Google checkout - is it any good?

[suesjools]

After my not-so fun recent experience with Paypal, I am looking to maybe switch to another online payment service. I was reading about Google checkout the other day, but didn't get a lot out of the info. Google posted, and the forum was a real mixed bag, some praise, some disparaging remarks, some so-so.

So, I'm wondering if any sellers use Google checkout, and, if so, does Google checkout provide similar services to Paypal, (as currency conversion, bank account transfers, etc.) and are their fees similar to Paypal's for a basic seller account? Also, do you like using Google checkout, or would you recommend another service (besides Paypal) instead of Google checkout?

I hate to say it, but to be perfectly honest, I don't like using a service (like Paypal) that's associated with Feepay, and would gladly switch to Google checkout, or a similar online payment service offering the same services Paypal does at a comparable price with the same or, hopefully, better seller protection.

Any and all info. would be greatly appreciated.

Best wishes for many good sales to all,

[bykimbo]

I use it as both a buyer and seller. As a seller it's always worked fine. As a buyer it doesn't do much for you if your seller lets you down.

[suesjools]

Thanks, Kimbo, that helps a lot to know those 'in the know' recommend it.

I have been let down by Paypal many times as a seller, and would really like to switch services.

Just one more thing: do they have currency conversion and allow bank transfers of funds like Paypal?

Best wishes for many good sales to all,

[TiasTreasures]

I like it as a seller, because the money goes straight into my bank account. Google Checkout doesn't hold my money ransom.

I haven't used it as a buyer, I will if I ever buy something where it's an option just to check it out. I think buyers in the U.S. get the protection of our credit card laws, but nothing specifically offered by Google Checkout itself.

[bykimbo]

I can't remember if I've ever used it Internationally, sorry. As Tia says, your payments are forwarded to your bank promptly; you don't have to request a withdrawal.

[suesjools]

That's good to know about the auto transfer of funds. I tried reading some more about Google checkout and got thoroughly confused, (not too surprising as I'm not a financial whiz by any stretch), but I did get the sense that the transaction costs involved are similar to Paypal's.

Definitely something to look into once this whole Paypal dispute issue is resolved. In the meantime, I'll be taking a stores holiday once HerMajesty's auction items are completed and all items safely mailed out, as I don't want to risk sales coming through while Paypal decides whether or not I'm 'honest,' (after fully refunding the buyer who kept my items).

Thanks again and best wishes for many good sales to all,

[Bohemian]

Have you tried Moneybookers yet ?

[suesjools]

No, I don't know anything about it. Is it similar to Google checkout and Paypal?

Best wishes for many good sales to all,

[PoppyGrove]

I also use both paypal and google as both seller & buyer.

Re the overseas part - I had a lovely USA buyer pay by google, but as I'd invoiced in GBP, and she paid by GBP. I can't remember if I've ever used google for my overseas purchases - probably have but can't recall - which is good as it means if I have everything went according to plan at my end with no hiccups

[suesjools]

Thanks, that is good info., especially the no hiccups part. I think I will have plenty of time to do more research between now and the end of the month when Paypal decides what to do to me.

Best wishes for many good sales to all,