All GMC terms explained clearly. Understand Google's vocabulary to better manage your account.
A structured document submitted to Google as part of an appeal, explaining the corrections made following a suspension. A strong appeal letter acknowledges the issues, details the fixes, and outlines preventive measures.
The process by which Google evaluates the corrections made to a suspended account. The standard turnaround is 48-72h for an initial request, up to 14 days for complex cases.
Google's platform that allows e-commerce merchants to manage their product data for Google Shopping. It is the main interface for submitting your product feed and managing your Shopping campaigns.
Temporary or permanent deactivation of a Google Merchant Center account for non-compliance with Google policies. A suspension prevents your products from being shown on Google Shopping.
A formal request submitted to Google to contest a suspension and request a review of your account. The appeal must detail the corrections made and demonstrate compliance with policies.
Google's service that lets users search, compare and buy products. Shopping ads appear in Google search results and on the Shopping tab.
An international barcode that uniquely identifies a product (EAN-13 in Europe, UPC in the USA). Required in GMC for products from well-known brands.
The section of Google Merchant Center that displays issues detected in your feed and account: product errors, warnings, compliance problems. Should be checked regularly.
The page on your site that a Shopping ad links to. It must match the advertised product exactly: same price, same availability, same description.
The set of pages required to sell on Google Shopping: Terms and Conditions, Return Policy, Shipping Policy, Privacy Policy. Their absence or incompleteness causes suspensions.
A Google policy violation indicating that your site contains misleading information about your identity, products or business. It is the most common cause of GMC suspension.
A structured file (XML, CSV, TSV) containing all your product information: title, description, price, availability, images. This feed is submitted to Google Merchant Center to display your products on Shopping.
Categories of products strictly forbidden on Google Shopping: counterfeits, dangerous products, weapons, drugs, tobacco, adult content, and products that enable dishonest behavior.
An automated Google Ads campaign type that serves ads across all Google channels (Search, Shopping, Display, YouTube, Maps). Requires an active GMC account for Shopping ads.
Information fields describing a product in the feed: id, title, description, price, availability, image_link, brand, gtin, etc. Some attributes are required, others are recommended.
A definitive and irrevocable closure of a GMC account. This occurs after multiple unresolved suspensions or repeated serious violations. It prevents any future use of GMC.
Products permitted under certain conditions: dietary supplements (certifications required), alcohol (geographic restrictions), financial services, event tickets.
A mandatory legal page describing the conditions for returns: withdrawal period (minimum 14 days in the EU), conditions, who covers return shipping costs, refund process.
A checkout process that meets Google's requirements: HTTPS mandatory, valid SSL certificate, no hidden fees, transparent prices before payment. A non-compliant checkout can trigger a suspension.
Manipulative tactics prohibited by Google: fake urgency countdown timers, false out-of-stock notices, fake reviews, fictitious strikethrough prices, or any practice designed to deceive users.
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