Google Wallet seems like a cool idea, making it easier to pay for your purchases by simply swiping your phone at the counter. Considering more people are sporting smart phones, you would think this new technology would be welcomed with open arms. Problem is, it appears Google is experiencing issues convincing people to use the technology. From The Next Web:

From now until January, Google will be visiting stores in the five key cities where Google Wallet is live – New York, Chicago, Washington DC, San Francisco and Los Angeles. It will set-up half-day events to demo Google Wallet and actually help customers pay for goods with the service. Participants will be motivated to take part too, as they’ll receive $10 towards their purchase when they pay using one of Samsung’s Nexus S demo phones.

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The series of events follow hot on the heels of another promo initiative Google held a few weeks back, as we reported when employees decked out in Google Wallet gear headed into stores such as Duane Reade, Toyrs R Us and Macy’s, approached customers with Android phones and pitch the Google Wallet experience whilst offering to pay for their purchases in full.

Does anyone else feel like Google is approaching this wrong? It could be that its rollout is limited to one phone and one carrier, but giving out money sounds desperate. If your only incentive to use something is because you’re being paid, why would you continue to use it when the money runs out?