Google launches mobile shopping trial.
Responding to a 115% increase in mobile shopping searches during the past year, Google has designed an easier way make in–store purchases on smartphones.
“Purchases on Google” allows users to buy a product directly from their search result’s advertisements. Users can browse products, read reviews and buy from any company running Purchases on Google ads– without leaving Google.
By clicking on an advertisement generated from Purchases on Google, users will be directed to a Google–hosted purchasing page. Here they can buy the advertised product instantly with their payment criteria previously established with Google.
After purchase, Google passes the order information to the retailer, who is still responsible for fulfillment, shipping and customer service.
The potential of Purchases on Google is promising for all parties involved. Mobile users browse and shop in a convenient setting, retailers increase their mobile sales, and Google adds appeal to their advertising services.
Purchases on Google ads will appear in search results from iOS and Android smartphones. For now Google is testing the system with select high-volume retailers before making the feature widely available.
Companies like Amazon and Apple are already known for their user–friendly mobile shopping apps. If all goes well for Google during the feature’s trial phase, Purchases on Google will intensify competition in mobile shopping.