Google at work on Amazon Prime competitor
The new service, known as Google Shopping Express, could cost $10 to $15 less than Amazon's Prime.
Amazon Prime, a service from the e-retail giant that offers free two-day shipping and discounted one-day shipping, might soon have a competitor.
Google is at work on a new platform called Google Shopping Express, which is designed to take on Amazon Prime, reports TechCrunch, citing people who claim to have knowledge of the search giant's plans. Signing up for Google Shopping Express would cost customers $10 to $15 less than an Amazon Prime membership, which sets customers back $79 per year.
Because Google doesn't offer a dedicated shopping site, its Shopping Express could work with retail partners and act as a virtual store shelf. TechCrunch reports that it's possible that Google Shopping Express will offer same-day delivery on products purchased at brick-and-mortar stores, though which retail outlets would be involved was not divulged.
Amazon Prime has worked out quite well for the e-retail company. When customers pay a monthly or yearly fee for Prime membership, they receive cheap, expedited shipping. Amazon also offers free access to its streaming platform with Prime membership. For the vast majority of Prime customers, however, same-day shipping isn't available.
TechCrunch's sources didn't say when Google might launch Shopping Express and no actual screenshots of the platform were released. CNET has contacted Google for comment on the report. We will update this story when we have more information.