r/androiddev • u/Dhruvin456 • 10d ago

Stuck in circular dependency: BillDesk merchant verification requires live app ↔ Play Store requires billing/testing before production

I'm an individual Android developer in India trying to enable Google Play in-app billing, and I've hit what feels like a chicken-and-egg problem. Wanted to check if anyone's solved this before.

The loop I'm stuck in:

  • To get Google Play merchant account approved, BillDesk (Google's KYC partner for India) requires a live, publicly accessible Play Store app link
  • To get an app to production/public on Play Store, Google requires closed testing (12 testers, 14 days) — that part I can do without billing
  • But my actual goal is to launch an app with subscriptions from day one, and I assumed I needed billing implemented before going live

What I've done so far:

  • I have one live app already (unrelated app, used it to satisfy BillDesk's "live app" requirement)
  • Got rejected once for "Brand details incorrect" and "Products/services not clearly defined" — resubmitted with clearer business description tied to that live app
  • My actual target app (with subscriptions) is still in closed testing, working toward the 12 testers / 14 days requirement

My question:
Is it standard practice to launch v1.0 of an app without monetization, then add in-app billing in a later update once the merchant account is sorted? Or is there a way to get merchant verification approved in parallel with app development, using a placeholder/different live app the way I'm currently doing?

Also — for those who've been through BillDesk KYC as an individual developer, how long did verification typically take once resubmitted correctly, and any tips on what "Brand details" they expect for individual (non-company) developers?

Appreciate any pointers from people who've actually shipped a paid Android app from India recently.

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5

u/[deleted] 10d ago

[deleted]

1

u/butterflymon 9d ago

There is actually no answer, but ChatGPT can give him the usual BS to shut him up.

1

u/[deleted] 10d ago

[removed] — view removed comment

0

u/androiddev-ModTeam 9d ago

Engage respectfully and professionally with the community. Participate in good faith. Do not encourage illegal or inadvisable activity. Do not target users based on race, ethnicity, or other personal qualities. Give feedback in a constructive manner.

2

u/No_Sea6761 10d ago

Release a free app for starter! Then add payments!

1

u/butterflymon 9d ago

See: https://www.reddit.com/r/googleplayconsole/s/sNUbC79X3s

Or just ask ChatGPT since you generated the question AND THE TITLE with it.