Google Introduces Google Checkout

By Niladri Sekhar Nath

TMCnet Contributing Editor

 

Google Inc. has introduced Google Checkout to help Google (News - Alert) users shop online in a faster, more convenient and more secure way. Thanks to Google Checkout, users will be able to purchase from participating stores with a single Google login.

According to a press release, Google Checkout will also work with Google's search advertising program, AdWords, so that merchants can get new customers and process all or a portion of their Checkout sales for free. All existing payment methods such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover are application to Google Checkout.

“By integrating the checkout process with search and advertising, we're helping our users complete the cycle of searching, finding and buying,” said Salar Kamangar, vice president of product management at Google, in a press statement.



Google Checkout is designed to simplify and enhance the online purchase experience for both consumers and merchants.

Those who want to use Google Checkout will have to create a Google Checkout login right from the merchant’s site with a single username and password. To create Google Checkout login, shoppers need to provide basic information such as their contact details, payment preferences and shipping information.

The login will help users check out at any store which offers Google Checkout by selecting the Google checkout option. They won’t have to fill out multiple forms anymore.

Google Checkout is advantageous for online buyers in more ways than one. The service keeps the buyer credit card number secret. It offers reimbursement for unauthorized purchases as well. Shoppers can also turn off unwanted email from the stores where they shop.

From the merchants’ perspective, Google Checkout could be quite profitable as well. It helps online shop administrators reorganize the checkout process. The Google Checkout icon on AdWords advertisements helps shoppers find Google Checkout stores when they search.

For more information, visit http://checkout.google.com.

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Niladri Sekhar Nath is a contributing writer for TMCnet covering telecommunications, service providers and networking.