How can I resolve GTIN errors in Google Merchant Centre with dropshipped products?

[LexxBeauty]

Hi Guys,

1) I have shopify store which does Dropshipping.   

2) I have linked "Google & YouTube" sales channel to bring my product to GMC using inbuilt feed.  

3) I am sourcing all products from AliExpress and asked all suppliers for GTIN and they don't have it.  

4) So in Shopify to Google Feed I set "Custom Product" to "True" for all my product.

5) After few days GTIN errors were popping up, even though I have flag "Custom Product" to "True" 

6) So I hired a freelancer on Fi**rr and he took shortcut and set all random GTINs for different product (when checking one or two product he put numbers which does not meet product category).

Can someone guide me what are my options here, as no GTINs are available for my products..

Should I buy UPC codes and apply them in GMC? 

OR

Set all "identifier_exist" to "NO"  (via Feed Rules) and remove all GTINs entered?

OR

Is there any way around it?

I would appreciate any input.. TIA

[EmmanuelFlossie · Accepted solution]

Only Manufacturers can buy official GS1 barcodes, not resellers. Google will reject any self bought barcodes.

You need to setup feed rules to clear the brand, mpn and gtin values and set identifier exists to no.

Here is a guide:

[LexxBeauty]

Thanks mate really appreciate your help, I have just applied your solution will keep you posted.

[LexxBeauty]

Hi @EmmanuelFlossie ,  Now solution have triggered "Incorrect value [identifier exists]", is that mean I have to google algorithm identifies that those products have GTIN exist and I have to find them manually over google to apply?  

I would appreciate your guidance on this...

[EmmanuelFlossie]

If you have verified that the products have no brand, mpn and gtin, and verified that identifier exists is set to no. In Google Merchant Center > products > all products > click on the product with the issue> scroll to the bottom > view the final attributes.

Then yes, Google expects barcodes, if you don't have them, then just leave it and accept the lower performance. Whatever you do, don't submit incorrect data.

[firstpagesoluti]

I tried what you said and it worked, but now I'm left with a new problem:

Incorrect value [identifier exists]

I'm being told "This item has an internationally recognized, unique identifier. Submit a valid GTIN, and either set this value to true or remove this value."

I don't have a GTIN.

What should I do?

[EmmanuelFlossie]

If Google says it has a barcode, then most likely that is the case. I recommend checking the product packaging, or contact the manufacturer to find the barcode.

[firstpagesoluti]

I spoke with the main person at the company and she said yes, there are bar codes, but now she's telling me that 1 product (the same product) is sourced by multiple companies with different bar codes. We only sell one American flag, but again, we get it from different places depending on stock. Can I just use one?

I have a lot of products, and getting and entering GTIN is going to take a long time. any recommendations on speeding up the process

Thanks so much!

[EmmanuelFlossie]

You will need to use the barcode that is applicable to the specific product you sell. 

For bulk editing, consider using: https://apps.shopify.com/bulk-product-editor?surface_detail=albastar&surface_inter_position=1&surfac...

[thadeus]

Is their a way to get a updated one my google merchant does not look like that

[EmmanuelFlossie]

If you continue to have issues, then something is not setup correct. Here are the details you should follow:

1) If a manufacturer has assigned a barcode then you are required to add this info in the GTIN field. Alongside the brand value with identifier exists to yes.

2) If the manufacturer has not assigned a barcode, then remove the values brand, mpn and gtin and set identifier exists to no.

Here is a guide how to apply the rules using feed rules: https://support.google.com/google-ads/community-video/216954171

More info:
https://support.google.com/merchants/answer/6324351
https://support.google.com/merchants/answer/6324461
https://support.google.com/merchants/answer/6324482
https://support.google.com/merchants/answer/6324478

[sampymishra]

Hi @LexxBeauty 

You can refer to this blog if you need assistance on GTIN related issue:https://blog.adnabu.com/google-merchant-center/how-to-fix-gtin-errors

You can also reach out to us, and we can help you create feed rules in the merchant center.