Google Checkout Traction Issues
Google checkout isn’t about to topple PayPal anytime soon, even if they are offering to pay people to use it.
“ PayPal was seven times more popular that Google Checkout in 2006, according to a report issued on Wednesday by investment firm JPMorgan. Based on a survey of 1,100 online shoppers, the report found that 6% of respondents had used Google Checkout compared with 42% who had used PayPal. The report suggests that Google’s typically meticulous attention to the user experience misfired for Google Checkout. “Despite 65% of credit card users and 44% of PayPal users reporting ‘Good’ or ‘Very Good’ service experiences, only 19% of Google Checkout users said the same,” the report said”.
I dare say the bugs will be worked out eventually.
Part of the problem is that merchants already have a fair amount invested in PayPal. They know the interface, they know it works, they have their code in place. It is proven. Like changing banks, it’s a hassle to change payment systems. As a non-US resident, I’m not even sure if I can use Google Checkout. I know that was the case initially.
Could I just search and find out? Yes, I could. But what’s going to make me?
Concerns: does Google Checkout work as well? Money is involved. Will customers like it, or be confused by it? Is it cheaper than PayPal?
Perhaps I’ll do a comparison next week.
