Google merchant Misrepresentation Suspention

[Metaphysicaluk]

Been suspended on google merchant for misrepresentation but having looked through the rules I cant see where I'm going wrong.. It happened when changing the url domain is that normal? Also had a issue with one item because of the words "dragon blood" I've renamed and asked to be review with no luck. 

Any help appreciated  

[EmmanuelFlossie]

Misrepresentation refers to trust related signals about your business.
 
For instance, inconsistencies may arise when the actual physical location of your business aligns differently from the information provided on your website, Google Merchant Center settings, public social media profiles, or other connected accounts. All these details must align and reflect the physical reality of your business.

Be clear about your business model and how you operate.

Operating your business in one geographic region while asserting that the corporate entity is based in a different jurisdiction.

Not providing an official business name and not having this matched accros the web.
 
The practice of setting up a virtual address or business in a location where your company does not operate is a typical example of misrepresentation.
 
Additionally, the overall quality of your website can be a form of misrepresentation. Therefore, it's essential to improve your website and populate it with original, high-quality content and not to copy-paste information from other websites.

Not including social links such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc.
 
Trust indicators such as your Google Business Profile, Better Business Bureau (BBB) accreditation, and genuine customer reviews are critical to fostering a sense of legitimacy and reliability.

Show certificates from offiical 3rd party sources.
 
Neglecting to include essential policies such as shipping, returns, privacy in the footer of your website can lead to misrepresentation. Instead, ensure all necessary policies are articulated and accessible to users for transparency and compliance.

Another example of this could be advertising a discounted price for an item, even though the product has not been sold at its alleged original price in recent history.

Copying content from other websites, including details items such as "About Us" pages or policy statements, is regarded as misrepresentation. 

Not having an original authentic about us page.

Failure to maintain inventory or lack of knowledge regarding stock quantity levels.

Missing or limited contact method.

Do not have any placeholder text or images.

Do not have any redirects or broken links.

If you have published a blog post, make sure customers can read the article.

Any discrepancy on your website or in your Google Merchant Center account that deviates from absolute truthfulness can be perceived as misleading, which could potentially be the reason for suspension.

https://support.google.com/merchants/answer/6363310/follow-the-merchant-center-guidelines
https://support.google.com/merchants/answer/7052112
https://support.google.com/merchants/answer/4752265
https://support.google.com/merchants/answer/13693865

[Olivia]

Hi, @Metaphysicaluk!

Welcome to Shopify Community.

Thank you for sharing your question with our network. I looked online for other users with your circumstances and it appears there were some cases in which a domain change did trigger another review with Google Merchant Center. While this is not a widespread issue, it could have simply been caught in the automatic review process and been flagged.

In addition to reviewing all other changes you made, also reach out to Google's Support team for an explanation of the issue along with any recommendations they provide for reviewing your store before submitting an appeal. 

Once you do speak with their team directly, make sure to update our thread with the latest information so we can provide any additional support from Shopify's end.

I look forward to your reply,

[Metaphysicaluk]

Still Having issues..  Followed the lists and videos and can't get anywhere.

Contacted google multiple times and with not much help, all responses have been to general merchant issues without telling me exactly why I've got a misrepresentation issue. Would be helpful if they told me more information rather than letting me try and guess on a list of about 30 potential issues I think I've sorted out 😞

[EmmanuelFlossie]

First I want to explain that everyone is in the same boat as you are when they are suspended. Nobody gets help from Google.

From the merchants I have helped, everyone needs to go the extra mile and resolve all potential issues. Guessing or picking and choosing which issues to resolve or not resolve generally does not work, unless you are lucky that was the reason.

So my advice, go the extra mile and resolve all potential issues. I know that is hard work, but those that are approved, have had to do the same thing.

[Metaphysicaluk]

Guessed at first then went through everything.. hmm thinking it just doesn't like drop shipping? 

[EmmanuelFlossie]

Drop shipping has an inherit problem that Google can not trust if you can deliver what you list. So to prove to Google that you can deliver what you promise, is to have real reviews. And a track record of order fullfilment: https://support.google.com/merchants/answer/10834831?hl=en