Google Express now available in Tallahassee
Starting Tuesday, Google Express is adding Florida to its growing list of states where customers can take advantage of two-day delivery service.
Google Express is diving into e-commerce and going to head to head with Amazon, the big fish offering home delivery.
The expansion includes a swath of states in the Northwest and Southeast, such as Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Utah, Montana, Oregon and Washington, representing a potential 70 million customer base, according to the e-commerce startup.
Google Express, which began in 2013, has partnered with major retailers with Florida locations: Costco, Whole Foods, Kohl's, PetSmart, Road Runner Sports, Su La Table, Fry's, Walgreens, L'Occitane, Payless ShoeSource and Guitar Center.
Brian Elliott, general manager for Google Express based in the San Francisco Bay area, said the service provides convenience to consumers, not just products and prices. Customers can either pay a $95 per year membership or pay-as-you go for $4.99 per order.
'"The 90-day free trial is a great way to try out the services and see if it makes a difference in your life,” Elliott said in an interview with the Tallahassee Democrat.
Google Express is joining a legion of companies that are integrating home delivery and pick-up services instead of relying on foot traffic in brick-and-mortar stores. For example, Walmart last month introduced free online ordering and pick-up services in some Tallahassee locations.
Walmart introduces online ordering to Tallahassee stores
Google Express works with more than 50 merchants and plans are in the works to add more.
"Our intent with the service is to make people’s lives easier,” Elliott said.
Here's how it works:
- Shop from an array of popular stores, all in one place
- Add items to your cart
- Choose a delivery day
- Check out using Google Payments
- Google Express will arrange for a delivery company to bring it to you
- With a Google Express membership, you can get fast and free delivery on eligible orders*
- For non-members, delivery starts at $4.99 per store for eligible orders. Find out more about service costs.
*Free delivery means no shipping & service fees. Eligible orders (a) meet store minimums before taxes & fees in select delivery areas, (b) exclude restricted items, and (c) are placed by someone with an active membership subject to terms. Pricing may change.
Source: Google Express website.
Contact TaMaryn Waters at tlwaters@tallahassee.com or follow @TaMarynWaters on Twitter.