Google Account Suspended: Misrepresentation issues

Shopify Discussion
1

Hey everyone, I’m having issues with my Google Account Suspended: Misrepresentation.

https://www.rustictorefined.ca/ is my website.

We sell furniture, which we do not usually ship, and other products (antique & home decor) that we do ship. I keep getting the Misrepresentation error on Google Merchant. I did go and fix product details that had errors, but I can’t seem to find my problem.

This what my error actually says.

"Misrepresentation

Prevents all products from showing in Canada

During the review you requested on Jul 4, 2024, Google found this still to be an issue. Before you request another review, make sure you meet the requirements.

Based on the information available about your business, there is reason to believe that customers are being misled on Google. Review the Misrepresentation policy and make changes to your Merchant Center and/or online store.

Make sure your Merchant Center and online store follow the following best practices / guidelines

  • Provide transparency about your business identity, business model, policies and how your customers can interact with you
  • Promote your online reputation by showing reviews or highlighting any badges or seals of approval
  • Use a professional design for your online store that includes an SSL certificate help_outline
  • Provide information in the business information settings in your Merchant Center help_outline
  • Follow SEO guidelines, improve your eligibility for seller ratings and match your product data in your Merchant Center with your online store"

Can anyone provide any assistance?

Thanks Todd

2

For example, there is no add to cart button: https://www.rustictorefined.ca/collections/beds/products/dakota-slat-bunk-bed

Make sure all products have an add to cart, if that is not possible, then Google Shopping can’t be used.

Also make sure to check other policies as you may have more issues:

https://support.google.com/merchants/answer/6150127?hl=en
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

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3

If you want to get un-orderable products into Google Shopping it’s against their TOS. Possible legal issues too, depending on consumer and business laws where you are based in and selling to. While it’s not technically impossible to do (at least temporarily), Google have automated and manual checks like you’ve encountered.

So you could play wack-a-mole with constant product and account level restrictions, if you go down this path. Gotta be aware though, eventually it could end up in getting your whole domain or whole GMC or G Ads account banned for repeat violations.

I’ve been down this road at a previous workplace. It can work out to be incredibly worthwhile, depending on niche. But it’s up to you how you manage it and balance the risk vs profit if you want to continue having un-orderable products available in GMC feed. You won’t find much help from Google themselves and most agencies are by the book so won’t help.

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