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EBay doesn't like it though, it's their obvious competition. Do they even allow checkout?

I was thinking about using Google checkout for my business site, and an alternative to Paypal. I heard they're free for a long period to merchants.

Actually, EBAY suspsended me over Google Checkout...
 

I was offering it at checkout to customers. I got a mail about its not being allowed but in my stubborn fashion continued to try and use it. Boink. Suspended.

Most EBAYers prefer paypal. Why? The illusion that Paypal gives that it is insured. Yeah right, they disallow almost everything. The fact that the buyers don't see the fees, so Google Checkout only saves the seller money, not the buyer. And Paypal allows buyers to file complaints that are ludicriously in favor of the buyer. Like a buyer can complain within minutes of auction end and Paypal will lock the amount they paid until they remove the complaint. I had this happen to me. A woman that said she didn't receive her item yet within hours of the auction finishing.

Anyway, Google Checkout has some major flaws too. They can't track orders as well (like they will say it shipped when it hasn't and charge your credit card). They have a great deal of trouble with customer service (even worse than Paypal).

There is very little incentive for an EBAY shopper to use GCO unless you offer them a discount. And to do that, you have to kind of be obvious online that you are offering an alternative to Paypal and are offering a discount for using it. EBAY doesn't like that, I found out the hard way.

I believe its against ebay policy to even offer discounts for alternative payments other than paypal.

Well EBAY is a monopoly...
 

and exercises antitrust policies.

But I have found they do allow you to offer to pay buyers fees, which is equivalent to offering a discount.

You can't say:

If you pay Paypal, there is an extra fee of $5.00.

They will tank your auction for that.

But you can say:

If you pay with USPS Money Order, I will provide you a discount to compensate for your expenses.

I don't use USPS Money Orders though. Customers can complain about you for any reason to EBAY. EBAY uses these complaints to track you. If they complain about you on your paypal account, EBAY only gets your paypal email. But if they complain about a money order where they got your address, and that address was on a formerly suspended account, you are linked.

I also have had people contact me AFTER an auction about payment of small items by check rather than paypal. They insist they want the item and could I provide an address. If I don't, they just disappear. Why would someone take an EBAY negative mark for not paying for a $3 item and never respond to the seller again? Why not just say you misunderstood and don't want the item?

I think EBAY uses mail moles all the time to acquire addresses and find people breaking their rules. They also heavily depend on rats. Exposing mail addresses of suspended accounts can get you linked. So if you do want to accept money orders, get a fresh box somewhere.

As stated, it is against ebay policy to use googlecheckout. They explicitly prohibit it in their "policy".

Someone hit the nail on the head earlier in this thread, why does google not sue?

If you look at ebay's policy page on accepted payments (I don't have the link handy, but I'm sure someone will dig it up), they list out their accepted payments and their not accepted payments. The few accepted payment methods they allow are all lousier and/or way more expensive than PayPal. Anything that remotely is competitive with PayPal, they disallow.

Now, if this is not against US Antitrust laws, folks, I don't know what is. They are forcing you to use the services of their "affiliated company" in order to do business with their "other company". They are marrying up two unrelated businesses, and forcing you to use one in order to use another. Microsoft Windows and Internet Explorer anyone? Granted, Microsoft basically prevailed, but it was a helluva fight. I think this issue is even more serious than the Microsoft Antitrust case, and hence should be even more winnable in court.

Ebay touts itself as a free marketplace for all, and they are stifling competition to their PayPal business, in my mind, illegally. I for the life of me, do not understand why there have been no lawsuits filed in this matter that I know of? Can anyone explain that?

I'm going to write a letter to google and ask them, and we'll see if they bother to respond. Bottom line is, and I think someone else here said it, Google has a responsibility to its shareholders to maximize revenue. Why they haven't gone after ebay's throat on this, I don't know. I encourage everyone reading this to email google and ask them. I'm also going to suggest that we start a letter writing campaign to the attorney general in California (that is where ebay is Hq'd, right?), and complain to him that ebay is unlawfully sniffing out the competition. Might be a good idea to write a 2nd letter to the US Attorney General. You know guys, it may sound stupid, but if enough of us get on it, sooner or later, we will be heard. Perhaps if the moderators of this forum agree, post a sticky and post the contact information of the California Attorney General and the US attorney general (I don't have it here at the moment, but I'd be happy to look it up and post it back here if there is enough interest.)

Avarshav you seem distraught and irate about the obvious eBay limitations when it comes to satisfying one's auction dues. Why be anguished about it, I'm sure Google in good time will attend to eBay. They're already starting when it comes to Google base and checkout. Give them more time; I'm sure they're cognizant of their competition.

yeah, you're right. Just a little pissed off for the past few days.

I had over 2000 feedback, 100% positive. Never ripped off a soul, never got a neg, gave refunds when I didn't feel they really deserved it... all down the crapper unless I miraculously get reinstated. All because some T&S weenie didn't like what I was selling, even though there are hundreds more still on there selling the same exact crap. Damn straight I'm irate. Tell you what though, if other people don't get irate and get mad and get even, the system will never change.

Ebay is a company. They do have a right to operate their business the way they want. However, there are rules in place for companies in the USA dictating what a company can and cannot do if they are to remain in business. Ebay advertises an open market, yet they do all they can to control the market and eliminate the competition. They will continue going on the same way until someone bigger tells them to stop.

And to get back on the point of this thread, speaking of Google, Google is likely our best bet to take down ebay.

If Google wanted to get into the auction business, eBay would be in for some serious hurtin. They are the one company right now that is very well positioned to stick it to ebay. I hope they recognize it and go for it. Not saying that Google would miraculously be so much better than ebay, but if they were to start up an auction site to compete with ebay, the mere fact of competition between two internet giants would alone make things better for sellers and buyers.

Yahoo could also compete if they wanted to, I just don't understand why they let their auction site go to crap. A face lift and some advertising, and they could be a serious competitor to ebay in no time.

Much as I hate to admit it, google checkout is far from perfect. If you look over the forums at Google, there is a lot of talk about accounts being frozen (even more than Paypal) and funds trapped. I haven't had the pleasure yet myself, but that doesn't mean it couldn't happen at any time. To make things worse, at least Paypal has pretty decent customer service. Google appears to have NO contact options other than an email address that can go days or weeks without hearing back from someone. That's pretty daunting.

How's everyone else's experience with GCO been? Found any phone numbers yet?

I didn't have any problems with GCO so far. Why do they froze people's accounts? I haven't heard about this yet.

On my ebay listings I claim that I accept credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) and then I send winning buyers link to GCO. I don't mention GCO on the listing. Do you think it should work fine? I can offer lower price since I don't pay paypal fees in this case.

Search on google for the google checkout forums, or just do a google search for "checkout". It's all there. I've heard that money can be held up for as little as a day, as much as 6 months! That's pretty scary. Anyway, I spoke with Google recently and mentioned the problem. The rep said he would pass my thoughts on to the team that handles this. I'm taking that with a grain of salt, but there is hope they're taking it seriously.

That's how I've handled it too. Seems to work ok, and it's not a lie--google checkout does take credit card payments. I've never been able to just send a link though. I usually just use the "send an invoice" tab when I use google checkout, which I base usually on price of the item.

Did you have any questions from buyers like "what is google"? "I don't want to pay this way"?

What are "google checkout forums"?

Google Groups

If you send a regular invoice direct from Google, most of the time it will just look like... a regular invoice. The buyer can use their credit card to pay at that point. So most of the time, it's not an issue. If there is a problem though, Paypal is a decent backup. The only problems seem to come once the payment has already been sent, while it's in the "limbo" between their account and yours.

Agreed, you need to at least offer Paypal to look legit. Or you could make a big statement about how Ebay fees are already outrageous so you don't offer Paypal. I have seen that a few times lately, and the auctions turned out ok. It seems Paypal's rep is starting to catch up with them slowly but surely. :)

What about listing paypal as an option in your description, but not providing paypal email address?
Then when buyer wins the auction he won't be able to send you paypal payment immediately. If he insists on paypal then I can send him paypal invoice later.

Definately a good idea, groundhog. I've seen it done that way before too, but I'm not too sure how, since ebay has shown that as a requirement. If you figure it out, please post here. Thanks

google is no better then paypal, actually there worse I was using google checkout with ebay, this is my story. I sign up for google checkout to replace paypal, I did everthing they asked at the sign up. then I logged on to ebay and started selling but in my discription I put I used a merchant account to take payments, I never said google just "Merchant account"
customers would ask what type of merchant account but I would not type the word google into the ebay interface I would just email it to the customer a personal email. So everything was fine, I took some orders after the auction would end I would go to google checkout to the invoice link and email the customer a invoice with the item number they won and everthing to complete there transaction, then I would go back to ebay and email the customer and to tell them check there email to pay for the item threw the proper checkout within the email "google" this is where the story flips....customers would pay but after a certain amount of orders guess what!! google turns around and does a paypal number on me. They asked me for all this information credit cards drives license ect ect. but im legit so im like what the hell give it to them. why? because they have 4,000usd in there system of mines for orders. But im legit so what the hell..I give them the information. I fax all information and my suppliers information so they could verify im legit. then they turn around and ask me to ship the items before I get my money I told them HELL NO! actually this is the letter they sent me.

Thank you for your email. I appreciate you re-submitting a copy of your
driver's license.

Please note, our specialists have been unable to confirm delivery with
any
of your buyers to date. Your merchant account will become eligible for
payouts once we have verified shipment of these items.

Also, after speaking with your supplier yesterday, I am under the
impression that you have purchased and have ownership of the goods
listed
on the invoice you submitted. Please ship these items to your buyers at
your earliest convenience.

Thank you for your understanding. If you have any additional questions,
please respond directly to this email.

Sincerely,

Chad
The Google Checkout Team

**back to my story**

I told them I can't ship those items because I run the risk of them freezing my account with my money and iv shipped those items to customers and i don't think there going to give them back if I tell them hey! google didn't give me your money so needless to say I still have my items and google still has them money in there account..if u want to see all the dumb letters they have sent me just request them i have no problem posting them. But google is the worst, no better then paypal.

wow
 

16k, I don't even want to think about 16k in anybodys account stuck:eek:
well to everybody who's thinking about the google option save your wpm because there just like paypal, and on there way to having the same reputation.

Very easy, sign into your google account, click settings, on the left hand side you will see a option send a invoice all the information is there but do yourself a favor don't send to much money to your google account, they will pull a paypal move on you and lock your account.

You dont need paypay to look legit? What kind of bullcrap is that. I sold thousands of items monthly with out even taking paypal. Jut by accepting cheks and money orders. Only the scammers and complainers will want the sellers to use paypal...

Yes, I also do not use Paypal I HATE them!!!!

Why use them when you can use your own merchant account?

No, it does not mean you will bypass protection for buyers, as the buyers still can do a charge back, but it means you are in control of your money, not Paypal. Also, so long as you are a scammer or screw up, then you will continue to make money because no one can limit your account

BYW, it's much cheaper.

What about Bidpay and Auction Checkout
 

Bidpay is becoming more common.. similar to paypal but far fewer issues. Auction Checkout seems to be the Merchant account of choice among eBayers. I have an account, but have yet to use it with eBay.
Marisa

Google checkout in auction?
 

can i use google checkout in my auction online or i have to wait until the auction is closed and then i send the invoice to the buyer via google checkout ?
thanks

NOOOOOO. wait until auction ends then send them a invoice

thank you . but can i use the checkout button logo in the bottom of the auction?
i just get verified and approved from them and i am tried to avoid any problems for my orders.

Do not put any mention of google checkout in your listings unless you want to get suspended. Its fine though to do it after the auction ends.

NOOOOO, send the winning bidder an invoice after the auction ends..

Advertising google checkout on ebay is like advertising burger king at mcdonalds

I found this information that might help those who are interested in Google Checkout......

How to use Google Checkout on eBay"

In order to use Google Checkout as a eBay seller you have to go
around
the eBay rules a little.
You can NEVER ever mention the words Google Checkout in you ad EVER.
You can NEVER ever mention the words Google Checkout in the eBay
based
message system EVER.


Here is how I do it.
In your eBay preferences you have to go in and turn OFF ALL the
Paypal
stuff.


In my ads I state that I accept Money orders, Visa, Mastercard,
Discoverm, & Amex.
After a auction ends I send the buyer a eBay invoice/message stating
that I will be sending a invoice from my payment processor to their
email.
I receive the eBay email of a "Sold Item".
I open Google Checkout and go to the invoice page.
I copy paste the buyers email, name, and item they won, from the eBay
"Item Sold email", into the Google Checkout invoice.
I add up the cost of the item + the shipping cost.
Place this $$ into the invoice.
In the message part of the invoice I tell them that thhis is the
invoice that they need to pay from and to follow the link with the
total amount.
I send the invoice to the buyer via regular email.
I then go BACK into eBay and send the buyer another eBay message.
In this 2nd eBay messge I tell the buyer to go and check their
regular
email for the invoice from my payment processor.
They pay for the item using Google Checkout.
I use USPS Click & Ship to the the online postage (free delivery
confirmation)
Post the delivery confirmation to the Google Checkout page.


You can NEVER mention Google Checkout anywhere in your eBay ad OR in
the eBay message system.
This will throw up a flag in the eBay system.
eBay does not like Google Checkout at all....
Why???? Because you are NOT using Paypal and eBay owns Paypal and
eBay
is losing their Paypal fees.


I usually have about 1 in 10 that will not use Google Checkout and
opt
for a Money Order.
I usually have about 1 in 10 that will not use Google Checkout and
simply NOT pay for the item.
I usually have about 8 in 10 that will use Google Checkout and never
complain.


That is the simple "How to use Google Checkout on eBay"

Ebay thinks google checkout is a security risk , but strangely theres about 3-4 times more webstores use google checkout than paypal.

80% of online stores I used or looked at used google checkout
when only 20% of those stores used paypal.

Paypal SUCKS, but buyers think its great

and what if the buyer report that to the ebay?
do i have to mention paypal as payment in my listings or just mention the other payments method ?
thanks.

Wow! Update
 

Hey somebody is listing Google Checkout in their auctions with a link to Google Checkout and they are still online as of this moment. I'm very suprise Ebay didn't take it down yet..

Look at the Seller's payment instructions at the bottom of the page!

Should I snitch on the seller?? i know i would get some good brownie points..hehehehe

But if that auction does get taken down anytime soon, I can come to the conclusion that Ebay does reads in this forum...

eBay: Brand New Size XXL Red Dead Serious Skeleton LRG Hoodie (item 200126357245 end time Jul-08-07 12:56:28 PDT)

I believe there was a discussion in eBay forums that the conclusion was it isn't illegal to use google checkout if you invoice it after the auction and of course check the appropriate options such as credit cards (but don't check paypal! if you don't accept it). From what I read it seems eBay doesn't care as long as you aren't advertising it. Internally I believe they think it is a safe payment to use. Plus I think it is the responsibility of the buyer to inquire about credit card processing.

thanks a lot guys for your advice, i will update you about the progress.

[QUOTE=FA_1982;5152]I found this information that might help those who are interested in Google Checkout......

How to use Google Checkout on eBay"

In order to use Google Checkout as a eBay seller you have to go
around
the eBay rules a little.
You can NEVER ever mention the words Google Checkout in you ad EVER.
You can NEVER ever mention the words Google Checkout in the eBay
based
message system EVER.

--------------------------------------------------------------

i posted my listing yesterday doing the same thing that you said.
the auction is still active now ,i hope that it will have a lot bids.
i am selling game consoles.

"last time i mentioned the bidpay payment in my listing and i used their logo ,i got suspended."
thank you again guys

i did that once with a new account and i got suspended by ebay saying abusing the policy and spirit of Ebay.
thanks:o

The abusing the spirit of ebay emails are the general emails sent out to new eBay sellers.

or they could had just told you anything just so you would leave them alone

So how do you get them to break down and tell you the truth modee?

My whole problem with the buying cheap feedback thing is that what if you actually want that item. Ebay is being totally hypocritical to allow these items in their marketplace and yet not allow people to purchase them. I've called them on this. Of course, the response was their typical boilerplate special "don't do that it's against the ruuules" kindergarten mentality. Oh heaven that I should ever challenge your rules, I should follow without question! :rolleyes: Give me a break

Ebay busted me for one, just one. They didn't suspend for it (I guess I should be thankful?) but they did warn and remove the feedback. That's just not right at all.