PayPal Launches Channel Program

PayPal says it decided to launch a formal program -- for e-commerce service providers that integrate its Express Checkout tool -- in response to an increased need for partner support.

"Partners were asking how to get in touch with the right resources at PayPal to help with the integration merchants are asking for," says Gene Alston, business development director at PayPal.

The new program includes technical support, best practices guides and co-branded marketing collateral. Partners that achieve certification are also eligible for bonuses. Service providers can earn a bonus on their first integration and then can earn up to $1,000 in compensation for each additional merchant integration.

"We want to really drive that first integration, and then we'll provide ongoing incentives tied to transaction volume," Alston says.

In addition, all new partners will be listed in the company's online solutions directory.

Since launching its Google Checkout tool last June, the search leader has aggressively tried to gain share in the market dominated by PayPal. It reportedly dumped nearly $60 million into promoting the new tool last year.