Google has everything! It’s not just a search engine, but it offers services anyone would need on a daily basis - from e-mail, instant messaging, to news, maps and now shopping! Today, Google launches Google Checkout, a technology platform designed to streamline online shopping for both retailers and Web users. But is it safe?
Through the new shopping service, participating retailers can choose to place a Google Checkout logo on the shopping sections of their Web sites, and then turn over all transactional processing, including credit card billing, to Google. For us online shoppers, we can register with Google Checkout and avoid having to fill out shipping and billing information each time we shop on the participating sites. Sounding a bit like eBay’s PayPal? Google Checkout is a little different since it will not offer person to person money transfer like PayPal does.
Google is charging a flat fee for merchants to use the new service while advertisers get the service for free. Google will also display a Google Checkout link just below advertisers' text ads.
This is all great for Google’s advertisers, but what about us consumers? It seems like a great idea – less hassle for the stores and quicker shopping for us. But with identity theft as an issue, will our personal information be stolen? With Google’s secure servers, it’s unlikely, but you never know! When shopping online, look out for security logos like Verisign to ensure your information is kept secure. Happy shopping everyone!
