That’s right, Google is doing something they never do – marketing.

Google has launched Google Checkout – basically, Paypal. Easiest explanation.

As an incentive to use it/switch, they are offering $10 signup bonus (not much, but a lot if people take advantage of it) to spend at participating stores. If you are a lucky US resident, you’ll also see the link to Google Checkout’s $10 promotion right on Google.com

[Credit: costpernews]

There is no reference to any country-specific limitations, but in the irony of launching before you’re ready, looks like their Terms of Service was not quite ready:

"You agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless GPC, Google, and their subsidiaries and other affiliates, and its and their directors, officers, owners, agents, co-branders or other partners, employees, information providers, licensors, licensees, consultants, contractors and other applicable third parties (including without limitation [Paymentech, L.P.][NTD: Should this reference the Canadian affiliate of Paymentech, Chase Paymentech Solutions?] and relevant Customers)"

Note to Google – remove internal notes before placing Terms of Service online…

For some of the worries related to Google Checkout, Search Engine Land has a great discussion going. 

Tags: google, google checkout, signup bonus, checkout, paypal, terms of service, marketing, promotions, search, earch engines, froogle, online shopping