Information about Google Checkout... - Virtual Assistant Forums

#1 (**permalink**) 03-26-2008

Has anyone used the Google Checkout to invoice their clients? I currently use the Paypal email invoice option and I'm trying to see if it's an alternative to Paypal...they offer one rate for the processing fees and seem to be a good alternative.

Any thoughts?

#2 (**permalink**) 03-26-2008

I will have to check into it, I love Google everything so it could very well be an alternative.

#3 (**permalink**) 03-26-2008

Lahesha, I haven't ever considered switching from Paypal but took a look at the Google Checkout fees info - the 2% plus .20 cents fee certainly seems reasonable - the only thing about it that makes me a bit nervous is that all transactions are processed via credit card, which in it's very nature increases the chances of chargebacks....not that it happens alot but I've heard enough horror stories to prefer to at least offer other methods.

Does anyone else here use Checkout for invoice processing?

#4 (**permalink**) 03-26-2008

From the site:

Quote:

Guaranteed Payment: Checkout's Payment Guarantee protects 98% of Checkout orders on average -- when an order is guaranteed, you get paid even if it results in a chargeback.

With its proprietary fraud detection technology, Google Checkout works to protect you from unwarranted chargebacks. In cases where you are found liable for a chargeback, you'll be charged the full amount of the chargeback plus an additional $10 chargeback fee. Learn more about how Google Checkout protects you from fraud with our Chargeback Resolution Policy and Payment Guarantee Policy.

Sounds like a good option with comprehensive chargeback investigations, though I think, like Tess, I will offer multiple payment options. I have often wished to pay for goods or services with PayPal and it wasn't available.

#5 (**permalink**) 03-26-2008

Originally Posted by BinAL

From the site:

Sounds like a good option with comprehensive chargeback investigations, though I think, like Tess, I will offer multiple payment options. I have often wished to pay for goods or services with PayPal and it wasn't available.

But they don't guarantee intangible/virtual goods and services...so I don't think that otherwise generous offer would apply to us as virtual service providers.

#6 (**permalink**) 03-13-2009

I'm curious if anyone has learned anything new about Google Checkout?

#7 (**permalink**) 03-13-2009

I've only used it to buy stuff and I found it a little... I want to say "juvenile", but that's not right. I had several problems using it. It's been a while though.

For the fees, you may as well get your own merchant account. If you use Quickbooks, apply through them and you can integrate it with Billing Solutions - it's fabulous. You can set up clients on automatic payments, you can send them invoices where they click a button and pay you like magic. I'm a believer in getting your own merchant account. But that's an opinion

I've also heard good things about callipay, which is kind of like paypal.

#8 (**permalink**) 06-16-2009

Does anyone only use Google checkout? Or do most people use Paypal? I hate Paypals fees and would love a good alternative.

#9 (**permalink**) 06-29-2009

I am going to have to test this out and post to everyone and let them know if it's good. I have looked all over this forum for someone who has actually used this, but I haven't found anyone who can say it's good or bad. . . So far, It's been Super Easy to setup. I'll keep you guys posted if you want to know.

#10 (**permalink**) 07-17-2009

This is an interesting thread. I'm in the process of deciding whether I want to use PayPal. Right now my one client either hands me a check when we meet or mails it to me. But, as I grow I want options.

I've checked out the site - and maybe I just can't see it - but I don't understand how you get your money from PayPal. Any info would be very helpful.

Thanks.

Carol

#11 (**permalink**) 07-17-2009

I use Google checkout. So far I happy with the service. I checked into PayPal before, but they charged more in fees.

#12 (**permalink**) 07-17-2009

Hi everyone,

I used Google Check out on my handbag website. The only thing I don't like about it is that YES they do, do charge backs, for instance if someone didn't like the handbag all they have to do is say "I didn't like the product" Google then takes the money out of my bank account without making sure I received the merchandise back. PayPal does not do this, that is why I only use PayPal for my handbag site. I am too afraid to use Google Check out anymore.

Andrea

#13 (**permalink**) 09-23-2009

I signed up for Google Checkout a couple of months ago, and even though there's a little bit of delay in the payout I thought it was great. That is until last week, OUT OF THE BLUE, they sent me an email saying they had closed my account and refunded the payments I had waiting to be paid out. The reason they gave was that I had somehow violated the Terms of Use, but they gave no specifics, and I cannot imagine what it would be. I studied all the terms again, every policy and procedure, but I can't find a single reason of why I would be in violation!

They go on to say in the email that they don't have to provide a specifc reason, and basically there's nothing I can do to find out what it is. They also blocked all aceess to my account so I can even see the transaction history, ect.

Finally, I did find the option to appeal the decision, and submitted a copy of my EIN letter from the IRS, a copy of my State ID, a copy of the last three invoices to my clients (along with their contact information), an explanation of my services, and the nature of my business, as well as an explanation of how I get my clients. EVERYTHING they asked for me to verify plus some! The only thing I've heard back so far was a web page saying thank you for submitting the documents.

There is no number to contact for customer service, or anywhere else to go for help or resolution. Again, I've done nothing wrong and can't see why they would without any notice cancel my account.

To make matters worse, the payment they refunded was for a retainer contract for a regular client. Since, as far as I knew the payment was verified, charged to their card, and all but received on my end I began services. Now, since they can't charge the cost to their credit card, they are unable to pay me YET for the hours I've already worked (and those remaining on the contract.) So, I'm basically out that money for the time being and there's indication of how long Google will take (if ever) in resolving their issues.

So . . .while up until last week I would have sang Google's praises, I'm left growling instead. If they are quick to resolve things on their end, and reinstate my account, I might be able to excuse the things in lieu of making sure everything is legit (preventing any fraud). But, if they not timely or delay things at all, then I not only pass on a strong cautionary statement but a LOUD WARNING.

The clients I have used Google Check Out with are ones I've been working with for quite a while. So, everyone involved in the transactions is credible and ethical. The way they CLOSED my account, without any inquiry or NOTICE leaves me feeling unfairly suspect of some kind of wrong doing. I'm not so sure I'll be able to forget that.

I'll keep you posted on the results as they come in.

Danielle,
GIRL Citizen

#14 (**permalink**) 09-23-2009

Hi Danielle,

Have you switched to PayPal yet? or will you be waiting until Google gets back with you? As a suggestion I would switch your clients over to PayPal and once everything is resolved then you can switch them back.

Take Care,
Andrea