First Order Using Google Checkout
I placed my first order using Google Checkout last night. I was hesitant to try Google Checkout, but in the midst of an impulse buy I decided to give it a whirl. I picked up a Iomega 250 GB USB 2.0 External Hard Drive from RitzCamera for $19.95. This great product deal came curtiosy of a listing found at SecretPrices.com as the normal price is somewhere upwards of $250+. SecretPrices also had listed a coupon for $10 off $20 at RitzCamera, only valid when using Google Checkout. So the grand was $9.95 for the drive, plus shipping. Not sure if it was a price mistake or what, but the product was removed from Ritz’s website only a few hours after my purchase. Update: RitzCamera cancelled my order stating that the item was “out of stock”. Oh well!
The whole process for Google Checkout was straightforward and simple. It seemed easier than using the relatively clunky RitzCamera checkout interface itself (which has given me problems in the past when using FireFox). Of course you it seems you need a Gmail account to use the service (which is still by invitation only?).
After the purchase you can keep track of your order using the Google Checkout History found in your Google account. Also, Google also allows you to refrain from giving out your Gmail email address and just having Google forward information on from the merchant.
Technorati Tags: google checkout, gmail, ritzcamera
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Hi Marc,
Great to see that somebody actually tested Google Checkout! I have meant to do so but have been too busy. Good to see that the process is smooth, but at the same time I am curious that - over time - what percentage of deals will end up getting canceled like this one. When it comes to pricing, the deals one gets off Google are not as accurate as one likes…
Cheers,
–Nasser
Nasser, thanks for the feedback.
Major price mistake deals such as the one in this case are often not honored. However, it is sometimes worth taking a shot at it. It was Ritz Camera’s fault for the price mistake so sometimes they will ship the orders to save face. Generally SecretPrices.com doesn’t list these price mistake deals since it isn’t good for the merchant, unless a user submits them or the merchant is aware.
Hi Mart
can i know how you used Notification API.
i am working with google checkout and i am successfully going through order placing and i came back to my page through the link but i am not able to return the result reg order status. can you please help me for the same.
Thanks & REgards
sree