“Increase sales.
Google Checkout users click on AdWords ads 10% more when the ad displays the Checkout badge, and convert 40% more than shoppers that have not used Checkout before.”

This is the message that Google display on the Google Checkout home page.

My question is, would this be the same for Google Base users? Well… If you look at it from the perspective that Google Checkout users will be familiar with the process of buying through Google Checkout, therefor will be more likely to click on a link that offers this facility rather than using a unfamiliar check out system or giving their card details to a site they have never used. Statistics show that lengthy checkout procedures will find customers abandoning their basket, due to the requirement of creating an account etc. By allowing the user to purchase from your site safely and securely using a feature they know and trust may just see your sales improve.

If you are looking for a way to advance your business in Google Base then I would say this is definitely one way forward.  If you do decided to accept Google Checkout as a method of payment, it does not need to be your only method, but a choice to entice existing users to purchase from you.

Google Product Search shows this notification without the need for the user to click on the item (fig1.) 

Fig 1.

Google Checkout provide numerous options for all site users, including buy now buttons that can be attached to individual items or the ability to send email invoices which require no programming knowledge. 

For those of you whom have a third-party e-commerce provider that supports Google Checkout,  the integration work has already been done and you can be up and running in minutes. 

I’m not making any guaranteed claims here, but its something to consider as that little extra for potential customers, lets face it, there can never be too many available ways to pay if you really want that sale.