Google’s delivery platform, Google Express, has nearly finished expanding into neighborhoods across the U.S. as it attempts to rival Amazon Prime.
Now it’s trying to lure you with a complimentary three-month membership.
Check me out, it murmurs softly. You might never need to step outside again.
What is Google Express?
The offering provides free delivery from more than 40 retailers, including Target, Costco, Walgreens, Staples, Whole Foods Market, Bed Bath & Beyond, Kohl’s, Barnes & Noble, Toys R Us and Petsmart.
Certain orders arrive the same day, though many are delivered within one to two days, depending on where you live. (One notable caveat: Orders placed after Dec. 21 may not arrive in time for Christmas.)
You’ve got until Jan. 31, 2017 to decide whether to take the six-week trial.
Key things to be aware of:
- After the three-month complimentary trial, cancel the membership if you don’t want to be billed $10 monthly or $95 annually. Put a reminder in your calendar so you don’t get charged accidentally.
- To qualify for free shipping from most partner stores, you generally need to spend at least $15. Some retailers require minimums up to $35. If you don’t meet the minimum, a $3 delivery fee applies.
- Google Express does not ship frozen or refrigerated items. It piloted that option in select markets, then discontinued it.
- In most regions, it won’t deliver alcoholic beverages either. Nice try, but you’ll have to get dressed and pick up that bottle of champagne yourself.
- Nonmembers can use the service for $4.99 per delivery.
- Available stores depend on your area. Enter your ZIP code on Google Express’ homepage to see which retailers will deliver to you. You can also explore google docs templates for organizing shopping lists and delivery schedules.
How Google Express Stacks Up Against Amazon Prime
Currently, Amazon Prime is the undisputed heavyweight in the online delivery arena, according to ecommerce observerswho monitor this space.
Google Express launched in 2013 to take on Amazon, and since then the two internet titans have been duking it out to bring everyday essentials straight to your door.
Amazon Prime offers aone-month free trialbefore billing begins. It costs $99 per year or about $11 per month — roughly comparable to Google Express.
With Amazon Prime, your purchases come straight from Amazon’s storefront, while Google Express collaborates with a wide range of retailers.
When Google Express first rolled out, it was limited to trendy cities like San Francisco and New York. Over time it has widened its service area.
In November 2016, Google announced that Google Express covered 90% of the contiguous United States and expected to reach full coverage by year’s end.
And so, the Delivery Van Battle continues.
Your turn: Would you take Google Express for a free trial?
Jordan Miller is a senior writer at Savinly. Occasionally, Jordan ventures outside.
