theReformed

No, the title isn't what it seems to suggest (which, incidentally, is physically impossible as far as I know to have any sort of romantic, physical relationship with software, but who knows what those kids at Google are thinking up), just a play on words. Here, I go into a brief instructional dialog on how to get some free or lower cost gear using the Google Checkout API and it's associated 'offer'. Everyone likes free stuff right? 

Searching through Google's APIs, I found one that is called Google Checkout - I thought it was a little out of Google's arena to concentrate on software that was so simple when their time seems to be best spent on sitting on their hands regarding privacy vulnerabilities in their forest of domains ( http://www.thereformed.org/2007/08/21/google-xss-destruction-of-mankind/ ), but then I began to see the implications of how it could propel them into a financial go-between scenario, incognito, and concede that down the road this will be quite beneficial to them.

So, I ventured off into the Internet to see how much penetration this API was getting, whether or not is was plausible for a project I have upcoming to incorporate and came across a advantageous find unexpectedly. Google Checkout has been offering an instantaneous, free $10.00 rebate with purchases made through sites that incorporate it's API. Because of this, websites offering products in that range could essentially be acquired free or at low cost to the consumer. A good example of this is Buy.com and I will get into this shortly.

Granted, doing a little more searching I realized that apparently I am not the only one that happened upon this, in fact, I venture that at least a dozen posts have been published on the Web so far. At the risk of being redundant, however, knowing the vast audience our site is being visited by, I figured if anything we could pass along this smart little tidbit for a larger dissemination than others have gotten previously.

So, without further delay, let me get to the bits. Items required to successfully complete this transactions: (1) A URL with a product that is $10.00 (if you're looking to get something for free). (2) An account with Google, most likely through GMail - it is suggested to be logged in to avoid having to create a new account or to register. (3) Approximately 3 minutes of time to enter your information for shipping, etc. (4) The basic human ability to read and follow the instructions, correctly. 

Our target is going to be Kingston's 1Gb USB 2.0 Flash Thumbdrive located here @ http://www.buy.com/prod/kingston-1gb-data-traveler-usb-2-0-flash-drive/q/loc/101/202743517.html . This drive is on sale at the Buy.com price of $10.00, right? NO! It is on sale at the Google Checkout price of FREE.

Let me explain. Buy.com sales it for it's reduced price, but the first usage of Google Checkout you use takes money off the top of the purchase. In this case, the two cancel eachother out because the pricing is obviously the same.

"Wait! Doesn't Buy.com charge for shipping?" Yes and no, in this case, the latter. It will take between 7 to 9 days for your item to be arrive, but if you do pick that delayed routing it won't cost you a dime as the associated taxes/costs for shipping aren't applicable since they offer it for free.

Add the Thumbdrive to your Cart and select the Google checkout option. Go through the normal roll of adding your details as requested by the application, setup your address and voila! You should see a screen totalling $0.00 and a friendly reminder telling you that your order has been placed and is being shipping accordingly.

So, get out there and get to it. Happy shopping :) 

***UPDATE***

Further searching reveiled another article posted which offers a significant listing of websites participating in this 'promotion' @ http://www.downloadsquad.com/2007/01/19/10-free-from-google-checkout-which-stores-are-participating/ . Check it out and drop him a comment thanking him for the consolidation of this list.