Google Checkout

[steve]

Hi All.

Are any of you using Google Checkout on your sites?

Is it any good?

Thanks

Steve.

[Matt]

I have used it on a few projects but most people still seem to prefer PayPal or Credit/Debit card.

I guess Google Checkout is still quite new and I would guess has a mainly "geek" user base.

[shinningstar]

I seldom use google checkout. For me, it's more convenient to use paypal services. It's commonly used worldwide.

[Ice794]

Paypal owns the show at the moment, and will continue to do so for a while.

I also use Paypal.

Google will steadily improve the Checkout Service and will probably become more widespread as they take over other services.

[use-IP]

I use Google Checkout, so far so good ....

The main benefits are that for every £10 you spend on Google Adwords they will allow you £10 of transactions on your website to be handled for free. At the moment this means that I am paying nothing for processing credit cards.

I can even email somebody an invoice with a link to pay a pre-determined amount via Google Checkout e.g. if they ask me to source something which is not in my webshop and set up to sell.

No other payment handling service required.

Google check the fraud risks and pre-approve whether it is safe to go ahead with the transaction. If they say it is safe then you are covered by them (we shall have to see what occurs in that eventuality, but no problems so far).

Money from online transactions is placed straight into your account a few days after the order is received.

I perceived that PayPal's reputation is not great; all is well when things are going OK, but if you have to communicate with them they are a nightmare.

I think there was a survey a few weeks back that named Google as the most respected brand name in the world? I guess I am banking on people trusting Google (no pun intended).

A know that a few of my purchasers have had to set up Google Checkout accounts just to make the purchase, but for those I have spoken to none have seen it as a problem.

Google Checkout is being used by some fairly major name sites (http://www.google.com/checkout/m.html) nowadays.

[Matt]

Thanks Use-IP that's some good info. Just one thing, when you say google offsets your adwords spend against you checkout account, do you mean they give you 10 worth of transaction fees for free?

Matt.

[use-IP]

Yes.
Based upon the amount that you spent in your Google Adwords account in the previous month, they multiply that spend by ten, and allow you to transact that amount fee-free this month.

Example
Spend £50 on Adwords in July
You can transact £500 of credit card takings online in August fee-free.

(they actually do an odd little shuffle where they take their normal 1.5% fee due, then the next day realise that you had credit so they give it back!!)

[use-IP]

Just thought to mention another thing - you get a badge:D!

If you use Google Checkout and Adwords, then whenever your Adwords are displayed they are shown with a badge that shows that you are a Google Checkout merchant.

Seems to make your ads stand out a bit more.

Maybe lends a bit of instant Google-trust!?!?!

Also, immediately makes it clear that you are an online shop.

[Matt]

I have just had a look at their list of users. They have some big names there. I think I may give it a try on one of my stores.

[DianaR]

I doubt that Google Checkout will ever catch on. Folks are getting pretty tired of Google being EVERYWHERE!