Google yesterday confirming the launch of Google Trusted Stores, a new pilot program that helps shoppers identify which online merchant can offer the best, and also the safest shopping experience.
There has been much speculation online since late October when an unofficial Google blog discovered that there was an unlisted video uploaded to Google's YouTube channel, announcing a new program that will “make it easy for online shoppers to identify stores that provide an excellent online shopping experience,”.
Since then any one who clicked on the URL for the new service, www.google.com/trustedstores/, only got received an error message for their efforts. However, since Google Trusted Stores launched earlier this week, the link is now active.
The premise of Google Trusted Stores is that e-commerce sites that are able to demonstrate “a track record of on-time shipping and excellent customer service” are awarded a Google Trusted Stores Badge to prove that they are a reputable retailer. In addition, when visiting a site that qualifies for a badge, users will be able to see metrics regarding the stores shipping and shopping performance by hovering over it, as seen below:
Google has stated that to be able to participate in the program, merchants voluntarily share data about shipments and Google collects customers service metrics when shoppers seek Google's help with any problems. As a result merchants can display the Google Trusted Store badge on their web sites.
In addition to the confidence given to customers with the addition of being a 'Trusted Store', there is a chance to opt-in for free purchase protection when ordering from certified stores. Entitling customers to request help from Google if there is an 'eligible issue' that cannot be resolved with the the merchant, which includes the offer of $1,000 lifetime purchase protection for eligible purchases. A word of warning, Google have stated that although purchase protection will protect against shipping and billing problems it will not act as a product warranty or cover lost/stolen items.
The program is currently being piloted by a limited number of retailers, but if you are interested in being part of the program when it is expanded, you can fill out an Interest Form provided by Google.
What do you think about Google Trusted Stores? Will you be more likely to buy from a site that displays the Google Trusted Store Badge, or will you look elsewhere? Contact us and tell us what you think.
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Comments
Having the new Google Trusted Stores badge will surely make shoppers more confident, though this will add to the list of badges sellers have to think about. On top of eBay TRS, etc. now merchants also have to strive for a “Google GTS”.
It's Damn good man! It's really great that Google gives Certification Badges based on their trust and Service. It's really helpful to go for Shopping in online with the trusted websites.