on Google program will be shut down on September 26.
The company sent an email to retailers today announcing that Buy on Google for Search and Shopping would be shutting down on Sept. 26.
Why do we care? Google is removing Buy on Google in order to create a “streamlined purchasing journey for consumers” and make it easier for retailers on Google and YouTube.
What Google has to say. According to a Google spokesperson, Search Engine Land:
- Our goal is to create an open ecosystem that connects shoppers directly with retailers. This is our top priority. We created a new checkout process which allows users to move directly from Google’s checkout flow to a merchant website once they are ready to purchase. Merchants and users have given us great feedback. We’re investing instead in the new shopping experience.
New Pilot. According to Google, more merchants have already used the new Google checkout pilot. Google has developed a new for those interested in the new pilot checkout.
This page tells us what we already know about Google’s plans for a “more seamless buying journey for consumers”:
- “Instead of having to complete a lengthy buying process, those who are ready to purchase can now go straight from Google to your checkout flow. The product will be in the shopping cart, and they can pay on your website using any payment method. We will pilot this experience with a few select merchants on Google and YouTube and share more details when we are ready to add additional partners.
This is a copy from an email Google sent to merchants this morning:
We are constantly working to improve the checkout experience. As of September 26, 2023 the Buy on Google program in the United States will end. We’re testing some new channels (more information below), but we wanted to give you some important details about Buy on Google.
- On September 26, 2023, your participation in Buy on Google ends. No listings on Search or Shopping include the Buy on Google option. You will be removed today if you are currently in the onboarding process.
- All orders placed through September 2023 will be honored with respect to return policies, regardless of the program’s termination.
- If you think that terminating your participation sooner than September is better for your business, then this option is available to you. For assistance, please contact Support.
- You can access your reports by following the instructions a href=”https://support.google.com/merchants/answer/9039381?hl=en” rel=”noreferrer noopener” target=”_blank”>here/a>. Access your reports by following the instructions here.
- You do not need to take any action in order to terminate the program.
We will continue to improve the checkout experience on our platforms and engage with our retail partners to develop other products, such as our new pilot checkout, and other areas for collaboration using our tools, insights, and training.
We are excited about the streamlined check-out experience we launched last year. Consumers who are ready to purchase will be able to go straight from a listing in Google to your checkout flow. The product will be in the shopping cart, and they can pay on your website using any payment method. *Google checkout allows merchants to increase their gross merchandise value by 1-10%
*Source: Google Data. US Retail, March 2023. [Caveat : Data is only for pilot merchants]
Learn more:
- Please complete the form to express your interest in participating in the pilot checkout.
- If you’re selected to participate in the pilot checkout before September, all current Buy on Google experiences will be removed immediately.
- We will contact those who were not selected for the pilot to let them know when the solution becomes more widely available.
If you have any questions about terminating your participation please contact our support team , or contact your Google contact.
The article Google’s Buy on Google program will be shut down on Sept. 26 first appeared on Search Engine Land.