Google Offers are dealt on products and services at local or online businesses. Whenever you buy or save a Google Offer, it automatically syncs to your Google Wallet so your offers are always with you.
At most stores, simply show your offer to the cashier at check out. The cashier will either scan the offer’s barcode or manually type it in.
Google Offers looks and operates much like Groupon or LivingSocial.
Users receive an e-mail with a local deal of the day. They then have the opportunity to buy that deal within a specific time limit (we assume 24 hours). Once enough people have made the purchase, the Google Offer is triggered and users get that all-too-familiar $10 for $20 deal for that Indian restaurant they’ve never tried.
From what we can tell, Google Offers will be powered by Google Checkout.
It also includes Facebook, Twitter, Google Reader, Google Buzz, and e-mail sharing options.
Google is actively reaching out to businesses now to get them on board with Offers. It even apparently has a writing team in place to craft the write-up for offers.
Google famously tried to buy Groupon for $6 billion just a few months ago in order to bolster its local advertising business. Groupon rejected the offer though and is instead preparing for a $15 billion IPO.
The search giant clearly isn’t giving this market up without a fight, though. With its vast reach, huge resources, and brand recognition, it could prove to be a powerful player in the space. We’re going to be watching these developments closely. We’ve reached out to Google for comments.
Of course, you can use this for your mobile business as it grows and also adds coupons for your own customers on their customized mobile website.
You can link to these on your customers’ mobile websites as they are mobile-friendly.
