Google is reportedly creating a service that would offer cheap, fast shipping. Online retailers can’t wait to sign up.
In a salvo against Amazon.com’s Prime membership, Google is preparing to partner with online retailers to create a low-cost shipping service, according to The Wall Street Journal. So far, Google has reached out only to big businesses, such as Macy’s, Gap, and Office Max. “Numerous” others are said to be interested, and Google hopes to launch a pilot of the new service in the San Francisco area sometime next year.
To use the service, a customer would place their order on a retailer’s website, then choose a Google option for same-day or possibly next-day delivery. Google would not sell items directly to customers. Instead, it would manage the shipping logistics, partnering with United Parcel Service and other local services.
Amazon’s Prime membership costs $79 a year and offers free two-day delivery and a reduced price on next-day delivery to subscribers. In the past year, Amazon has expanded its members’ perks, including a free Netflix-like video stream. It’s also encouraged customers to search for products directly on Amazon, instead of using a Google search.
Prime’s popularity has raised the bar for online shipping, since many web business’ shipping options often ‘pale in comparison,’ The Journal notes.
Source : http://daily.inc.com/2011/12/01/google-the-new-online-shipping-king/
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