Google has introduced various initiatives this year with a goal to make eCommerce more accessible to retailers of all sizes. Among the benefits for sellers, the tech giant removed product-listing fees on Google Shopping, and brought free listings to Search as well.
Last week Google announced a series of new changes that included a move to zero Google commission for purchases made through “Buy on Google” (aka Shopping Actions). This means that brands and retailers who participate in the Buy on Google checkout experience will no longer have to pay a commission fee. Effectively, this move will attract a broader range of retailers – and shoppers – to Google Shopping, and help the tech giant better compete against the major players in the eCommerce world.
What this means for you?
If you’re brand new to selling on Google through Shopping Actions, you will be invited to onboard directly to this new 0% commission version of the program.
If your store is already live on the platform, you will be invited to migrate your account to the new version with 0% commission over the next few weeks. Starting July 30, your commission rate will be automatically capped at 5% or less.
Make digital commerce more accessible
In addition, Google will open up its platform to third-party providers, starting with Shopify for inventory and order management and PayPal and Shopify for payment processing. This allows retailers to continue using the tools and services that already work for their business – essentially enabling a smooth transition for sellers, as well as consumers.
To simplify its tools and make them more compatible with merchants’ existing processes, Google is enabling commonly-used product feed formats that allow sellers to connect their inventory to sell directly on Google without having to reformat their data. Retailers will also be able to add product information (like images or technical specs) by pulling from Google’s existing database rather than having to upload it themselves.
According to Bill Ready, President of Google’s Commerce Division, Google has seen a significant increase in demand to buy from and support small businesses, and in order to help people discover these smaller merchants, Google plans to add a new small business filter on the Google Shopping tab.
With zero commission, and simplified onboarding, it will become easier for retailers to sell their products through the Google Shopping program. For consumers, this will eventually mean a larger variety of products available on Google search. As a Google Premier Partner, Mason Interactive is ready to answer any questions you may have about the new changes. Contact us for more information.