GMC Misrepresentation Suspension

SEO
1

Hi everyone,

I’ve recently had issues with Google Merchant Center suspensions for misrepresentation. While checking my product pages, I noticed that many of my product images in the descriptions are still linked to cjdropshipping instead of being hosted on my Shopify domain.

I’ve started renaming and re-uploading some files (e.g., with my store’s name in the filename), but I’m wondering:

  • Can having CJ-hosted image URLs in my product descriptions trigger misrepresentation issues on Google Merchant Center?

  • Do I need to replace all those links with Shopify-hosted images under my own domain to stay compliant?

I’d really appreciate any advice from anyone who’s experienced this before.

Thanks!

2

Hello @jonbllaca06 ,

I hope you are well!

As per CjDropshipping knowledgebase, you need to contact them VIA chat or submit the ticket to change or modify the image URL. So, you can connect them and inform them for the changing the domain for all the products. The knowledgebase link is - How to List CJ Products to Your Shopify Store?

For domain ranking, you need to use your own domain. Also, you have product images hosted on third-party domains like CJ Dropshipping (instead of your own Shopify domain), which can indeed trigger misrepresentation issues in Google Merchant Center.

3

Hi there, great question :waving_hand:

What you’re trying to do is possible — but it requires wiring your Customer Account extension to fetch data from your backend API, then passing that data into your Remix UI.

Here’s the general approach:

  1. Backend API

    • Expose an endpoint in your Remix app that queries your custom database (e.g., /api/customer-data).

    • Make sure this route is protected — typically you’d validate requests with the session token from Shopify App Bridge.

  2. Customer Account Extension

    • Inside your extension, use useEffect (or Remix loader) to call your backend endpoint.

    • Shopify automatically includes an authorization header when the extension makes calls to your own app backend (if properly set up).

    Example (simplified):

    import { useEffect, useState } from "react";

export function CustomerExtension() {
  const [data, setData] = useState<any>(null);

  useEffect(() => {
    fetch("/api/customer-data", { credentials: "include" })
      .then(res => res.json())
      .then(setData)
      .catch(console.error);
  }, []);

  return (
    <div>
      {data ? (
        <pre>{JSON.stringify(data, null, 2)}</pre>
      ) : (
        "Loading..."
      )}
    </div>
  );
}

  3. Permissions / Setup

    • Ensure your app is configured to request read_customer scope (if tying DB rows to customer info).

    • Test in development with your connected store to confirm the extension can pull your DB data.

:backhand_index_pointing_right: That way, you’re not storing data inside Shopify, but displaying your own DB results securely inside the account page.

Does that flow sound like what you were aiming for?

4

Yes, that’s why i was wondering if this issue can lead me to the Missrepresentation at gmc.

5

Yes! If you find my answer helpful, please like my reply and please mark it as a answer.

6

Images can be hosted anywhere. It doesn’t matter where they are hosted.

No, you don’t need to replace image URL destinations.

7

What about copying some product images from competitors in the description? Can this cause misrepresentation? I heard it could, and I’ve already fixed it. Now I’m going to request a review.

8

Absolutely it can. Copying images from someone else is a violation of copyright law. And even if you “have permission”, (a) Google doesn’t know that, and (b) your content on Google Shopping is their “seal of approval”. Descriptions are more vague though. While you may be able to copy descriptions, it’s still not advisable for both legal and seo reasons . It’s best to just be original. Google’s aim is to provide high-quality, unique content to users. If that isn’t possible, Google Merchant Center is not the place to do your business.

9

Copying content from other merchants will usually, if detected and your overall trust score is low, get you suspended.

It is best to have original content. This not only helps you rank better, but also avoids consumer fatigue.

But using images from the manufacturer, does not violate copyright law, as you are selling the product and images, title, descriptions etc, is fair use. Otherwise you would not be able to sell the products :slight_smile:

10

I just was wondering if their url on images like cjdropshipping, mentioning dropshipping can cause any trouble to gmc, Btw i found also an issue to my policies pages, at some pages where my email was there it was like info@mystore.com. (with a dot at the end) instead of the correct info@mystore.com. This can cause trouble also, right?

11

No, the URL, where it is located, the name it has, etc, does not influence suspensions or violations.

A dot after an email can be confusing. If you have included it in the link, it should not be an issue. However, if not, it usually should not be an issue, unless a user copies the dot as well.

For me personally, I always remove the dot after an email, even if its the end of a sentence.

12

My email and phone numnber are not hyperlinked on my policies. Do you prefer them as hyperlink for easier costumer use? Thank you for your responses.

13

Emails should always be hyperlinked.

14

What do you think is required when providing a company number in the footer? Since my business is based in France (and therefore in the EU), I’ve seen people mention that EU standards for GMC require a company registration number, while the VAT number is optional. Is that correct?

15

It depends on the country’s laws. For example, in the UK, it is required to show registration and VAT numbers.

But in the US, it is not allowed.

So check what the local French laws say, if it says it’s not allowed, don’t show it.

If they don’t mention it, then adding it can provide more transparency, and can increase your trust levels.

16

hi there, i just wanted to add something i thought of while having a read through your post and the replies from others.

i think its nice to keep in mind that we should provide the type of store that we’d be happy for our loved ones to be browsing and buying from.

if your own store is missing the important info and ambiance that you personally always keep an eye out for to gauge a level of trust and care, then you need to ask yourself why your potential customers should miss out on the level of service that you require when you’re shopping online.

:folded_hands:t2::blush:

17

Can The “null” vendor and “Uncategorized” fields at the products on shopify cause misrepresenation supespension also**?**

18

Yes, the CJ image URLs are a huge problem.

Google sees them and thinks your store isn’t a real, trustworthy business.

You must replace all of them with images you upload directly to Shopify. Also, make sure your contact and policy pages are clear and easy to find.

19

This is a fascinating thread. The amount of trying to go around the elephant in the room is quite funny to watch. Please keep us posted on if GMC accepts your dropshipping misrepresentation appeal.

20

Only submit valid brand values. If you don’t have any barcodes, then do not submit the brand value.