Introduction: Why Was Your Merchant Center Suspended?
If your Google Merchant Center (GMC) account was suspended, you’re not alone. Many ecommerce store owners face this, often without clear explanations. A suspension means your products won’t show up in Google Shopping ads, halting your paid traffic and sales.
In this blog, we’ll help you:
- Understand the common reasons for suspension
- Learn how to fix the issues
- Get your account reinstated quickly and properly
Common Reasons for Google Merchant Center Suspension
Google has strict policies, and even minor violations can trigger a suspension. Here are the most common causes:
1. Misrepresentation of Self or Product
- False offers, misleading pricing, or “too good to be true” deals
- Incomplete or unclear business info
- Non-transparent refund/return policies
2. Website Policy Violations
- No Terms of Service or Privacy Policy
- No Contact Information
- No clear Shipping & Return details
3. Incorrect Product Data
- Wrong GTINs, missing MPNs, or misleading product titles/descriptions
- Price or availability mismatch between your site and feed
4. Unsecured Website
- No SSL certificate (HTTPS)
- Redirects or broken links in the shopping feed
5. Violation of Google Ads Policies
- Selling prohibited items (e.g. weapons, counterfeit products)
- Circumventing systems (e.g. cloaking)
How to Fix a Google Merchant Center Suspension
Step 1: Check Your Email & Merchant Center Dashboard
Google usually sends an email with the suspension reason. Check the “Diagnostics” tab in GMC for more detailed info.
Step 2: Audit Your Website Thoroughly
Make sure your site includes:
- Clear Contact Us, About Us, Privacy Policy, Terms & Conditions, and Return Policy
- Accurate product info, prices, and stock levels
- HTTPS enabled across all pages
Pro Tip: Use Google’s Shopping Ads Policies as your checklist.
Step 3: Fix Feed & Data Issues
Use Google’s Merchant Center Feed Rules to fix:
- Missing product identifiers (GTIN, MPN, brand)
- Mismatched pricing or availability
- Incorrect categories or attributes
Step 4: Use Structured Data on Product Pages
Implement schema markup to help Google understand your product info better. This helps prevent data mismatches.
Step 5: Request a Review
Once you’ve fixed everything:
- Go to GMC > Account Issues
- Click “Request Review”
Wait 3–7 days for a response. Make sure your fixes are solid before applying—multiple failed reviews can delay reinstatement.
Best Practices to Avoid Future Suspensions
- Keep your product feed updated daily
- Follow Google Shopping policies closely
- Don’t make false claims or hide crucial info
- Regularly audit your website and Merchant Center dashboard
Bonus Tip: Use Google’s Free Tools
- Merchant Center Diagnostics – See exactly what’s wrong
- Rich Results Test – Check your structured data
- Google Search Console – Monitor your domain health
Conclusion: Fix It Once, Fix It Right
Getting suspended from Google Merchant Center is frustrating—but fixable. Be transparent, follow the rules, and focus on creating a trustworthy user experience.
Need help? Our team specializes in Google Merchant Center reinstatement and Shopping Ads optimization. Get in touch today for a quick fix!