Google Shopping/ Writing on the Wall/ Commercial (closed to new replies)

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Graceful Antiques on June 1, 2012 at 6:41pm

Today’s changes are a first step toward providing technology, tools and traffic to help power the retail ecosystem.

---------------

This was my favorite line in my original link from Google. 

Permalink Reply by Another Time Antiques on June 2, 2012 at 1:14am

As I was working today on my page here, it became apparent to me how important this site will become to it's members!  TVV is an excellent and steady referral source for my two shops.  All the related links, posts, keywords, pictures, etc help make each individual's shop more visible.

Another round of applause for The Vintage Village!

Permalink Reply by WhimsicalVintage on June 2, 2012 at 6:40am

I think I sensed from the beginning of the vintage craze that the big retailers weren't going to take kindly to "used" items being sold...as they began to copy and sell vintage designs (think of the repercussions that'll have to those trying to date/research items in 30 years).  As Ebay, Paypal and Google grew, it just seemed the "American" way that they would snuggle up to the big money companies.  As if it's not bad enough that they push the small business owner out with reproductions (not every purchaser has the "green" concept in mind), now they muscle in with Google search.  I'm hoping that new focus on small business and going green will benefit us as we lose footing in the "Search" arena. 

My guess would be that Etsy, Ruby Lane, Tia's and the others heard about this awhile ago and hopefully have plans in place.  We, as sellers, will have to restructure our business plans, once again.

All that being said, I believe that this "problem" is one that American business owners have struggled with since the formation of our country...struggling to keep up with the big guys:)  It's all about information and adaptation...which is keeping my mind young at middle age!lol

I found this paragraph interesting

"In addition, merchants who want to stand out from the crowd can choose to
participate in our new Google
Trusted Stores program. Google Trusted Stores is a badge for e-commerce
sites which gives users background on merchants—whatever their size—including
ratings for on-time shipping and customer service. Google stands behind
merchants that have earned the Google Trusted Stores badge with a $1,000
lifetime purchase protection guarantee per shopper."

I'm wondering how this will effect those who don't use a feedback system and how will this effect the new seller sign up process for sites such as Etsy?

All in all very interesting and I'm very thankful for the access to to knowledge that VV offers - I too would have missed this for awhile - Many thanks to everyone!!!

Permalink Reply by Another Time Antiques on June 2, 2012 at 10:27pm

Until I hear otherwise from Etsy officially, I'm not changing anything except continued self promotion as always.

Like in VV ;)

Permalink Reply by ElsiesAttic ~ CEO on June 2, 2012 at 10:53pm

So let me get this right... you will have to pay a fee to be in the Google shopping results, but the regular normal searching system will remain free?

The point being that if you want to in a system with more precise results, you will have to pay for it as opposed to hoping you end up being found in all the possible results there are for the key words searched... is that right?

Permalink Reply by CheriShops - Admin on June 3, 2012 at 7:11am

That is about right Lora but the biggies like eBay will be paying up and there is still no guarantee the products their sellers submit will be any more relevant or not have the "keyword spam" that they already do! All this really means is the big guys win again.

here is the latest update from Ina   http://www.auctionbytes.com/cab/abu/y212/m06/abu0312/s01

IN that article she says all marketplaces were caught "off guard" by this announcement, just like the little guys with their own websites. She also confirms this will not directly affect organic search per se, but will indirectly.

Permalink Reply by ElsiesAttic ~ CEO on June 3, 2012 at 5:14pm

You would think they make enough money as it is.... but... maybe the idea is to weed out the folks who do not sell online full time???? I understand their perspective but it really stinks. It really does slap down the little guy who is just trying to make a few extra dollars here and there IMHO.

Permalink Reply by WhimsicalVintage on June 4, 2012 at 6:55am

I thought about that Lora.  The possibility of this being a "clean up the online marketplace" attempt....on the other hand, we all know that it usually boils down to the almighty dollar.  I wouldn't even say the part timers but more the fly by nighters...who sell and run, leaving a path of dissatisfied customers in their wake and giving a bad name to all of us.   When you look at the paragraph that I quoted (and that program - Google Trusted Stores -  is optional) it tends to make me think they are going for a more professional approach...but who knows:) 

I am concerned that all marketplaces were caught "off guard" and that seems very odd.  Changes to the Etsy system over the past 6 months lead me to believe that they saw this coming - in retrospect- but it could be coincidental.  Changes to keywords, pic sizing, search-ability, their own DC Checkout (which requires more background info) and now changes to listing fees (no extra charge for multiple items of the same listing) probably because they'll eventually raise the listing fee itself to compensate for the google charges.

...just my thoughts but time will tell

Permalink Reply by ElsiesAttic ~ CEO on June 4, 2012 at 1:43pm

that all makes sense Pam...

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• 2
• Next ›
• Page