Without much fanfare, Google today confirmed the arrival of its Save-To-Wallet API, which allows customers to transfer promotional offers (those that originate from a merchant’s website) straight to their Android-powered device.
“The Save-To-Wallet API is part of the vision for Google Wallet to be the one-stop-shop for holding everything you’d carry in a regular wallet,” the Internet search giant announced on its developer’s blog. “The Offers component of this API allows customers to save offers directly from a Merchant’s web property into Google Wallet with the click of a button.”
Google Wallet reminds users to visit your store before the offer expires. Customers redeem offers by showing the offer code at the point of sale or by tapping their NFC enabled phone. The point of sale recognizes the offer code and applies the offer to the basket.
Among the merchant benefits are ease of distribution, increased marketing opportunities, and simple integration. Buyer benefits include simplicity (No inbox is inundated with offers that are hard to find and sort), convenient reminders, and the ability to toss paper coupon printouts. Google says mobile users can organize their offers online and on their mobile phones.
“The Save-To-Wallet API is currently only for partner Merchants and requires authorization for use,” Google adds. “If you are interested in becoming a partner please fill out the Merchant Interest Form.” You can do that by clicking here.