Why Doesn't Google Have an Auction Site?

[bootedbyebay]

I remember hearing a few years back that Google was going to open an auction site.

What ever happened to that idea?

If there is anyone out there right now that could really compete with Ebay, it would have to be Google.

You would think that with all of the financial success that Ebay has had in the past years that someone else (like Google) would want to grab a chunk of that.

I for one would love to see someone emerge who could really compete with Ebay.

[Axcend]

its a huge investment for very very risky potential payoff. For example, ebay releases half.com to compete with amazon for instant purchases, no bidding. half.com flopped and isn't advertised what so ever. Google probably doesn't want to take the risk.

[jeffweico]

Actually, Half.com was purchased by eBay a few months after it was launched. But you are right, eBay does nothing to advertise them, and there have even been persistent rumors that eBay will kill the site.

Google is absolutely NOT INTERESTED in running online auctions. Yes, they are probably one of the few companies that could pull it off. But they have no desire to deal with the problems that come along with it and potentially tarnish their image.

eBay's business is declining anyway. Amazon now officially has more traffic than eBay. And everytime earnings are reported, it is clear that PayPal, not eBay, is responsible for their earnings growth. eBay is trying to become more like Amazon. They are envious as hell. Just look at the new pages buyers see when they look for books and dvd's. One page, low price to high price, just like Amazon.

eBay has to deal with fraud and controversy. Why on earth would Google want to tarnish their sterling reputation by entering the auction business?

[bootedbyebay]

I see your point.

Have you personally tried selling on Amazon.

I sell sports cards mostly. I have put a few listings on Amazon, but have not sold anything.

Is it worth signing up to be a "Pro Merchant" for $39.99 a month?

They have Google Base.

Google Product Search

Not to mention Google is busy with Android phones & tablets now, which is definitely the better route money wise.

[tmansback]

I don't think its because the business is dirty. They put there name behind Google Checkout. Your going to have to deal with fraud since Google is involved in online sales. If I'm Google I would much rather not have an auction site and somehow force Ebay to accept Google checkout. Paypal is the real force behind Ebay.

I think its debatable if google can make it work. Could they do it better than Yahoo did. The problem they have is the problem that many new auction sites have. Google creates an auction site do they have to take Paypal? If they do Ebay is probably laughing since they don't take Google checkout. If they don't will the buyers come since they don't take the most popular way to pay online. You buy airline tickets online now buyers want to pay with paypal. Not easy having a website that has success unless you take paypal.

[rsot]

Such a hassle and waste to put resources into auction site.