June 30, 2006 – (HOSTSEARCH.COM) – Google Inc. has announced the launch of Google Checkout (http://checkout.google.com), an online shopping solution which according to the company “makes online shopping faster, more convenient and more secure for Google users”.
Google Checkout enables Google users to purchase from participating stores using a standard Google login. Checkout also utilizes Google’s AdWords program allowing vendors to receive a portion of their Checkout sales for free – for every $1 merchants spend on AdWords, they can process $10 in sales through Google Checkout.
"By integrating the checkout process with search and advertising, we're helping our users complete the cycle of searching, finding and buying," suggested Google’s Vice President of Product Management, Salar Kamangar. "In the offline world, shoppers don't tolerate long lines and tedious data entry just to buy something. They shouldn't have to in the online world either. Google Checkout simplifies and improves the online purchase experience for both consumers and merchants."
Google Checkout offers a fairly straightforward approach to online shopping. Stores that accept the gateway display the Google Checkout icon (which can also appear on AdWords advertisements). Shoppers wanting to use Google Checkout create a Google Checkout login at an online shopping site with a single username and password. They enter information such contact details, payment preferences, and shipping information. When they check out of the site, they simply select Google Checkout to complete a transaction.
One of the key advantages of the Google Checkout system is that it allows users to track online purchases in a single place. The system also allows users to make purchases through more traditional means such as Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.
