Google Looks to Expand Checkout Use

With the holiday shopping season as a backdrop, Google is aiming to increase the visibility of its Google Checkout service by offering promotions to consumers who use it. Beginning on "Cyber Monday," November 27, discounts would be provided by participating merchants.

Reusable discounts of $10 off purchases of $30 or more, or $20 off purchases of $50 or more would be provided. The rebates would be instant, and no registration would be required, Google said.

According to the results of a survey commissioned for Google by Harris Interactive, about 40 percent of employed US adults will shop online for holiday gifts from work. 25 percent of those who will shop would do so on Cyber Monday, it found.

Google claims that its service eliminates as many as 15 steps from the process, and in some cases only requires a single login to complete purchases. It does not accept any money like PayPal - instead it aims only to simplify online shopping.

Merchants who accept Google Checkout include Buy.com, Starbucks Store, The Sports Authority, Ace Hardware, and Timberland, among others. The complete list of promotions and merchants will be listed on a special page to premiere at the Checkout site on Cyber Monday.