Google has embarked on a new initiative aimed at helping online merchants promote their credibility through a tick-of-approval type program. Aptly named 'Google Trusted Stores', Google have definitely removed any ambiguity from the programs purpose.
As one of the most recognised and trusted brands in the world having Google verify your ecommerce operation should undoubtedly give your website the extra clout factor.
Google says that "The Google Trusted Stores program helps shoppers feel confident in their purchases across the web."
How does it work?
For Merchants:
- Merchants apply for an account which requires integration with their website.
- Google tracks orders & cancellations for a period of time to ensure the accuracy and timing of your order deliveries.
- Merchants who meet the requirements in the table below can then display the Google Trusted sites certificate on their website.
| Metric |
Criteria |
| On-Time Shipping: |
>90% |
| Transaction Volume: |
>100 orders on a rolling 28-day basis |
| Trackable Shipments: |
>50% |
| Accurate Shipment Dates: |
90% of orders must have an actual ship date within 3 days of the estimated ship date provided by the Merchant |
| Avg. Time to Shipment: |
<=14 days |
| Secondary Escalation Rate: |
< 1 in 5,000 protected orders |
| Refund Resolution: |
< 1 in 15,000 protected orders |
| Merchant Cancellation Rate: |
< 2.5% cancellation at Merchant's request |
| Preorder + Backorder Rate: |
< 10% of orders |
For Customers:
Google also offers free purchase protection to customers who order from
these stores and opt in for the program. There is no fee or charge to
opt in for free purchase protection from Google Trusted Stores. Purchase
protection with Google Trusted Stores means that if there’s an eligible issue with your order and you cannot resolve it with the retailer, you can request Google's help. Google will work with you and the merchant to resolve the issue. Learn more about free purchase protection from Google.
Results:
Some large ecommerce merchants are already reporting substantial increases in both conversions and average order values. We think this is a great addition to any ecommerce business that complies with the requirements. As consumers become aware of the value of the service we believe results will improve even further. Google Trusted Stores is not yet available in Australia but rest assured that when it is we will be recommending it to our ecommerce clients.