Fix Common Errors In Google Merchant Center
If you run an e-commerce store and rely on Google Shopping ads, Google Merchant Center is something you can’t ignore. But it’s also where many sellers run into problems that stop their products from showing up. Fixing these errors is key to keeping your products live and your ads running without issues. A reliable GMC solution can help you avoid common pitfalls from the start.
The Most Common Errors Sellers Face And How To Fix Them Product Disapprovals Due to Policy Violations Google has strict policies for what you can and can’t advertise. If your products get disapproved, check the specific reason listed in the Merchant Center. Some common issues include: ● Selling restricted products like weapons, supplements, or counterfeit goods. ● Using misleading or exaggerated product claims. ● Listing adult content without proper settings. Fix: Review Google’s policy guidelines and remove or edit any products that go against the rules. Make sure your landing page matches the product info exactly. If you’re unsure about what caused the disapproval, it might be tied to GMC misrepresentation, which includes misleading product info or inconsistent store branding.
Incorrect or Missing Product Data If your product feed is missing required fields or the information doesn’t match what’s on your site, Google will flag it. Examples: ● Missing GTINs (Global Trade Item Numbers) ● Price mismatches ● Outdated availability info Fix: Always use updated data in your feed. Include all required attributes like title, price, availability, brand, and GTINs. If your feed comes from a third-party app, check the settings and sync frequency. You might also see this flagged under Google merchant center errors, especially when the feed format or content doesn’t meet policy standards.
Unclaimed or Unverified Website Your site must be both claimed and verified in the Merchant Center. If not, Google won’t let you show your products. Fix: Go to the Business Information section of Merchant Center, then follow the steps to verify and claim your site using HTML file upload, meta tag, Google Analytics, or Tag Manager. Make sure to use the same domain as your product URLs. This verification is often overlooked by new users. If you’re working with a Google ad account manager, they’ll usually catch this early and help get things sorted before your feed goes live.
Inaccurate Shipping and Tax Settings Incorrect shipping or tax settings often cause disapprovals, especially in the U.S. If the final price at checkout doesn’t match what’s shown on the ad, it can be a problem. Fix: Set up your shipping costs properly in the Merchant Center. Either use carrier-calculated rates or manually set flat rates by location, weight, or order price. For tax, use Google's auto settings or provide custom rates by state.
Product Images with Watermarks or Logos Google doesn’t allow watermarks, promotional text, or logos on product images. They want clean, professional-looking product images. Fix: Use clear product images with white or transparent backgrounds. Don’t add any text or graphics to the image itself. If needed, use the “additional_image_link” field for alternate views.
This is one of the areas where a GMC solution really helps—by auto-filtering non-compliant product images before they’re uploaded.
Mismatched Prices and Availability If the price or stock on your landing page doesn’t match what’s in your feed, Google will disapprove of the product. Fix: Automate your product feed updates at least once per day. Make sure your site updates stock and price info in real-time or close to it. If you use a platform like Shopify or WooCommerce, check if the feed app supports syncing changes quickly. Sometimes, repeated mismatches can trigger a GMC misrepresentation suspension, especially if Google believes users are being misled by your ad versus the real offer.
Feed Format Issues Google only accepts product feeds in certain formats (TSV, XML, or Google Sheets). If your file has formatting issues, the entire feed can be rejected. Fix: Use Google’s Feed Rules to transform and map your data correctly. Test your feed before submitting it. If you’re using a file upload, make sure the columns match Google’s requirements exactly. For businesses managing multiple client stores, having Google ads agency accounts makes it easier to oversee and organize these feeds under one umbrella.
Wrapping Up! Fixing Merchant Center errors isn’t complicated, but you need to stay on top of your product data and site settings. Keep everything accurate, up to date, and in line with Google’s rules. That way, your products can keep showing up in front of the right people—and your ad campaigns can stay live without interruptions. Stay consistent with feed updates, review your diagnostics regularly, and double-check any warnings or errors. Small things like a missing GTIN or a price mismatch can stop your entire feed from running. But once you fix them, you’re good to go. And if you’re looking to fast-track your setup and stay compliant, many brands choose to buy agency ad account access to avoid restrictions and streamline approval.
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