15+ Google Merchant Center Errors [Complete Guide 2025]

What Are Google Merchant Center Errors?

Google Merchant Center errors represent problems which stop product data from showing properly in Google Shopping. The errors appear when product information does not fulfill the requirements set by Google. The most common errors in Google Merchant Center include product identifiers that are absent and incorrect pricing and invalid URLs and poor image quality and inaccurate product availability status. Merchants need to resolve these errors to keep their product listings active.

Critical Account-Level Errors

1. GMC Account Suspension Error

A Google Merchant Center account suspension occurs when your account violates Google’s policies or requirements. The suspension stops your products from showing in Google Shopping results. Google sends suspension notices with specific violation details. Common causes include mismatched pricing, incorrect product information, and policy violations. You must fix these issues to restore your account status.

Primary Causes:

Policy violations (misrepresentation, unacceptable business practices)
Repeated listing violations without resolution
Circumventing Google’s systems or policies
Selling prohibited products

Resolution Steps:

Review the suspension email for specific violation details
Fix all identified issues on your website
Submit an appeal through Google Merchant Center
Wait 7-14 days for review response
Implement preventive measures to avoid future suspensions

Prevention Tips:

Regular policy compliance audits
Monitor account health dashboard weekly
Address warnings immediately

2. GMC Misrepresentation of Self or Product Error

The GMC Misrepresentation of Self or Product Error happens when users provide false information about themselves or their products on GMC platforms. The violation includes false product descriptions and fake business details and misleading service information. Google Merchant Center strictly enforces policies against deceptive practices to protect customers and maintain marketplace integrity.

Common Triggers:

Missing or unclear contact information
Exaggerated product claims or benefits
Inaccurate product descriptions or specifications
Hidden fees or charges not disclosed upfront

Quick Fix Checklist:

Add complete contact information (address, phone, email)
Include clear terms of service and privacy policy
Ensure product descriptions match actual features
Display all fees and charges transparently
Remove any misleading marketing language

3. GMC Unclaimed Website URL Error

The GMC unclaimed website URL error happens when Google My Business fails to confirm ownership of your website address. The verification process of your Google Business Profile displays this error to users. Users must correct the URL format while verifying their website is active and proving their ownership rights to solve this problem.

The error displays as “Website URL is unclaimed.” Business owners must demonstrate website control to Google through particular verification procedures. The error occurs when users enter incorrect URL formatting or experience DNS problems or fail to verify website ownership.

Verification Methods:

HTML file upload (most common)
HTML tag method (easiest for developers)
Google Analytics (if already connected)
Google Tag Manager (for advanced users)

Step-by-Step Process:

Go to Business Information in Merchant Center
Click “Claim website URL”
Choose verification method
Follow provided instructions
Verify successful claim within 24 hours

Product Feed Errors

4. GMC Feed Errors

The Google Merchant Center feed errors occur when product data fails to fulfill the requirements for shopping ads on Google. The errors prevent products from appearing in Google Shopping results. The most common GMC feed errors include missing product titles, incorrect pricing, invalid GTINs, and broken image links. The process of error correction requires individual data verification for each item.

Error Type	Description	Solution
Missing Required Attributes	Title, description, link, image_link, price missing	Add all mandatory fields to feed
Formatting Issues	Incorrect date formats, currency symbols	Follow Google’s formatting guidelines
Character Limits	Titles over 150 characters, descriptions over 5000	Trim content to specified limits
Invalid URLs	Broken links, non-HTTPS URLs	Fix all broken links, use HTTPS
Outdated Data	Products discontinued but still in feed	Update feed regularly (daily recommended)

Critical Feed Attributes:

Title (150 characters max)
Description (5000 characters max)
Link (must be HTTPS)
Image_link (must be HTTPS)
Price (with currency)
Availability (in stock, out of stock, preorder)

5. GMC Invalid GTIN, MPN, or Brand Error

GTIN, MPN, and Brand errors in Google Merchant Center occur when product identifiers do not match required formats or contain incorrect information. These errors prevent products from showing in Google Shopping. Common causes include missing GTINs, wrong manufacturer part numbers, or incorrect brand names in product data feeds.

Requirements by Product Type:

Branded products: GTIN + Brand (MPN optional)
Custom/handmade products: Brand only
Books: ISBN required
Media: UPC required

Common Mistakes:

Using placeholder GTINs (like 000000000000)
Incorrect brand names or variations
Missing identifiers for eligible products
Using fake or generated GTINs

Best Practices:

Source GTINs from official databases (GS1, manufacturer)
Use exact brand names as registered
Leave GTIN empty for custom products rather than using fake codes

Pricing and Availability Issues

6. GMC Price Mismatch Error

The GMC Price Mismatch Error occurs when product prices in Google Merchant Center don’t match the prices on your website. This error appears when the listed price in your product feed differs from the price shown on your landing page. Google requires exact price matching to maintain accuracy and trust for shoppers.

Common Scenarios:

Feed shows $99, website shows $129
Sale prices not updated in feed
Different prices for different user segments
Mobile vs desktop price variations

Resolution Timeline:

Immediate: Update feed with correct prices
Within 24 hours: Verify price consistency across all platforms
Ongoing: Implement automated price sync

7. GMC Inaccurate Product Availability Error

The GMC Inaccurate Product Availability Error occurs when Google Merchant Center displays wrong stock information for products in your online store. This error happens when product inventory data in your feed does not match the actual availability on your website. Fixing this requires immediate updates to your product feed and website inventory numbers.

Availability Status Options:

In stock: Product available for immediate purchase
Out of stock: Product temporarily unavailable
Preorder: Product available for advance purchase
Backorder: Product available but delayed shipping

Monitoring Strategy:

Update availability in real-time or at least daily
Use inventory management systems with API integration
Set up automated alerts for stock changes
Regular availability audits (weekly minimum)

Technical and Compliance Errors

8. GMC Image Issues Error

The GMC Image Issues Error appears when the system fails to show or handle images properly. The GMC Image Issues Error disrupts media loading operations and prevents GMC devices from using cameras and displaying images. The error develops from software problems and insufficient storage capacity and damaged image files and outdated system software. Users can resolve this issue through cache clearing and software updates and storage setting verification.

Image Requirements:

Aspect	Requirement	Common Violations
Resolution	Minimum 100×100 pixels	Low-quality images
Format	JPEG, PNG, GIF, BMP, TIFF	Unsupported formats
Content	Product only, no promotional text	Watermarks, promotional overlays
Background	Preferably white or transparent	Busy backgrounds
Quality	Clear, well-lit, professional	Blurry, dark images

Quick Image Fixes:

Remove all watermarks and promotional text
Use white or neutral backgrounds
Ensure images are well-lit and in focus
Show the actual product, not packaging
Use multiple angles for complex products

9. GMC Missing or Incorrect Tax Information Error

The GMC Missing or Incorrect Tax Information Error happens when tax details are incomplete or wrong in the General Motors Credit system. The error blocks users from finishing financial deals or using their account services. Users need to check their tax identification number and address and filing status to resolve this issue.

Required Tax Setup:

Tax registration in applicable states
Correct tax rates for each jurisdiction
Proper tax category assignments
Regular tax rate updates

Tax Configuration Steps:

Navigate to Business Information > Tax settings
Add all states where you have tax nexus
Configure tax rates by product category
Set up automatic tax calculations
Regular monthly tax rate reviews

10. GMC Missing or Incorrect Shipping Information Error

Google Merchant Center identifies shipping details problems in product feeds through the GMC Missing or Incorrect Shipping Information Error. The error shows up when shipping costs or delivery times or shipping zones remain empty or contain invalid information. Merchants need to resolve these issues to keep their product listings accurate while preventing feed disapprovals.

Essential Shipping Elements:

Shipping costs: Accurate for all regions
Delivery timeframes: Realistic estimates
Shipping methods: All available options
Free shipping thresholds: If applicable
International shipping: If offered

Shipping Setup Checklist:

Configure shipping rates for all target countries
Set accurate delivery timeframes
Include handling time in calculations
Specify shipping restrictions
Update shipping policies regularly

Policy and Content Violations

11. GMC Missing Return & Refund Policy Error

The GMC Missing Return & Refund Policy Error occurs when a Google Merchant Center account lacks required return and refund policy information. This error affects product listings and shopping ads. Merchants must add clear return policies to their websites and link them correctly in GMC to resolve this issue and maintain account compliance.

Required Policy Elements:

Return timeframe (minimum 30 days recommended)
Return condition requirements
Refund processing timeline
Return shipping responsibility
Exchange options if available

Policy Placement Requirements:

Accessible from every product page
Linked in website footer
Clear and easy to understand
Updated with current information

12. GMC Adult Content without Proper Labeling Error

Google Merchant Center demands that all products with mature themes must receive explicit adult content labels. The error happens when sellers upload adult-oriented items without setting the adult_content attribute to “true” in their product feed. The error needs to be resolved through correct labeling and by following Google’s adult content policies for product listings.

Adult Content Categories:

Sexual wellness products
Adult entertainment
Dating services
Mature-themed content

Compliance Requirements:

Proper age verification systems
Clear adult content warnings
Restricted advertising targeting
Compliance with local regulations

13. GMC Policy Violations Error

The GMC Policy Violations Error occurs when users violate Google Merchant Center advertising rules through their Google Merchant Center account. The error appears when product listings contain information that does not match Google’s requirements for accurate descriptions and pricing and availability and prohibited content. Users need to resolve these violations to maintain their ability to sell through Google Shopping.

Commonly Restricted Products:

Alcohol (requires special approval)
Tobacco and smoking accessories
Prescription medications
Weapons and dangerous items
Counterfeit goods

Violation Prevention:

Regular policy review (quarterly)
Product category compliance audits
Legal consultation for borderline products
Industry-specific regulation compliance

Geographic and Technical Restrictions

14. GMC Unsupported Language or Currency Error

The GMC Unsupported Language or Currency Error happens when users attempt to view content in unsupported languages or perform transactions with unrecognizable currencies. The GMC (Google Merchant Center) displays this error when product listings include language codes or currency formats that Google’s system fails to recognize.

Supported Configurations:

Country	Supported Languages	Required Currency
United States	English	USD
United Kingdom	English	GBP
Germany	German	EUR
France	French	EUR
Japan	Japanese	JPY

15. GMC Destination Not Eligible Error

The GMC Destination Not Eligible Error occurs when a user attempts to enter a destination into their GMC navigation system that is outside the current map coverage area. This error commonly appears on GMC infotainment systems when trying to navigate to addresses that are not in the system’s database or in restricted zones.

Common Restrictions:

Medical devices in certain regions
Food products without proper certifications
Electronics without local compliance
Age-restricted products in conservative markets

Getting Help and Support

Google Resources:

Google Merchant Center Help Center
Google Ads Community Forums
Google Partner support (for certified partners)

How Trusted Web Eservices Can Help You Fix Common Google Merchant Center Errors

Trusted Web Eservices provides fast solutions to fix Google Merchant Center errors which enables you to restore your products to the online platform. Our team of experts follows a structured approach to identify, rectify, and prevent violations. Here’s how we can assist:

Comprehensive Error Diagnosis: We conduct a detailed analysis of your Merchant Center account to detect all types of errors including feed issues, policy violations, and technical problems.
Feed Optimization & Product Data Correction: We fix product identifiers, pricing discrepancies, image issues, and ensure all required attributes are properly formatted.
Account Recovery & Appeals: Our experts handle account suspensions, website verification issues, and draft professional appeals to reinstate your account swiftly.
Policy Compliance Setup: We configure tax settings, shipping information, return policies, and ensure full compliance with Google’s guidelines.
Ongoing Monitoring & Prevention: We provide continuous monitoring to prevent future errors and maintain optimal account health.

If your Google Merchant Center account has errors preventing your products from showing, Trusted Web Eservices is here to help you resolve them efficiently and ensure long-term success.

Struggling with Google Merchant Center Errors?

Fix issues fast and get your products approved without the hassle. Trusted Web Eservices team provides expert solutions tailored to your problem!

15+ Common Google Merchant Center Errors [Complete Guide 2025]