Why doesn't Google setup an auction site and integrate it with Google Checkout + Searches

norm · 17 Mar 2011 at 20:24

Seems like the only company with a big enough presence to challenge the Ebay/PayPal monopoly would be Google.

If they were to integrate their auction site with searches, like they do with adverts currently, they would instantly attract loads of attention.

bitslice · 17 Mar 2011 at 20:30

It would be great to give Ebay some competition, they overcharge I think.

sanaxe1 · 17 Mar 2011 at 20:35

norm · 17 Mar 2011 at 20:40

bitslice said:
It would be great to give Ebay some competition, they overcharge I think.

Exactly, and they aren't exactly forthcoming about the fees they do charge when you setup a listing.

End of auction fee + Paypal charge can often amount to 15% of the sale price, which is frankly ridiculous.

RomanNose · 17 Mar 2011 at 20:44

Anti trust is a good reason why they probably cannot.

stoke1863 · 17 Mar 2011 at 20:45

someone needs to give ebay a scare.

[FnG]magnolia · 17 Mar 2011 at 20:47

chaosdestro0 said:
Anti trust is a good reason why they probably cannot.

As a competitor of an organisation who have the whole market tied up? I don't see an issue with anti-competitive legislation but then IAMAL (competition law or otherwise).

GBH4 · 17 Mar 2011 at 20:49

Agree completely. Ebay and Paypal are a monopoly and need a serious competitor. Given the size Ebay has got and their worth, Google are one of the few companies that could compete.

It's not Ebay so much that I have grown to like it's Paypal. But the fees for auctions are now far too high.

Ebay does own 25% of craigslist.

sanaxe1 · 17 Mar 2011 at 20:54

And they own Gumtree.

godinman · 17 Mar 2011 at 20:59

That was brilliant.

Gackt · 17 Mar 2011 at 21:12

They could call it Gay.