Google Checkout’s Advanced Buyer Messaging (gift messaging) feature has been taken out of beta. This feature, which was released over a year ago lets Google Checkout customers add gift messages, add additional instructions, and request gift receipts.

The new beta-less version of the feature comes with a few changes. Google explains, "Based on user feedback, we have streamlined the number of tags making the feature more straightforward to use. We will support only the gift-message, include-gift-receipt and special-instructions tags going forward."

Users who are currently using any of the old tags can continue to do that, but Google wants users to switch to one of the supported tags. "If you haven’t used the Advanced Buyer Functionality yet, we encourage you to explore how these features may be able to improve your customer experience," the company tells users.

There is an extensive explanation about how to use the Advanced Buyer Messaging feature of Google Checkout on this page. It covers messaging options, gift messages and special instructions, gift receipts, and HTML tag definitions.

On a semi-related note, Google has reportedly hired an eBay veteran to fill its vice president of commerce position. Stephanie Tilenius would presumably oversee Google Checkout.