11 Pro vs. Home for a full feature comparison.
Buying directly vs. reselling
Do I need to be an approved partner to buy in this category?
No. Microsoft Windows Applications is the one exception to Black Saints Direct's wholesale-only model — individuals can buy directly, in bulk, right on the category page. Black Saints is the seller of record for those orders.
What if I want to resell this category on my own storefront instead?
That's a separate path: apply for wholesale access, get approved with a valid State Sales and Use Tax Permit, and embed the catalog on your own site at your own markup. Direct buyers and wholesale resellers both draw from the same underlying catalog, just through different accounts. Apply here.
Do I need to be an approved partner to sell in this category?
Yes, if you mean reselling it on your own storefront under your own markup — that requires an approved wholesale account and a valid State Sales and Use Tax Permit. It's not required to buy directly for your own use; see above.
How is pricing handled?
You see our wholesale cost in the Partner Portal and set your own retail markup. See the Payment Policy for how settlement works.
Can I embed this category alongside my other Black Saints products?
Yes — the same catalog widget that shows this category can show any other category your account is approved for, all on one storefront.