Andre Yoskowitz
27 Oct 2012 11:45
Google has begun trialing same-day delivery, testing the service in San Francisco for employees and friends.
The search giant has not officially unveiled the service, but sources claim it has been in development for over a year.
Supposedly, one major apparel chain has already signed up, with more expected before an eventual launch.
Amazon started the trend of same-day shipping last year, and eBay, Wal-Mart and even the US Postal Service are testing similar services now.
Google will not own or operate their own warehouses or shipping service but will instead team up with delivery companies and major retailers.
While it is clear why same-day delivery is a huge victory for retailers and consumers, it remains unclear why Google is getting into the business. The NYTimes speculates the company will use the service to help profit from mobile advertisements: "On computers, Google and advertisers know if a user clicks on an ad and visits or buys on another Web site. But they lose track of customers who look up a business or product on their phone and then put their phone away, walk into the store and buy something. Online ordering and delivery could help solve that problem."