As it dives deeper into the world of e-commerce, Google is looking to become even more of an open platform with some major changes it just announced that are good news for merchants. Soon, you’ll be able to sell on Google Shopping Actions for free, with new tools and improved payment processing options.
Now, everything about Google Shopping is free
Back in April, Google made it free to list products on the Shopping tab. Then last month, they announced that free listings would be coming to Google Search in the United States. (Google search engine Ads still exist, but you don’t need to buy them to participate in Shopping Actions.)
In its latest open-platform move, Google is now making Google Shopping Actions free of commission fees for buyer purchases.
Summary of the coming changes
Buyers can use Google Pay commission-free, plus you can now offer additional payment processing options.
You’re no longer stuck with the single payment processing option with Google Pay. You can also offer PayPal, for customers who prefer paying that way. (Though PayPal will still charge its commission.) The new Google Shopping Actions will let you integrate your preferred payment service providers with your Merchant Center account. Right now it’s just PayPal, but others will be added soon. If your store is not yet integrated with PayPal you can view this article for help.
Your PayPal account will show all transactions, and the settlement reports in your Merchant Center account will be updated to reflect PayPal transactions.
Customer support comes from you, with a Google Guarantee backup.
Google wants merchants to communicate and resolve issues directly with customers wherever possible. However, if a customer isn’t satisfied they can still file a Google Guarantee claim that will be handled by Google customer support.
To make sure you are ready to sell on Google Shopping actions, now would be a good time to reconfirm your customer service contact email in Merchant Center.
New options for return labels
For merchants currently in the Shopping Actions program, Google generates return labels on your behalf and charges a flat $5.50 per label. They use your provided carrier account information for billing. Going forward, you can opt to manage returns yourself with your carrier of choice, or continue with Google’s return services.
Amazon feed compatibility
Soon, Amazon feed files from participating merchants will be mapped to work automatically in Google Merchant Center. If you have full product data and want to create products, or you want to update your existing products, auto-matching will make that possible. Or, if you want to match your products to Google’s product catalog or update your inventory it will also save you a lot of time. You can also add data for price and quantity updates.
This new Shopping Actions free model has a lot of advantages. It will allow you to use your own payment provider and customer service policies, giving you a wider range of options for many of your routine processes. And, no more commission fees when they use Google Pay. Who could say no?
How to get signed up with the new Shopping Actions free program
Google is currently preparing to launch the free commission program. Applications are now open for merchants who want to be among the first to start selling with the new version of Google Shopping.
If you’ve never sold before on Shopping Actions:
You must complete a detailed interest form and then wait for a response. If you satisfy all of the business and technical requirements, you will be invited to join the program. Pay close attention to every field, especially the payment processing information, and double-check that you have filled in all the requested information which proves you’re a qualified seller.
If your store is already live on the platform:
Over the next few weeks, Google will be inviting you to migrate your account to the new version with 0% commission. When it’s time to migrate, you just need to accept the new Terms of Service and you’ll be all set. In the meantime, your commission rate is automatically capped at 5% or less.
To get started with a new signup, use this link to get on the waitlist: GET STARTED
