Claiming Google LBL - Exhausted validation requests?

[SwipeTheMagnets]

Hey everyone.

Here's the situation:
In trying to claim a client's LBL in G, I've requested validation for the site 5 times by postcard and 5 times by phone (the client was told the process and what it entails, but they are, how should I put this, lazy). Now they are going crazy because it has not been claimed, so for the umpteenth time I log in to my LBC and attempt verification yet again, and I receive the following:

The information provided isn't eligible for verification. More info can be found under Google Maps Help .

So apparently there's a limit in the number of verification requests you can make? What now?

[Silvery]

I think you'll have to write in for help under Google Maps Group forums, though they're inconsistent about responding.

You might also try setting up a new and separate Google account and trying to claim the listing through LBC that way.

It's irritating when clients can't confirm the code, isn't it?

[rmjvol]

Hadn't run into that. Hopefully you can get help @ G Groups as Silvery suggested.

My process for helping clients claim listing:
1) Call them on a non-business phone line, like their cell. I've occasioanlly seen G to have trouble with call waiting.
2) Remote control into their computer.
3) I drive their computer & fill in the fields for them.
4) Trigger the G phone call to their biz line.
5) They/I enter the verification code.

Almost always works.

[inbound]

Although you might not like this response, I'd say that Google has every reason not to promote a business that has failed to complete validation 10 times - what does that say about the ability of the business to deal with customer issues. If I was Google I'd have a metric on that; their laziness may spill over to other aspects of their business.

[rmjvol]

I see the point & agree that it reflects poorly on the business. However.... I think what you suggest is just opening up the door to rampant abuse. ... just asking for ppl to try to sabotage the competition.

Most small businesses have no clue about what we do & how G really works. Would seem pretty easy for someone to register a fake google acct & then start verification on the competition. A biz that's not Google savvy & not expecting a verification call/postcard will almost certainly ignore the calls & postcards.

I think penalizing for failed verification would be too easy to abuse.