Google Checkout
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Google Checkout Overview
Google Checkout Logo
Google Checkout is a service offered by Google.com that allows merchants to accept credit cards online, primarily through their websites. The service is mainly marketed to consumers as a way to securely checkout of online stores by storing their credit card information in their Google Checkout account. Not only does Google claim that it’s a safer checkout option for consumers, but that it also speeds up the checkout process and stores the purchase information in one place so that consumers can easily review past purchases.
Google Checkout’s service is similar to PayPal’s “Website Payments Standard” and “Website Payments Pro” which allow merchants to either collect payments from a hosted checkout on Google’s servers, or through their own hosted shopping cart with either an HTML or XML-based API. Merchant’s will likely need to work with an experienced web developer for the API option, but the other options can be implemented by just about anyone with basic knowledge of HTML.
Although a merchant cannot collect credit card information independently and type it into their Google Checkout merchant account to process sales, they can use Google Checkout’s invoice emailing feature to request payment from a customer. If a buyer places an order via phone or fax, a merchant can generate invoices through his/her Google Checkout Merchant Center and email it to the buyer. The buyer is sent a link along with the invoice that allows him/her to confirm payment and shipping information. Unlike PayPal, Google Checkout does not offer a virtual terminal service for processing face-to-face transactions but does have a Google Checkout app for Android that allows Google Checkout sellers to accept payments from the Android app users.
Google Checkout Sales Strategy & Tactics | A+
Google uses no misleading sales tactics or marketing to promote Google Checkout. The service is primarily marketed online by other merchants and in search results.
Google Checkout Costs, Fees and Contract Terms | A
Like PayPal, there is no cost for setting up a Google Checkout account and merchants can cancel anytime without incurring a cancellation fee. Google Checkout, also like PayPal, has no monthly fees, but Google Checkout does not offer as many different services as PayPal. As of this review, the transaction fees for Google Checkout are:
Google Checkout Pricing
Additionally, Google Checkout has a surcharge of 1% if the buyer’s billing country is different from the seller’s. There is also a $10 fee for merchants found liable of a Chargeback and an additional $0.30 fee for each “partial capture” if a merchant selects to do so with a sale. Registered non-profits pay the same fees as above unless they are a Google Grants recipient. Currently Google Grants recipients get free processing through 2012 for donations received through Google Checkout.
Google Checkout Service, Complaints & Dispute Resolution | C
Google Checkout is a fairly popular service so, as to be expected, there are a few hundred complaints filed against it. However, the vast majority complaints come from buyers and not merchants. As for merchant complaints of Google Checkout, there were only a few that complained of slow customer service, a non-existent customer support phone line and return/refund issues. The majority of buyer complaints mirrored those of merchants but mostly pointed to problems with returns and refunds.
As of this review, Google Checkout only offers email support and a merchant forum to resolve issues. Because of this fact, the rating falls from what would have been an “A” rating for this section to a “C” rating.
Google Checkout Better Business Bureau Report | N/A
As of this review, Google Checkout is not listed with the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Bottom Line
Google Checkout offers a simple payment processing service that is ideal for online merchant that are just starting out. For more established merchants, Google Checkout can be implemented as an additional checkout option that can be paired alongside PayPal and a traditional merchant account giving the buyer the option to choose his/her favorite payment method.
With no setup fees, monthly fees and cancellation fees Google Checkout out is a great option for any seller wishing to accept online payments or donations. The ease of establishing account and the lack of other fees does mean higher transaction fees than most traditional merchant account setups. For most merchants, Google Checkout is best used as an additional credit card acceptance method rather than a sole option for collecting electronic payments.
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23 comments
tom pattiselanno
April 30, 2012 at 8:10 am (UTC -7)
On april 28th I began to use Google Checkout to pay for a purchase at Greentackle.com but backpaged out and used Green tackle’s payment option. I updated my Google Checkout info but didn’t complete the purchase with GC. They still charged my bank account $1.00. I can’t see ever using GC again.
B. Howard
April 12, 2012 at 3:22 pm (UTC -7)
I just bought something on-line using Google during the checkout. I had no idea that they would charge me $1 for a process that was not any easier than normal. In fact, it was worse. It kept asking me for my state when I had very plainly already included that information. I don’t need PayPal or Google because I already use a virtual credit card number each time I buy something on-line. I thought Google would be easier since I use their email program and they already have all my information. I really think this is a rip-off that the consumer is not told in advance that they will be charged $1.00 to use Google for check-out. I will never use them again.
Ramon Alvarez
April 1, 2012 at 8:34 am (UTC -7)
Where do I begin, lets start here….I have been a google customer since Google rolled out, with that said .. I have Gmail, Google Adwords, Google Places, Google +, Google SEO packages, Google Wallet and when I launched my website…Google Express Checkout Cart on my website….two weeks into launch of site everything
running smooth. March 28th, 2012 I woke up checked my E-mails as I do every morning, AND THERE IN MY GOOGLE INBOX……GOOGLE CLOSED MY GOOGLE CHECKOUT ACCOUNT…no explanation, no sympathy, no violations, no charge backs, no complaints, NO ANYTHING !!!! I went thru the roof….Email is the only thing available to contact google….I did that and response was even colder….Basically they can, they reviewed my account and said ” INCOMPATIBLE TO THEIR BUSINESS MODEL” and directed me to their
TOS…they will not tell you why, other than not to reapply. I had already shipped all products to my customers.
I was lucky…I lost about $400 in sales …and products shipped…again no explanations, no complaints, no chargebacks, Google is too big…Monopoly….I welcome a class action lawsuit against GOOGLE. I started to cancel everything with Google…EVERYTHING !! but what are you going to do without the number 1 search engine in the world? Google is the internet, they know it…a BULLY..
Rids Bruners
April 2, 2012 at 6:55 am (UTC -7)
Hi, what do you mean by “I welcome a class action lawsuit against GOOGLE”? You mean, there is a way to get back the money? I am in UK, have similar problem
Ramon Alvarez
April 3, 2012 at 5:45 am (UTC -7)
Rids Bruners, If others can come together, I would be part of that Law Suit, not having a process to resolve issues within THIS CONGLOMERATE is unacceptable, and yet they still solicit my advertising monies. If I don’t fit Google’s ” Business Model” why are they still soliciting my Click and Pay Business ? The worst thing is not knowing what I personally did as a merchant, that brought this closure. Maybe we should start a ” Down with Google Campaign”
Rids Bruners
April 4, 2012 at 3:08 pm (UTC -7)
Google has taken my money about 1400 in USD equivalent. I want to make this fact public, so that others do not get in the same trap. In turn, they are getting nasty and decrease my website rating. No use of “Anti google” campaigning ..
They cannot just take other people’s money and get away with it. In UK there is long procedure to “let them put things right”. That is, if you do not go bankrupt after 2 months, you can try to get your money back. No fines or any legal responsibility for them
Maybe in US somebody with balls to make “class action lawsuit” against google can change this situation. However, I do not believe it is likely
If you are still advertising with google, stop it. They maybe employ people around the US to click your ads for 0.1 cents/ click …
neal
April 12, 2012 at 2:59 am (UTC -7)
They have just cancelled my account for selling well known herbs that are safe and are benficial to health claiming that they are drugs. I tried to do as they said and impliment code to say you couldnt use google checout on the items they mentioned were breaking there policy but couldn’t. Then i just go rid of google checkout compleatly.
But they then sent me an email saying the money that was payed to me from customers I couldnt have, even though I had shipped the items and there was no way of getting them back. So basicaly I have been robbed by google!!
If there was a problem with what I am selling which there shouldn’t be any way, why did they take the customers money in the first place ? Why wait till money is changing hands before saying there is an issue? Seems to me the only reason is so they can then take the money for themselves and then blame you for it and make a tidy side line business of stealing from online merchants.
Rids Bruners
March 27, 2012 at 4:26 am (UTC -7)
Google Checkout began withholding payouts systematically since end of 2011. Looks like they have some serious problem. I have been merchant with them 4 years, and they withhold my money since January 2012. And there is no use of complaining, they send you some automatic generated text. Only way, perhaps, is to send them formal complaint by letter and after 2 months you can go to Financial Ombudsman. If there is any use of it.
Merchants, beware of Google Checkout, and think about something else. Do not get into this trap. If they owe you money, put banner on your website, let others know
Rids Bruners
March 27, 2012 at 3:44 am (UTC -7)
Hi, looks like this “Google Checkout” is going insolvent. I have been their merchant for 4 years. Since end of last year they systematically withhold payouts. And there is no means you can get your money out of them. They just send you automated response. The only way is to send them formal complaint, and after 2 months you can go to Financial Ombudsman. If there is any use of it.
Please tell other people NOT TO USE GOOGLE CHECKOUT, do not get into this trap. Merchants, put banners on your websites, if they owe you money
Gil
March 22, 2012 at 2:21 pm (UTC -7)
Your rating on Customer service is highly inaccurate… you gave it a C and it should be a FAIL – I’ve been a merchant with Google for almost 3 years…. maybe more…. and when the google systems works – everything is great – but when something goes wrong… there is virtually no customer service… even if you use their customer service email center, it’s a crap shoot if they will even respond to you or not. They can lock up your money without paying it out to you for months and months and there is no one you can contact
When there is no support phone service – and support will not respond to you through emails – where does that leave you? How can you build a business where the consumer product you offer is SERVICE, and then not provide any? I am a Google Checkout Merchant and I say Google Customer Support is a flat out FAIL!
Wai koh
March 20, 2012 at 5:49 pm (UTC -7)
I have pay for total cost by western union the car! Google checkout send me a email will tell me about the shipping detail ! But after all never let me know at all till now! I keep reply to them ! But them never send me any information ! What should I do? Can someone tell me! Is already after 3 day!
Yazmin
March 5, 2012 at 11:59 am (UTC -7)
My husband almost fell for the car fraud. theres a few people on craigs list selling cars and they use google checkout for the payment. i said right away nope thats not right why do they place in ad from a place thats 14 hours away from them? and y so cheap for such an expensive looking car. but he wanted to do it anyway but then i came to read the reviews and ofc im right. Other people have been scammed this way… When something seems to good to be true, it is to good to be true.
Matt Hawkins
February 21, 2012 at 4:33 pm (UTC -7)
We are a new business and have not had any complaints. Just recently out of the blue, Google Checkout stated that they were freezing the account and would in fact hold onto our funds even after the shipment had been processed and received. They provide no phone numbers, no live person that you can speak with, it is as though they are scamming everyone else, at random, as they please. For a company that states “We do no Evil”, they are about as low down as you can get. We have moved to another service, but still remain in limbo as to what our recourse may be and how in fact we can receive the funds that are ours. We provided a service, the customer paid, the customer received and no one filed a complaint. Where is there any ethical behavior on Google’s part?
Chris Whitley
December 19, 2011 at 3:10 pm (UTC -7)
I tried to set up an account with google checkout and it just isn’t happening. After three day of giving them all the info they ask for, I when from placing an order with an account, to an canceled order and suspended account, and when I gave them more personal information, they closed my account and won’t even tell me why or help in any way. Three day I have wasted trying to set up an account with them and I give up.
I finally contacted the company I needed to place an order from and they sent me to a sister company that takes paypal. No problem at all with paypal.
Last comment, google customer support is the worst I’ve seen in my life time. I guess everything would be fine if you just don’t need any help from them.
-Chris
mike
December 9, 2011 at 1:52 pm (UTC -7)
I have been a merchant customer of Google Checkout for years. I am not sure why, but I am moving to another vendor asap. They recently refunded an order to a customer without my knowledge and then charged me $10 to do so. I called the customer and they were kind enough to write a letter to Google telling them there was a mistake. There is NO PHONE NUMBER to call. Google to this day, months later, still has not reversed the fee. its funny, I pay them over, $1,300/month in transaction fees and they dont even provide me with a simple phone number to call about a MISTAKE of theirs. GOOGLE IS TERRIBLE AND THEY ARE TRYING TO BE SOMETHING THEY ARE NOT. THEY ARE NOT A TRANSACTION MANAGAMENT COMPANY.
Annette Bridges
December 11, 2011 at 10:32 am (UTC -7)
Yes, you cannot get to speak to a human at google and all you get is a generic response.
Google keep stating that they are regulated by the FSA. Yes I fully understand that, But we are “Merchants” and chose to employ Google to carry out the card transactions for us, whom in turn charge us for their services. We have to have a business bank account. To open a Business Bank Account you have to give all your personal and business details and all those details must check out.
Google are a transaction company.
They are NOT my BANK.
Why should they need a copy of my driving license and or passport.
My Bank Yes, a transaction company No?????
I think they are getting above their station!!!!
Norma Anderson
December 6, 2011 at 4:33 pm (UTC -7)
We were very impressed with how easy it was to order the product we wanted. And.. We were VERY surprised that the item was delivered so quickly. We would definitely order from them again-with the help of Google. thank you for making it so easy and quick.
Annette Bridges
November 21, 2011 at 2:25 pm (UTC -7)
Hello
I grow willow and would be classed as a micro industry.
I have been using Google Checkout since beginning of October 2010.
The last time I received a payment from them was 29th March 2011 it is now 21st Nov 2011.. They are withholding my payment as they said they were unable to verify some details from the details I had supplied. Nothing has changed. All my details have been the same for over 6 years.
Google have now asked for a passport or driving license. Yet when I opened the account they did not ask for passport or driving license. Why do they want now and what are they comparing it with.
They have no phone number and I keep getting the same generic answer that they are regulated by the FSA, I have contacted the FSA who also think this is odd.
I am lodging a complaint about them and will take it to the Banking Ombudsman.
Bernice Hicks
January 15, 2012 at 9:44 pm (UTC -7)
I’ve been reading some comments and complaints and must tell you of my recent nightmare. I was scammed by a woman claiming to sell a vehicle to us but convinced us to pay with a western Union money transfer and I bet you can guess the rest of the story. They had (the scammers) set up a phony site using Google Checkout logo’s and such and claimed they were the one’s holding the money until i retrieved the vehicle. While processing this whole scam I kept trying to contact Google checkout themselves to get some answers but had no luck. Like many of you have stated, there are no phone numbers to contact them so this gives the scammers a wide open opportunity to suck you in before you can get a response from Google. If there are any others out there like myself, I could really use some advice about how to stop this and catch these scum. Tomorrow I’ll be opening a case with the FBI in Salt Lake, Utah. If I had been able to contact Google Checkout to verify, this never would have happened, but the scammers know this. All I can say now is that I am very ashamed of myself for falling for this and am sick about it. Be careful, the scammers and the real Google Checkout look a lot alike.
Clarence Waller
January 31, 2012 at 4:04 am (UTC -7)
Would this happen to have been a Lady named, Sophia that showed the picture of the car in New Jersey, but said it was in Miami fl, but she has a mailing addr in Texas, they never gave a phone # but a person email me asking me to send him $4000. cash and the vehicle would be delivered. Is this the same person
Clarence Waller
January 31, 2012 at 4:00 am (UTC -7)
I’m thinking of buying a car from them but as you stated they give no number to reach them, and they want me to western union them $4000. cash and await the delivery of the vehiche, but all i have is a fax number to fax the receipt vertifying that the money has been sent.
WHAT DO U THINK
Ray
February 16, 2012 at 4:20 pm (UTC -7)
Never do a car deal like mentioned above. It is always a scam. If they tell you there is no risk because the money goes to escrow and you have 5 days to back out-run for the hills. The only way to do a long distance car deal is through a dealer or have some one local (mechanic; friend; unconnected 3rd party) go put their hands on the car and see the title too. NEVER send more than 100.00 deposit-then get a cheap ticket and fly in and drive home.
Cha
March 2, 2012 at 10:56 am (UTC -7)
This happened to us today… tried to pay through google check out but they want us to send cash via Western Union to Spain… duh… the seller is on a ship in Spain… car is in LA…called their bluff and said BIL was stationed in La and would look at the car and pay “her lawyer” (whom she said handled everything in LA) and drive it home for us.. of course no answer.. and yes we got fax # but no phone.. and the fax # is Ca area code..