Businesses of all kinds and types can face big problems when their Google Merchant Center Account is suspended. If the Google Merchant Center account is suspended then we cannot use the shopping feature and list the products on the inventory as well. This case study looks at the most common reasons for these suspensions, gives a thorough, step-by-step plan for diagnosing and fixing them, and suggests the best ways to keep them from happening again.

Objectives

1. Find the most common reasons why Google Merchant Accounts are closed for different types of businesses.
2. Give an in-depth, workable plan for how to identify and fix suspensions.
3. Set up the best ways to keep up with the policies and avoid future suspensions.

Common Issues of Suspension of Merchant Accounts

1. Policy Violations

These suspensions occur when an account violates Google’s Merchant Center policies, including:

• Misrepresentation issues: Includes providing false information about the business, products, or services.
• Unacceptable business practices: Examples include misleading advertising, bait and switch, or scams.
• Prohibited content: Selling or promoting products that are not allowed, such as fake products, weapons, sexual products, or drugs.
• Violations of shopping ads policies: For example, not following guidelines about product data specs, landing page requirements, or ad formats.
• Pricing Discrepancies: Prices must be consistent between what is listed on Google Merchant Center and what is shown on the business website.
• Inadequate Website Information: Google requires that websites provide clear contact information, return policies, privacy policies, and terms of service.

2. Account-Level Issues

The suspensions may be because of problems with the account overall:

• Multiple Suspensions: Repeated policy violations or unresolved issues from previous suspensions.

Steps to Fix These Issues

Step 1: Identify the Problem

The first step in fixing a suspension is understanding the exact reason why your account was suspended. Google normally gives a reason, but it might be too general. Learn more about the specifics

• Check Notifications: Google sends notifications about suspensions. Read these carefully.
• Review Policies: Compare the issue with Google’s policies to understand what went wrong.

Contact Support: Contact Google Merchant Center support to get a clear image of the issues and get suggestions from them to fix the issue.

Step 2: Correct the Issues

Once you’ve identified the problem, take immediate action to correct it.

1. Fix Policy Violations:
   • Remove any prohibited products such as weapons, drugs, sexual products, etc.
   • Ensure your product details are honest and accurate.
   • Follow all of Google’s advertising policies.
     
     
2. Resolve Feed Issues:
   • Double-check your product data for accuracy.
   • Ensure prices, availability, and descriptions match what is on your website.
     
     
3. Improve Website Quality:
   • Make your website user-friendly and ensure it loads quickly.
   • Ensure your checkout process is secure.
   • Provide exact billing terms and conditions.
   • Provide clear contact information on the footer.  
   • Provide detailed return & refund policy.
   • Provide a clear privacy policy and terms of service.
   • Provide exact links to social media buttons.
   • Provide the unique descriptions and images on the website. Must be copyright-free.

Step 3: Submit for Review

Once the issues are resolved, you can submit a request for review through the Google Merchant Center. Provide detailed information about the changes made and any supporting evidence.

Prevent Future Suspensions

To avoid being suspended again, make it a habit to check for compliance with regulations.:

• Regular Audits: Check your website and product info regularly to make sure they follow Google’s policies.
• Stay Updated: Keep up with any changes in Google’s policies.
• Transparent Business Information: Provide clear contact information, privacy policies, return policies, and terms of service.

Note: If the Google Merchant Center account is new or disapproved, we shouldn’t connect the Google Ads account with it. If we connect there might be a high chance of getting suspended from the Google ads account.

To fix a Google Merchant account suspension, you need to know exactly why it was suspended, fix those problems, and make sure you continue to follow the rules. Businesses can get through the suspension process and keep reaching customers through Google Shopping if they follow these steps.