Google Merchant Center Misrepresentation issues can pose a major risk to your business. This basically happens when your website or product information is not presented correctly according to Google’s policies. This can result in your Merchant Center account being suspended or ads not showing, which reduces sales and brand credibility. Especially in an e-commerce business, loss of customer trust means reduced sales. Therefore, it is important to understand the Google Merchant Center Misrepresentation problem and solve it quickly. In this guide, I will show you how to identify and fix this problem easily.
If your account is already suspended, you can follow our detailed guide on fixing a Google Merchant Center suspension for step-by-step help.
Google Merchant Center Misrepresentation Policy Explained
What is Misrepresentation Policy?
The Google Merchant Center Misrepresentation Policy is a guideline designed to ensure all product and business information is clear, accurate, and trustworthy. Its main purpose is to protect consumers from fraudulent or incorrect information and maintain transparency.
According to this policy, all information provided on your website such as product name, description, price, and stock status must be accurate and updated. Also, promotion or discount information should be clear and unambiguous. Google does not tolerate fake information, outdated shipping or return policies, or business obscurity.
The key aspects of the Google Merchant Center Misrepresentation Policy are—
- Providing incorrect or false product information is prohibited
- Vague or misleading promotions
- Providing correct business information such as address, phone number
- Make payment, shipping and return policies clear and readily available
For a detailed walkthrough, check our guide on Google Merchant Center suspension reasons.
Failure to comply with this policy may result in various issues, including suspension of your Merchant Center account, which can cause major disruption to your business.
Most Common Causes of Google Merchant Center Misrepresentation
Misrepresentation or providing incorrect information in Google Merchant Center may result in account suspension or ad disapproval. The most influential factors are detailed below, so that you can easily understand and avoid them:
Incorrect or outdated product information
It is very important to have a correct and updated product name, description, price, and stock status. Oftentimes, sellers who don’t update product listings are considered by Google to violate policy by providing incorrect information. For example, there is a problem if the product is out of stock, but it is shown on the website or the price is incorrect.
Unclear or misleading promotions and discounts
Consumers get confused if the terms of the promotion or offer are not clear. For example, hiding terms or conditions after saying 50% off or not making it clear when the promotion will run. Google considers such ambiguities as Misrepresentation.
Incomplete or inaccurate business information
Your website address, phone number, email should be correct and updated. This information helps Google ensure that your business is genuine and trustworthy. If the address or phone number is incorrect or missing, it will cause a policy default.
Policy Pages are missing or inadequate
The presence of Privacy Policy, Shipping Policy, Return Policy etc, pages is mandatory. Check whether they are clearly and easily available on the website. Outdated or incomplete policies are confusing for both customers and Google.
Lack of security and credibility
A website with no SSL certificate (HTTPS), no secure payment options, or a lack of customer reviews can cause Google to consider your site untrustworthy. Such security features increase customer confidence and reduce Google’s risk of misrepresentation.
Broken links and placeholder content
Websites with links that don’t work or placeholder content with temporary information reduce the credibility of the business and Google’s policy.
Inconsistent or undefined business models
For example, if your product or service type, shipping method, or pricing is not clear, or the terms applicable to the sale are not clear, it is considered a misrepresentation.
How to Identify Misrepresentation Issues in Your Merchant Center Account
It’s important to quickly identify misrepresentation issues in Google Merchant Center, as violating such policies can result in your account being suspended and your ads being disabled.
1. How to get notifications from Google:
When Google detects a misrepresentation or other policy violation in your Merchant Center account, it sends a message directly to your email and Merchant Center notification panel. These notifications typically contain details about the issue and instructions for resolving it.
2. Checking for issues in the Merchant Center dashboard:
Log in to your Merchant Center account and go to the “Diagnostics” or “Issues” section of your dashboard to see if there are any policy violations, product disapprovals, or suspension messages. Google lists specific issues here.
3. Website and Product Page Verification:
Regularly check your website for product information, prices, images, shipping and return policies. Fix broken links or outdated content quickly. Product data feed should also be updated if there is any mistake.
4. Identification of Suspensions and Warnings:
A suspension or warning message is usually displayed in a large red or yellow banner on the dashboard. Neglecting these may jeopardise the stability of the account.
5. Keep regular reviews:
Always monitor your Merchant Center account and website regularly. Be quick to find out if there are new updates or policy changes. This will help you identify and fix any misrepresentation issues early.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Google Merchant Center Misrepresentation
It is very important to resolve the Misrepresentation issue in Google Merchant Center quickly and correctly so that your business does not stop advertising and continues to sell. Below is a detailed step-by-step guide, which you can follow to easily fix this issue.
1. Do a complete audit of the website
The first step is to do a full audit of your website. Note the following points in particular:
- Fix broken links, placeholders or incomplete content.
- Use accurate information and images on product pages.
- Check if the website loading speed is good.
- Ensure mobile friendly design, as Google values mobile view.
Example: If a product image doesn’t load or the price is displayed incorrectly, Google will consider it a misrepresentation.
2. Keep product data accurate and up to date
Your product data uploaded to Merchant Center such as name, description, price, and stock status must be kept accurate and updated at all times.
- Update data instantly with new prices, promotions, or stock changes.
- Ensure that the product data feed does not contain incorrect or missing information.
Tips: Check Google Merchant Center’s Diagnostics tab regularly to see if any products have been disapproved.
3. Display business information accurately (address, phone, email).
Keep business information accurate and updated on your website and Merchant Center account.
- Show address, phone number, email clearly on website.
- Use the same information as Google Business Profile information.
- Means of communication should be kept quick and readily available.
Example: Sometimes Google may face problems if the phone number is incorrect or the website does not have a contact page.
4. Update the policy page (Privacy, Shipping, Terms).
Google wants clear and accessible policy pages. So keep the following points in mind:
- Privacy Policy, Shipping Policy, Return Policy and Terms of Service pages must be on the website.
- Provide clear, clean and updated information on these pages.
- Be sure to keep the policy pages accessible on the website (in the footer or menu).
Tips: If the Return Policy is not clear, the customer may be confused and Google may assume misrepresentation.
5. Show clear and accurate promotions
Your promotions, discounts and offers should be clear and accurate.
- Clearly state the terms of the promotion.
- Do not make false or exaggerated claims.
- Keep the offer period, range clear.
Example: When saying “50% off” must be clear on the website.
6. Increase security — SSL, payment methods, reviews
Add security and trust indicators to increase business credibility:
- Having SSL certificate (HTTPS) on the website is mandatory.
- Use secure and popular payment gateways.
- Show customer reviews and ratings, which increase credibility.
Tips: Google considers insecure websites less trustworthy and can cause misrepresentation issues.
7. Send a review or appeal to Google
Apply for review or appeal from Google Merchant Center after making all necessary corrections.
- Submit a review request from Account Issues or Diagnostics in Merchant Center.
- Mention in detail and clearly what changes you have made in the application form.
- Google can approve your application faster by providing quick and detailed information.
If you’re unsure, you can hire a Google Merchant Center specialist to handle the process professionally.
Best Practices to Avoid Future Misrepresentation Violations
Here are some best practices to follow regularly to avoid misrepresentation in Google Merchant Center:
- Monitor regularly: Review the website and Merchant Center account regularly. Follow up on new updates or policy changes as soon as they happen.
- Give true and updated information: Always keep product prices, stock, details accurate and up-to-date. Inaccurate information will lose customer trust and create a negative impression on Google as well.
- Read and comply with Google policies regularly: Google updates their policies from time to time. Therefore, it is important to regularly review official policies and adhere to them.
- Add Trust Building Elements: Websites with SSL certificates, secure payment gateways, and customer reviews increase visitor confidence. Clear contact information is also essential.
- Clear and accurate promotion: Make the terms of the discount, offer or promotion clear and straightforward, to avoid confusion.
Following these simple yet effective tips will keep your Google Merchant Center Misrepresentation issues at bay and your business sustainable. If you’re just starting with Merchant Center, our Google Merchant Center setup service ensures your account is built correctly from the start.
FAQs about Misrepresentation Policy
What is the misrepresentation policy of Google Merchant Centre?
The Google Merchant Center Misrepresentation Policy is a set of rules that guide merchants to keep their product and business information accurate, clear and credible, so that customers are not misled.
How to fix disapproved products in Google Merchant Center?
To fix the disapproval product, you must first update the website and product data to understand the issue given by Google. Then send the review request from Merchant Center.
What are the two ways Google enforces its Shopping ads policy?
Google Shopping Ads Policy enforcement —
1) With Merchant Center account review and suspension,
2) Disapproves of certain products or advertisements.
What is merchant misrepresentation?
Merchant Misrepresentation is when a merchant provides false or misleading information to Google or customers, such as false prices, incomplete product descriptions, or unclear promotions.
Conclusion with Strong Call to Action
Resolving Google Merchant Center Misrepresentation issues quickly is essential to the success and credibility of your business. Having your account suspended due to incorrect information or unclear promotions can hurt sales and brand. This risk can be avoided only by regular monitoring and providing accurate information.
If you need expert help, contact us for Google Ads suspension fixes or Merchant Center troubleshooting.
