Power Sellers Unite

lindajean · Joined: 23 Feb 2005 Posts: 444

I set up Google checkout on my website but I'm having second thoughts.

I keep hearing about peoples Google checkout accounts being closed, about having to send proof of delivery (not a DC...so what does that mean?) and other problems with Google CO.

So, what's the scoop?

NewSkies · Joined: 03 Dec 2008 Posts: 272

I have had google ckout on alternate sites with no problem although most still used PP. Have had no problem with google but have seen others' comments that have.

Noah · Joined: 24 Sep 2009 Posts: 39

I have never used it.

love2shop · Joined: 31 Mar 2008 Posts: 680

I haven't had any problems with Google. I've had more buyer use it than I have Paypal.

Proof of delivery can be printed out from the post office web site so, I don't why Google would not accept that. Of course that assuming that the delivery person scans the confromation slip.

hotnana · Joined: 02 Feb 2008 Posts: 875

I get GCO payments daily...never had Any issues. If I use USPS shipping through PayPal I simply post the DC info and same goes with using FedEx tracking.
You can always use a credit card processing company like ProPay if you are concerned with GCO.

wphamilton · Joined: 01 May 2005 Posts: 1940 Location: Georgia

I like it, and it's split about half between GCO and paypal on website and alt sites. As far as I know the Google Payment Guarantee has about the same proof of delivery requirements as PayPal seller protection: DC (delivery confirmation) for less than $250 and signature for more than $250, but I've not had a chargeback on Google.

I wasn't pleased when Google started charging fees to match PayPal - I'm indifferent now to the point I'd rather they use our CC merchant account and I just keep GCO and PP for buyer convenience.

purple_reading_giraffe · Joined: 04 Feb 2008 Posts: 5485 Location: Indiana, USA

I have only read one post here so far where having ones GC account closed was mentioned. That person did not reply when asked HOW that had happened.

I don't believe GC requires "online viewable" proof of delivery, as Paypal does, so an insured or registered or certified signature would also work for them. This is only required in event of needing to defend against a chargeback. You can evaluate how much risk of a chargeback you are willing to run for what level of value. Were I a seller, I would likely "self-insure" (just accept that there may be an occasional chargeback as a risk of doing business) for low-dollar items.

Google provides easy-to-understand help topics if you want to read more about how GC works. GC also has the small advantage of being "linked" to Google Products, and *might* make some small difference to shoppers using that search.

As a buyer I found GC easy to use, and I liked the well timed requests for FB they sent - not immediate - and the fact that I could provide that FB directly in the email (though that may be because I use gmail).

lindajean · Joined: 23 Feb 2005 Posts: 444

I sell small inexpensive items that can ship in a regular envelope like postcards and trading cards. I have never used dc and just offer a 100% money back guarantee. I have never had a package lost and have sold thousands on ebay.

Will no dc prevent them from releasing my money?

pjrcoffee · Joined: 23 Apr 2006 Posts: 634

LindaJean,

I don't think so. Relax. It has never happened to me and GCO has never asked me for the DC number.

Google Checkout rules about refunding buyers apply ONLY if there is a complaint by the buyer. GCO does not withhold money routinely. Those rules establish the proof needed to win your "case" as a seller. No "case" filed by a buyer means no proof needed.

Without DC, you WOULD lose if somebody said they didn't receive the package. So far that hasn't happened and may not ever happen. If it does, the value of the package is small so the cost to you is equally small. That cost may be much smaller than all those DC fees over time.

WPHamilton and PRG are both right.

zeldafitzg · Joined: 14 Sep 2006 Posts: 609

As Google Check Out began to "settle in," it has become quite popular.

Initially, many sellers had glitches with account setup----getting the proper notifications of sale, etc. That early process just didn't work as smoothly as the PayPal system. Once those glitches were ironed out, I have been pleased with GCO. The incentive to stay with it through the initial roller coaster came from that first year or so of waived fees, of course.

Like others, I am displeased that GCO has increased fees. :roll:

I don't know if a seller still must have a separate GCO seller account for each venue. If so, that is an irritation. I now am concentrated at eCrater so I can just use one GCO seller account, although I still have two others waiting in the wings, if I decide to re-open independent stores.

Currently, my eCrater customers pay about equally with PayPal and Google Checkout.

I can't imagine what "proof of delivery" could be required by GCO on an ordinary sale more than ordinary Delivery Confirmation. I don't use signature confirmation unless the circumstance is very unusual, or unless the item is quite expensive. (And as a buyer, I hate the signature confirmation with the USPS notice of Attempt to Deliver, etc.)

In my experience, DC has always been sufficient with PayPal and Amazon when a buyer questions delivery. (Knock on wood.) GCO questions just haven't come up (yet).

Warmest Regards,

Donna :type:

hotnana · Joined: 02 Feb 2008 Posts: 875

zeldafitzg You can use the same GCO account for all your eCrater stores...works great!

lindajean · Joined: 23 Feb 2005 Posts: 444

Thanks everyone. I am new to the website business and finally made the big break with ebay.

So, I wanted to be sure I would be OK. If something is lost, a few dollars to refund is much easier than dc and larger envelopes for everything (plus all the extra postage I would have to charge for the thicker envelopes.)

NewSkies · Joined: 03 Dec 2008 Posts: 272

zeldafitzg wrote (View Post): › docWrite("quote")
I now am concentrated at eCrater so I can just use one GCO seller account
Donna :type:

Is it FOR SURE that if more than 1 store on eCrater that GCO is ok for BOTH? I questioned this somewhat due to the internal eCrater payment received routing on the website. I wonder about this due to the GCO form prompting the site address at set up which would be 2 different ones if 2 eCrater stores. This would seem that mine right now would be routed internally by eCrater to store 1 and if added to store 2, then payment would be routed as paid to store 1 and sold/paid item not found for store 2.

I was also wondering if DC is MANDATORY by GCO or if it is just for seller payment coverage. If DC is NOT utilized on an entire site, is there a risk of GCO account being closed (kicked off in bad standing)?

Maybe someone here knows this for sure and would appreciate input if so.

purple_reading_giraffe · Joined: 04 Feb 2008 Posts: 5485 Location: Indiana, USA

Google Checkout Merchants - Fraud and Chargeback Protection - Payment Guarantee Policy
Google Checkout Program Policies and Guidelines - see section 8
Google Checkout - Merchants
NewSkies wrote (View Post): › docWrite("quote")I was also wondering if DC is MANDATORY by GCO or if it is just for seller payment coverage. If DC is NOT utilized on an entire site, is there a risk of GCO account being closed (kicked off in bad standing)? No and No according to above linked pages.

zeldafitzg · Joined: 14 Sep 2006 Posts: 609

DC only costs 18 cents if you print postage online. I never ship without it.