This video explains the updated dos and don'ts for Google Merchant Center to avoid or resolve suspensions. It covers allowed practices like seasonal sales, stacking discounts, and real reviews, while warning against fake urgency, excessive discounts, and misrepresentation. Real examples from a live site illustrate the rules.
A short editorial from the VEONIB team on why this content matters.
Clear breakdown of allowed and forbidden practices in Google Merchant Center to avoid suspension, with real examples and policy thresholds.
Unique for its specific discount limits and real-site walkthrough, this video is a practical guide for navigating 2026 policy updates.
E-commerce marketers should watch and audit their pages against these dos and don'ts to prevent suspension.
Google's platform for managing product listings and ads.
Falsely presenting product availability, pricing, or business status.
Offering additional discounts for buying multiple items.
Countdown timers that create false urgency.
Optional fee for insured shipment, allowed as an upsell.
Promotion tied to a specific season, allowed within limits.
Fabricated customer reviews violating Google policies.
What discounts are allowed in Google Merchant Center?
Seasonal sales with up to 30% off on 30% of products are allowed; stacking discounts on product pages is also permitted.
Are fake clearance or closure sales allowed?
No, pretending your business is closing or on clearance is misrepresentation and leads to suspension.
Can I show reviews on my site?
Yes, but they must be real reviews from legitimate sources like Google or Trustpilot; fake reviews are prohibited.
Is it okay to use limited stock messages like 'only a few left'?
No, Google can see your actual stock levels; claiming limited stock when you have plenty is a violation.
Are urgency timers allowed in Google Ads?
Fake scarcity timers are not allowed, especially in the first 14 days; after that, caution is advised.
Can I offer shipping protection at checkout?
Yes, charging a small fee for insured shipping is allowed as an upsell.
What about discounts over 50%?
Discounts exceeding 50% can be considered misrepresentation and should be avoided.
Can I use unique selling points like 'free shipping'?
Yes, as long as they are truthful and applicable.
What should I do if my Merchant Center is suspended?
Review the dos and don'ts, fix any policy violations, and consider using a fixing checklist or professional help.
How does Google detect fake elements?
Google can check stock levels, review authenticity, and compare claims against actual data.