Google Cloud Seller Guide

Understanding Google Cloud Basics

Google Cloud operates on a consumption-based model where customers are billed monthly based on their actual usage from the previous month. This provides flexibility for businesses to scale their cloud resources according to their needs.

• Consumption-based model: Pay only for what you use
• Monthly invoicing: Based on the previous month's usage
• Dynamic pricing: Calculate costs using the Online Monthly Calculator

Subscription Management

One of the key advantages of Google Cloud is the flexibility to adjust resources as needed throughout the lifecycle of your subscription.

You can increase or decrease usage any time during the subscription lifecycle. The customer is billed based only on what was actually used, providing cost efficiency and flexibility.

Suspending Subscriptions

When a customer decides to stop using a Google Billing Account, follow these steps:

1. Submit the subscription suspension through the Cloud Platform ( see also How To Suspend Subscription for the Customer)
2. Ensure all resources have been migrated if the customer wants to change to a different partner
3. Verify that access to the Google Billing Account is removed after suspension

Setting Up New Customers

There are two main options for setting up new customers with Google Cloud:

Option A: Customer Self-Registration

1. Customer visits accounts.google.com
2. Customer creates a new Google Account
3. With the newly created account, customer places an order through Cloud Platform

Option B: Direct Order Placement

1. Customer places an order for Google Cloud directly from Cloud Platform
2. Customer's account with Google is automatically registered with Admin credentials
3. System captures Admin name, surname, and email for account management

Managing Existing GCP Accounts

For customers with existing GCP accounts, the process requires coordinating the customer's registered email address.

Linking Billing Accounts

1. End-customer or reseller needs to place an order through Cloud Platform for Google Cloud
2. Use the customer's registered email address that they use for google.console
3. The end-customer will receive a "Welcome email" to the provided Admin email address

This email confirms that the admin has received permissions to use a Billing Account named "Reseller name – Organization name" and includes instructions for assigning projects to the Billing account.

Next Steps After Account Setup

1. Admin logs in to the Google Account at https://console.cloud.google.com/billing/projects
2. For new accounts, admin creates a project at https://console.cloud.google.com/projectcreate
3. Admin assigns resources to projects, ensuring each project is linked to the ordered Billing Account

Creating and Managing Projects

When creating new projects, the Admin must:

1. Enter a descriptive project name
2. Select the appropriate billing account from the dropdown menu
3. Choose the organization location
4. Click "CREATE" to finalize the project setup

Assigning Billing Accounts to Existing Projects

For existing projects without a billing account:

1. Navigate to the Billing section within the project
2. Click "Link a billing account" or "Manage billing accounts"
   
3. Select the appropriate billing account from the list and lick Change billing
   
4. Confirm the assignment
   

Limitations

• Testing billing accounts require careful management to avoid unintended charges
• Disabling billing on active subscriptions may cause service disruptions
• Switching between billing accounts requires careful migration of resources
• Partners cannot edit invoice contract currency via UI. For newly onboarded Sellers, invoice contract currency will be inherited from the parent contract. To change this, submit a support request.

Summary

This guide explains Google Cloud's consumption-based model, where customers are billed monthly based on actual usage. It covers how to manage subscriptions, including scaling resources and suspension processes. The article outlines two methods for setting up new customers and provides detailed instructions for managing existing GCP accounts, including linking billing accounts and creating projects. It also highlights important limitations and warnings regarding billing account management.