CommerceStyle.com

Google is taking steps to make life a little easier for people who shop using the Google Product Search . 

The search enegine giant recently started a volunteer based program that allows sellers to list the shipping and tax rate (if applicable) on their items listed on google product search.  The system can even detect the location of a user and display real time shipping information in the search engine so the user will know the exact cost.

Google's move not only makes it easier for shoppers to get the best price, but it will also help cut down on the "price checkers" who only click the product links to check final prices of an item.  This will provide the shopper with the full checkout price of the item without making them click the link and costing the retailer money.

UPS has announced that rates on Ground Shippments will go up by 5.9% in 2009 and 4.9% on express shipments.

The rate increase for air and international shipments is based on a basic rate increase of 6.9% and a 2% reduction in fuel surcharge.

While everyone should expect shipping rates to go up, this comes at a tough time for online shoppers who are growing a custom to getting free shipping on all their online orders, and it makes life that much harder for ther etailers who have to provide the free shipping to compete online.