There's some interesting tip off for our merchants and entrepreneurs.

Google has launched Google Shopping for Suppliers in a low profile manner. Its earlier service- Google Shopping is much popular already in the 9 countries it is available in.  But with this latest addition to its business solutions, Google has attempted to provide the merchants a mainstream platform. 

The crux of this latest introduction is that it is "beta designed to help buyers discover suppliers who can fulfill their business needs" with details of products on offer and price listings.

What's different this time around is that Google certifies the registered merchants with a customized "Verified Supplier" batch, who have cleared the verification process. The 4 objective parameters covered in this process include:

1. Basic Company Information

2. Its Location and Factory sites

3. Credit worthiness 

4. Authorized Company representative data

This is a major expansion move for Google in the B2B marketing services as against a narrow connectivity drive with customers earlier. Currently the service only lists vendors from the electronics industry. The verification fees required of the enlisting supplier varies according to the nationality. While an American supplier is required to pay fairly $1000, the Chinese ￥6000 with 6% VAT and those from Hong Kong $7500, annually.

After certification, the merchants can come out in open to supply products in bulk. All that the interested buyers need to do is to use the "Inquire" button to peruse details. The listings are strictly in US dollar denomination while some European sites have also caught wind of this launch; but largely the policy framework has been spelt out clearly. Both the parties are satisfied alike by this move it seems.

But a word of caution here merchants and buyers. The pricing, tax, shipping costs, and refund policies are different from the Google Shopping stipulations. Remember to read the T&C carefully before plunging in head first! 

If this move adds to the user experience or not is a long shot for the time being. However the small power in the hands of the users is that  they can report their product concerns in case the supplier is an unverified company by filling up a simple complaint form.

Google has worked out its business strategy well, to add some big fat dollars to its coffers . The businesses involved can get a wide visibility globally because Google integrates the merchant details into its web search results; however in the "sponsored" section as of now. How individual owners take a competitive leapfrog is a different ball game.

It sure seems like a new tangent in the changing commercial turf, that's increasingly going from B2B to B2C business model.

Readers can check out the detailed shopping policy here.

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