Buying something full-priced online, only to realise later that it was discounted on another site, has happened to us all at least once. But with the cost of living rising, and the amount you could be saving often in the hundreds, it’s a mistake we should really be trying to avoid.
Fortunately, Google is making it that much easier, launching three new shopping features that take on browser extension Honey, which automatically finds and applies coupon codes at checkout.
“Among Americans planning to shop for the holidays, 43% are planning to look for deals and sales more than last year,” reads a Google blog post. “So we’re sharing a few new features to help you easily find those discounts and get the perfect gift at the right price.”
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Google is set to roll these features out in the US in the coming weeks, and, while there’s no word yet on when they’ll be released in Australia, it shouldn’t be too long after that. So, what are Google’s new shopping features?
Promotion Badge
The platform is launching new ‘Special Offer’ tags, which will allow you to see promotions more clearly. The badge will show up in searches when items are running promotions, like ‘15% off with coupon code ‘HOLIDAYS’. Google is also adding a new coupon clipping feature that’ll let you easily copy promo codes to use when you’re ready to buy. Basically, you won’t have to type the promo code in manually, you can just paste it.
Side-By-Side Deals
Chances are you do check other online stores for their prices for you buy. Google’s new side-by-side aims to cut down on that research time by letting you easily compare deals across multiple retailers so you don’t have to do so on multiple tabs or by going back and forth between sites.
For instance, if you search a women’s puffer jacket, it’ll show you a side-by-side comparison of available puffer coat deals, with a photo of the product, its price including any discounts and its Google rating, right in your results.
Price Insights
Finally, Google’s price insights feature will help you see how one merchant’s price compares to others’ and whether it’s low, typical or high for that product. On the merchant side, they’ll be able to see how their deals are performing and based on that, can then review their promotions in their product’s listing on Google.
You’ll also soon be able to track the prices of products across several online stores at once by ticking a ‘Track Price’ icon in the far right of the search bar. The feature had previously only been available on mobile browsing. Price drop emails will go to the Google Account you’re signed into.
Again, the features are currently only being released in the US, but we’ll be sure to update you when they drop here in Aus.
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