You probably created a Google Shopping feed and felt excited about making sales until you received an email saying that your Google Merchant Center account has been suspended. Ouch! That can be hurtful. But you don’t need to worry about it, as Merchant Center suspensions are fixable.
Google may suspend your account for various reasons, such as incorrect or missing product data, a non-functional website, or incomplete contact details. The good news is, you can resolve these issues and get your account reinstated.
Head over to our blog to learn everything about Google Merchant Center, including types of suspensions, top reasons for getting suspended, and solutions to recover your account.
What is a Google Merchant Center?
Google Merchant Center is a tool where you provide and manage your product data in the Merchant app. E-commerce businesses can display and manage their product information easily across Google, such as Google Shopping feed, Google Ads, etc. GMC connects your eCommerce store to millions of potential buyers.
GMC allows you to increase your online presence and provide features like
- Integrated multiple e-commerce platforms and keep product information updated
- Manage product details and ensure optimized listings for Google Shopping Ads.
- Runs targeted shopping ads campaigns and dynamic remarketing.
But Google has strict rules. If your account violates any of their policies, you could face suspension.
What Does a Google Merchant Center Suspension Mean?
A Google Merchant Center suspension means your account has been temporarily or permanently blocked, and you cannot advertise on Google Shopping. This can happen for several reasons:
- Policy violations
- Data feed issues
- Website problems
- Business misrepresentation
Suspension can hurt your business if not addressed quickly. You lose traffic, conversions, and revenue.
Types of Google Merchant Center Suspensions
Google doesn’t always shut your account down right away. Here are the types of suspensions you might encounter:
1. Preemptive Warnings
This isn’t a suspension yet. Google gives you a warning and time to fix the issue (usually 7 days). If ignored, your account may get suspended.
2. Account Suspension
This means Google has already suspended your GMC account. Your ads stop running, and your products stop showing on Google Shopping.
3. Item Disapprovals
Sometimes, only specific items are disapproved, not the entire account. You can fix individual items to regain visibility.
Top Reasons Why Google Merchant Center Accounts Get Suspended
Let’s talk about the most common reasons for suspension and how you can avoid them
1. Misrepresentation of Self or Product
This is the number one reason for GMC suspension. Google expects honest, clear, and accurate business details. What counts as misrepresentation?
- Hiding key information (like return policy or shipping costs)
- Using misleading product titles or images
- Fake discount offers
- Selling products that don’t match your description
- Offering payment options you don’t support
Fix it by:
- Being honest in product listings
- Displaying policies clearly on your website
- Avoiding fake claims or exaggerated benefits
2. Missing Contact Information
Google wants to know you’re a real business. Customers must have an easy way to reach you, and if your website lacks a way for customers to reach it, it’s not appropriate. Contact info must include:
- Valid business email
- Working phone number
- Physical address or contact form
Fix it by:
- Adding contact info to your footer or contact page
- Ensuring it’s easy to find
- Matching info with your domain/business name
3. Copyrighted Content
Another common reason for Google Merchant suspension is the use of copyrighted content for sale. The account may be suspended, as you might be
- Using someone else’s product images
- Writing your competitor’s product description
- Unauthorized to sell the product as a third-party vendor
Fix it by:
- Don’t copy-paste others’ content.
- Write your own product information, customized to your audience.
- If possible, attract forms of certified products.
4. Incomplete or Missing Return and Refund Policy
Google requires a clear return and refund policy on your website. It gives customers confidence.
Fix it by:
- Adding a dedicated return & refund policy page
- Explaining timelines, steps, and conditions
- Linking the policy in your footer
5. Broken or Non-functional Website
If Google finds a broken website or pages that don’t work, you may face suspension.
Issues include:
- 404 errors
- Redirect loops
- Long loading times
- Poor mobile usability
Fix it by:
- Regularly testing your website
- Fixing broken links
- Using tools like Google Search Console
- Optimizing for mobile
6. Incorrect Product Data
If your product data doesn’t match what’s on your website, that’s a big problem.
Examples:
- Different prices on the product page vs. the data feed
- The product is out of stock but shows ‘available.’
- Misleading titles or images
Fix it by:
- Keeping feed data updated
- Matching data to your website exactly
- Automating your feed using tools like Wixpa Google Shopping Feed
7. Prohibited Products
Google doesn’t allow certain items on its platform. Prohibited items include:
- Weapons and explosives
- Recreational drugs
- Counterfeit goods
- Tobacco
- Adult content
Fix it by:
- Removing prohibited products
- Reviewing Google Shopping Policies
8. Using a Non-Secure Checkout
Google wants to protect its users. If your checkout isn’t secure (no HTTPS), your account could be suspended.
Fix it by:
- Getting an SSL certificate
- Using HTTPS across all pages
- Working with secure eCommerce platforms (Shopify, WooCommerce)
How to Fix a Suspended Google Merchant Center Account
Now that you know the possible causes, here’s what you can do to fix it.
Step 1: Read the Suspension Notification Carefully
Google will email you about the suspension. It may not list every issue, but it gives clues. Log in to GMC and look under “Account Issues” to find details.
Step 2: Audit Your Website
Use the checklist below
- Secure checkout (HTTPS)
- Clear contact info
- Return/refund policy
- Functional website (no broken pages)
- Mobile-friendly design
- No misleading content or images
- Prices and product details match the data feed
- Allowed product categories only
Step 3: Fix All Issues
Address every problem Google flags. Don’t just fix the one issue mentioned. Go beyond. Review Google’s policies line by line.
Step 4: Request a Review
Once all issues are resolved, go to your GMC dashboard and click “Request Review” under the “Account Issues” section.
Write a clear, honest explanation of what you fixed. Avoid blaming Google. Be polite and to the point. It usually takes 3 to 7 days for Google to respond.
Step 5: Follow Up if Needed
If your request gets denied, go back and double-check everything. Sometimes, issues get missed. You can request another review after 7 days.
Tips to Prevent Future Suspensions
Avoiding suspension is easier than fixing one. Here are practical tips:
1. Use Trusted Feed Management Tools
Automate your product feeds using apps like
- Wixpa Google Shopping Feed
- DataFeedWatch
- Simprosys Google Shopping Feed
These tools reduce errors and keep data synced.
2. Stay Updated with Google Policies
Google updates its policies regularly. Subscribe to updates or check Merchant Center Help monthly.
3. Run Regular Website Health Checks
Use tools like:
- Google Search Console
- PageSpeed Insights
- Screaming Frog
These catch issues before Google does.
4. List Accurate Product Details
Keep your feed data updated daily. Match it with the actual product page.
5. Add Legal Pages
Your website should always have:
- Privacy Policy
- Terms of Service
- Return/Refund Policy
- Contact Page
What If You’re Still Not Approved?
If Google keeps rejecting your appeals, here are other options:
Option 1: Hire an Expert
Consider working with a certified Google Shopping specialist. They’ll audit your site, fix errors, and handle the appeal.
Option 2: Use a Different Domain
Sometimes, a domain gets flagged permanently. If you’ve exhausted all fixes, consider moving your store to a fresh domain. Start with clean policies and error-free listings.
Option 3: Reach Google Support
Use the contact form inside GMC or the Merchant Center Contact Page. Be patient and professional.
Final Thoughts
Getting suspended from Google Merchant Center is frustrating, but it’s not the end. Most suspensions are fixable. Follow these steps:
- Identify the cause
- Fix the issues thoroughly
- Submit a review request
- Stay compliant going forward
Google wants honest and transparent sellers. If you build trust, you’ll succeed.
FAQs
1. How long does it take to recover from the GMC suspension?
Usually, it takes 3–7 business days. Some complex cases take longer.
2. Can I open a new GMC account after suspension?
Yes, but only if you fix the root issues. Google may suspend new accounts if they’re linked to the old one.
3. Will deleting and re-adding products fix the issue?
Not necessarily. You must address the actual policy violation.
4. Can a feed management app fix my suspension?
Apps can fix feed issues, but not website or policy violations. Use both together.
