Google Checkout Review

GOOGLE CHECKOUT HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED BY GOOGLE. This article is preserved as an archive only.

One of the concerns that many online shoppers have these days is worry over identity theft. They are wary of entering their credit card numbers on various Web sites, concerned that the numbers might bet stolen by unscrupulous identity thieves. This is why third-party payment is becoming more popular.

Third-party payment

Third-party payment is an arrangement in which someone else handles transactions. The buyer signs up with a payment service, and only has to enter his or her information with one entity. Sellers that accept a particular third-party payment service, such as Google Checkout, are paid with money going directly to their account. The seller never sees the personal payment information of the buyer.

Google Checkout has been growing in popularity since its inception a few years ago, and more people are using it. Indeed, Google Checkout is gaining popularity as a traditional merchant account replacement because it can process credit card transactions, sometimes at a lower price (although this is true of other third-party payment options as well).

Google Checkout Review

For many small business merchants doing business online, a traditional merchant account can get pricey. With something like Google Checkout, though, many of those costs can be reduced. However, it is important to note that third-party payment systems like Google Merchant Account do not always have the same services as those offered by more traditional merchant accounts. Take your needs into account before committing.

One of the advantages that Google Checkout has is that it is connected to the AdWords network. If you are using AdWords, then you get a little badge next to your business link. It can draw more attention to your business. Additionally, the Google Merchant Account fees are also based on your AdWords account use:

• No transaction fees if your sales total up to 10 times the amount you spend on AdWords.
• If your sales exceed 10 times your monthly AdWords spend, or if you do not advertise with AdWords, you pay 2% plus 20 cents per transaction.

There are no monthly fees, and no setup fees. And you don’t have to advertise with AdWords to use Google Merchant Services(although you get extra benefits if you do).

Recently, Google added a shopping cart feature that makes things easier for customers. Instead of having to go through the process with each item, Google has added a shopping cart that allows for additions and other changes. This should make the application more attractive overall to customers.

On the downside, however, is the fact that not everyone uses Google Checkout. It can be annoying for some customers to have to sign up, or enter in their credit card number. Also, Google has some rather restrictive use policies and requirements for the buttons. Another issue is that Google Checkout is not accepted on eBay, which means that if you sell on eBay, Google Checkout is not even something to consider.

For the most part, Google Checkout is easy to use, convenient and cost efficient. However, it is not in as wide use as PayPal in terms of third-party payment. It might be a good idea to offer another payment option on your site, in addition to Google Checkout, just to make sure that your bases are covered.