Google Checkout Rocks!

Okay, it has been a few months since we implemented Google Checkout on our retail sites (we sell loft beds & bunk beds ), and the response has been overwhelming. I honestly had no idea that so many people used the Google service, but over 25% of our customers have paid that way.

Google Checkout is similar to PayPal, in that both systems prevent vendors and others from seeing your credit card or banking information. The way that works is that you provide your financial info to Google or PayPal, and whenever you purchase something, they will act as a middle man, transferring your funds to the vendor, without the vendor seeing your information.

Have you ever purchased something online, then all of a sudden your inbox begins filling up with spam? That is because some vendors will sell your information to "marketing" companies, who may resell your email address. There are also vendors who will send you emails on a regular basis announcing special offers and other sales pitches. It just gets to be too much after awhile.

The way Google Checkout is superior to PayPal, is that they also protect your real email address. If you purchase something and want to keep your email anonymous, Google Checkout will create an email address for you. It looks something like this (YourFirstName-bq83u32h38g@checkout.google.com). The vendor will never know your real email address, which means they can't send you spam or sell your email address to a spammer.

If you have an online store, Google Checkout is also superior to PayPal in that they will automatically send the money to your bank account, so you don't have to go in and withdraw funds all the time. It just makes things run smoother and automatically.

So, I have to give Google Checkout 4 stars. I would've given them 5, but only because I can't find a way to import my sales reports into QuickBooks. Maybe there is a way, so if you know of one, please let me know. :)