Menu
Apologies if this is not a typical SO question, but I'm hoping that someone in the same situation will be able to help.
In some countries you cannot open a Google Merchant account, but you can open a Google Developer account. So, if you open a Google Developer account, but not have the ability to open a Merchant account, will you still be able to sell your apps or only give them away for free?
I'm asking because I've only ever developed for clients who sold their apps, but never sold an app myself and in my country (South Africa) you cannot register as a Google Merchant.
UPDATE:
For those listed outside of the countries below in my answer, take note that the Amazon Android developers does not currently have such a limitation, and that developer registration is currently free (at the time or writing). Payment is done by means of cheque.
912
Releasing your apps on Google Play The rich array of tools and features, coupled with numerous end-user community features, makes Google Play the premier marketplace for selling and buying Android applications.
If you plan to sell paid apps or in-app purchases, you have to create a Google Merchant Account. There you can manage app sales and your monthly payouts, as well as analyze sales reports.
How much does Google Play Store pay per download of an Android app? A. Google takes 30% of the revenue made on the Android app and gives the rest 70% to the developers.
Do I need to have a company to release a game on the Play Store? No. You can release games as an individual developer. You just have to follow instructions and your game will be uploaded.
OK, it cost me 25 US dollars to find out that being a Google developer does not entitle you to sell your apps. A registered developer can only publish free apps. You need to be a merchant to charge for applications.
This was the first thing I saw after logging in and following a link to 'sell your app':
Supported locations for merchants
Currently, developers in the below countries may register as Google Checkout merchants and sell paid applications:
Argentina* Australia Austria Belgium Brazil* Canada Czech Republic Denmark Finland France Germany Hong Kong Ireland Israel Italy Japan Mexico Netherlands New Zealand Norway Poland Portugal Russia* Singapore Spain South Korea Sweden Switzerland Taiwan* United Kingdom United StatesWe're working hard to add more countries, but we're unable to provide any guidance on timelines. Please stay tuned!
I just hope they use my 25 dollars wisely - that's good beer money.
Update:
I contacted Google support and they confirmed that you need to be a registered merchant to sell android applications.
54
I am a registered Google Developer with Paid apps for sale. It is not possible to sell paid apps without a Google Merchant Account as it handles all payments. You can, however, still offer free apps.
Edit: Also it is possible to monetize your free apps through ads and such still.
31
If you love us? You can donate to us via Paypal or buy me a coffee so we can maintain and grow! Thank you!
Donate Us With
