Google Merchant Center (GMC) is a powerful platform for e-commerce businesses, enabling them to showcase their products on Google Shopping and reach potential customers. However, many merchants face account suspensions due to policy violations, which can hinder business growth. Understanding the common reasons behind GMC suspensions and how to avoid them can save you time, money, and frustration.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top reasons for GMC account suspensions and provide actionable steps to ensure compliance and keep your account running smoothly.
1. Misrepresentation of Products or Business
Google prioritizes transparency and accuracy. If your store or product listings contain misleading information, your GMC account may be suspended.
How to Avoid It:
Ensure that your product titles, descriptions, and images accurately represent what you’re selling.
Be honest about pricing, availability, and promotions.
Display clear refund and return policies on your website.
Avoid exaggerated claims or misleading product benefits.
2. Insufficient or Misleading Contact Information
Google requires businesses to provide valid contact details for transparency and trust. If your store lacks essential business information, it could lead to account suspension.
How to Avoid It:
Include a working phone number, email address, and physical address on your website.
Add an “About Us” page with business details.
Make sure your website looks professional and isn’t just a landing page.
3. Inconsistent or Incorrect Pricing
Your product prices on Google Shopping must match the prices displayed on your website. Any discrepancies can trigger a suspension.
How to Avoid It:
Ensure the same price appears on Google Shopping and your website.
Update prices immediately if they change due to promotions or stock updates.
Avoid hidden charges—what customers see should be what they pay.
4. Prohibited or Restricted Products
Google has strict policies regarding prohibited and restricted products. Selling items that violate these policies can lead to an immediate suspension.
How to Avoid It:
Review Google’s prohibited and restricted products list (e.g., counterfeit goods, weapons, drugs, or adult content).
If selling restricted products, ensure you comply with Google’s specific guidelines for that category.
Keep your inventory updated to remove non-compliant products.
5. Poor Website Quality and User Experience
Your website must provide a safe, user-friendly, and transparent shopping experience for visitors. A poorly designed or non-functional website can lead to GMC suspension.
How to Avoid It:
Use a secure website (HTTPS) to protect customer data.
Ensure that all pages are accessible, including product pages, privacy policy, and terms of service.
Fix broken links and make sure the checkout process is smooth and functional.
6. Policy Violations and Unclear Return Policies
Google requires clear policies to protect buyers. If your website lacks a return, refund, and shipping policy, it may get flagged.
How to Avoid It:
Create easy-to-understand return and refund policies.
Ensure your policies are visible on your website (in the footer or dedicated pages).
Align your policies with Google’s guidelines for customer protection.
7. Multiple Policy Violations and Repeated Suspensions
Repeated violations or failure to rectify previous issues can result in a permanent suspension of your GMC account.
How to Avoid It:
Regularly audit your account and fix compliance issues.
Follow Google’s policy update announcements to stay informed.
If your account is suspended, submit a proper appeal with corrections outlined.
What to Do If Your GMC Account Gets Suspended?
If your account is suspended, don’t panic! Follow these steps:
Check your email—Google will provide a reason for suspension.
Review policies and identify the issue.
Fix the problem (product information, website updates, or compliance issues).
Submit an appeal through Google Merchant Center.
Final Thoughts
GMC Account Suspensions can disrupt your business, but by staying compliant, you can avoid these issues altogether. Focus on transparency, accuracy, and customer trust to keep your GMC account active.
💡 Need help fixing your GMC account? Contact us at Ecomfixify for expert guidance!
