Running an e-commerce store is no easy feat, and ensuring compliance with Google Merchant Center (GMC) policies can be challenging. One of the most common reasons for account suspension is missing or incomplete website policies. In this blog, I’ll walk you through the five essential policies your store needs to meet GMC’s transparency and trust standards.
1. Shipping Policy
Your shipping policy should clearly outline:
- Delivery times (e.g., 5–7 business days)
- Available shipping methods (standard, expedited, etc.)
- Countries you ship to and any restrictions
- Tracking information availability
💡 Pro Tip: Include estimated costs for each shipping method to build trust.
2. Return and Refund Policy
Clearly state how customers can return products, including:
- Timeframe for returns (e.g., within 30 days of delivery)
- Conditions for eligibility (e.g., unused, original packaging)
- Refund methods and processing time
💡 Make it easy for customers to understand the process by providing a step-by-step guide.
3. Terms of Service
This policy defines your store’s operating guidelines, including:
- Terms of use for your website
- Intellectual property disclaimers
- Limitation of liability
💡 Ensure this policy is comprehensive but written in customer-friendly language.
4. Privacy Policy
A privacy policy is crucial with data privacy laws like GDPR and CCPA. Include:
- Details about how customer data is collected and used
- Third-party tools or services that process data (e.g., Google Analytics)
- Customer rights regarding their data
💡 Transparency builds customer confidence and satisfies legal requirements.
5. Contact Us Page
Google requires a visible and accessible “Contact Us” page with:
- Business address
- Phone number
- Support email
💡 Bonus: Add a contact form for convenience.
Why These Policies Matter for GMC
These policies show Google that your store operates transparently and values customer trust. Without them, your GMC account could be flagged for misrepresentation.
How Ecom Fixify Can Help
I’ve helped countless e-commerce businesses get their GMC accounts back on track by implementing these essential policies and optimizing their stores for compliance.
🚀 Need help making your store GMC-compliant? Let’s get it done—contact me today!
