Google checkout API

can you buy without a Google account?

[thrasher141]

I'm looking for some answers on Google checkout. I work for a non-profit organization and one of our donors who works for Google suggested that we look into Google Checkout. Here's what I can't figure out - is there any way to implement GC but not require the buyers to have a Google account? I really don't think it would be appropriate for our organization to require donors to create a Google account. I'd prefer that whatever merchant solution we use it would be invisible to the user on the site - is any of this possible with the API?

Thanks!

[jwolthuis]

With Google Checkout, shoppers do not have to create accounts at each website they visit, including yours. Their credit card information and shopping history is maintained within their Google account. They can choose to remain anonymous, using a temporary email address Google Checkout provides with each order.

Some shoppers prefer this centralized approach, as they may place a higher trust with Google than with the various smaller websites they might visit.

[thrasher141]

OK, thanks for the explanation. So if I use their products then Google will know everything about me - what I buy, what I search the web for, all my bio information, all my emails...where does it stop?

[jwolthuis]

Some customers do not trust Google with their data, so Google Checkout might not be the best approach.

Many merchants chose a gateway like Authorize.Net. That way, only Visa and MasterCard know where you shop, where you live, and what you buy.