The first time I used Google Checkout I was astonished at how useless it was. In my opinion, they had taken something so simple, and made it more complicated, adding one more place I had to fill out all my billing/shipping information. I also was getting duplicate correspondence (one from Google, one from Buy.com) on everything. Awesome, another layer with no added value.

The second time I used Google Checkout I saw the light. With a few clicks, my order was on the way. No inputting order details, no effort. Maybe there was something to this after all.

The third time I used Google Checkout will be the last. On December 12th I placed an order for a backpack for a Christmas gift from eBags. Today I was wondering where it was, and logged into to my Checkout account. I see this under the order:

A little odd that it hasn’t shipped. So I called eBags. Their response: “Sir, we have no record of that order.”

Congratulations Google, you’ve succeeded in building a layer of complexity over something that was relatively simple, you’ve added no value, and now you’ve even managed to screw it up to the point where you’re losing orders. Merchants are going to love this.

Now what do I give this kid for Christmas? Maybe Google should send me a Google backpack.