From Google Checkout to Google Wallet

Google Checkout has discontinued its services and moved the existing users to "Google Wallet" and directing the physical goods merchant users with some discount offers to adopt other payment services like Braintree, Freshbooks and Shopify. Google

What is Google Checkout?

Google Checkout is an online payment processing service where you can store details of your debit and credit cards, purchasing, shipping, etc. Google launched Google Checkout to lock the horns with PayPal (product of eBay). It was launched on 28th June 2006 in USA and on 13th April 2007 in UK. Ever since it was launched, it never lived up to the hype it has created. It offered free services to the merchants for nearly two years, till 1st February 2008, and then started charging the users a price (Similar to PayPal's).

Reasons for Google Checkout's Failure

Google quoted that it is integrating Google Checkout to Google Wallet to provide better and advanced services to the users. However, it can be understood that Google Checkout can be added to the list of Google failed products. Some of the reasons for its failure are:

&bull; Google being a giant in the market could not beat the reputation of PayPal that has been continuing its payment services since 2000 with its secured payment services to its users.

&bull; The users of Google Checkout must have an account and can only use debit or credit card; whereas, users can use bank accounts, e-checks, PayPal account along with debit and credit cards in PayPal.

&bull; Another drawback is the customer support, Google Checkout provides support to the customers only in web forms, whereas, its competitor PayPal supports its customers through phone, virtual assistance and dedicated account managers.

&bull; Google Checkout supports 50 shopping carts, accepting eight currencies, while PayPal supports more than 300 shopping carts accepting 24 currencies.

Google Wallet is Not a New Product

For people who are aware, Go