A frugal life is an easy life!

Want a faster, safer and more convenient way to shop online? You got it.

This is the marketing bumph that google checkout tells the internet world.

I am taking part in a "secret santa" - where I can by a friend over at Chatgames (chatgames.com) a surprise gift for Christmas.
Luckily for me, the limit is just $20, anymore than this and the farce I have had to put up with, would have cost me more money!

I visited an American website to purchase a gift, as my secret santa friend lives there.
This allows me to pay for a gift online, but more importantly, have it delivered in time for Christmas, as they only deliver within the USA.
Ever heard the term "global economy?"
It doesn't exist!

When I tried to use my visa debit card to pay for the goods via google checkout, not only did the company state they could not deliver the product as it was to be delivered to an address outside the USA (Wrong - it was an USA address) they would issue a refund via google checkout.
Google checkout took 2 days to issue the refund, but more importantly, took more than they refunded.

Nice work if you can get it google, refund/payment is with held so it can be taken when the exchange rate favours google.
I have just paid out 40p MORE than I should have (not counting the £1.50 oversees fee!) for products that are for a USA address and been stung 40p for the privilege, my friend doesn't have their gift and google is up on the deal.