‘What is Google Express?’: A guide to Google’s online shopping service

By

Google ExpressGoogle Express

Google Express is an online shopping service owned, as the name implies, by Google.

Meant to compete with Amazon, Google Express is akin to a virtual mall that offers products from thousands of retailers, both online-only and brick-and-mortar.

Indeed, you’d be hard-pressed to find a store that isn’t represented on Google Express, from Walmart, Best Buy, Target, and Walgreens, to Society6 and Shoes.com.

Notably absent, of course, is Amazon and retailers owned by Amazon, like Zappos.

How to order from Google Express

You can explore the Google Express storefront in a web browser on your computer. You can also browse the store using the Google Express app for the iPhone or the Google Express app for Android.  

express 1Dave Johnson/Business Insider

When you use Google Express, though, be prepared for a slightly different experience than what you get on Amazon. Yes, you can browse products by store or category, but since this store is powered by Google technology, the site’s real strength is in search.

You can search for products by name ("Xbox") or by its general description ("cookies"). Product pages contain full descriptions and reviews, like you may be used to on other sites like Amazon.

express 2Dave Johnson/Business Insider

That’s not all – you can also use voice commands to place an order. In much the same way that you can place orders to Amazon verbally with an Amazon Echo, you can tell a Google smart speaker like the Google Home to place orders for you. And if you have Google Assistant configured on your phone, you can order by voice there as well. Just say, "OK Google, order some cookies," and your phone will display items that you can choose to add to your cart. Google will even let you know when you’ve ordered enough items to qualify for free delivery.

What Google Express offers

Given the vast array of stores that are a part of Google Express, you can find an astonishing array of products. Google Express has almost two-dozen categories, including groceries, electronics, healthy & beauty, toys & games, office supplies, pet supplies, and automotives. In general, if you can find an item in a Target, Costco, or Best Buy, you can expect to find it on Google Express.

express 3Dave Johnson/Business Insider

Google Express delivery times

Google Express offers quick delivery, ranging from same day to three-day delivery, depending upon the store and your geographic location. In general, you can expect overnight or two-day delivery on most orders. Google warns, though, that delivery can take a week or more in the case of some stores.

What Google Express costs

There is no membership or subscription service for Google Express, so it has no annual or monthly fee.

Delivery is free for many purchases over $15 (or $25 to $35, depending upon the retailer) and there’s no subscription fee, making it an attractive option compared to Amazon Prime or a membership retailer like Costco.

If you don’t order enough to qualify for free delivery, you’ll pay between $5 to $7 for delivery, depending upon whether the items are shipped by Google or the retailer.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

NOW WATCH: 5G networks will be 10 times faster than 4G LTE, but we shouldn’t get too excited yet

See Also:

Source: Business Insider – feedback@businessinsider.com (Dave Johnson)

MustHaves.LA a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.