Google introduces new safe shopping accreditation scheme

Tuesday, June 12, 2012 - 11:17 by Graham Miller

Search giant Google has announced the launch of a new initiative, which it hopes will allow its users to identify the best sites for safe shopping online and avoid those that might be less scrupulous and sensible to use.

The Google Trusted Stores service is being set up so that consumers will be able to see in a flash whether or not the firm has approved a particular e-commerce site, based on a number of criteria, according to spokesperson, Tom Fallows.

In essence, the Google Trusted Stores service will join a number of other similar schemes, which give retailers the option of adding a special badge to their site, which shows consumers that an independent body has rated them as providing an appropriate system for safe shopping online, in which confidence can be placed.

There is certainly going to be value in this new project, since the Google brand is well known and established throughout the internet.

In this instance, the badge is not just a seal of approval, but will also come with its own comprehensive report into the site in question, indicating the areas of strength and the quality of the experience which can be expected.

Google has even gone so far as to offer customers who shop with its Trusted Stores the option of getting their purchases protected, up to the value of about £650.

At the moment, this project is just in its pilot phase and is only available to those shopping in the US. However, if the trial proves to be a success, then there is no reason why it will not arrive in the UK as well.