Merchant Centre not pulling through Shopify bundles?

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Topic summary

Core Issue:
Shopify bundles created via third-party apps don’t automatically sync to Google Merchant Center (GMC) because these apps don’t create “real” products visible to feed applications. This prevents merchants from running ads on bundles while risking inventory overselling.

Proposed Solutions:

  • Create bundles natively in Shopify instead of using apps, then add the is_bundle attribute manually in GMC to ensure proper feed recognition
  • Use bundle apps with GMC integration (e.g., Profit Bundles, Bundler) that create virtual products tied to individual component inventory
  • Feed management tools like DataFeedWatch or Channable allow manual mapping of bundle data to GMC without separate Shopify listings
  • Manual entry as a temporary fix, though requires ongoing inventory monitoring

Key Limitation:
Third-party app-created bundles remain invisible to data feed applications. The is_bundle attribute can be added through any method, but the underlying product must exist within Shopify’s ecosystem.

Status:
No definitive breakthrough solution confirmed. Feed management tools combined with the is_bundle attribute appear to be the most viable workaround for scaling merchants.

Summarized with AI on October 24. AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.
1

I know it’s an issue where the bundles are not eligible as a product type so Merchant Centre doesn’t pull them through, but what’s the best way around this issue?

I don’t want to create a product listing for the bundle as I risk overselling, and I do need the bundle in my Merchant feed as I want to run ads on the products.

Do I manually enter the products or is there a workaround?

1 Like
2

Bundles are supported in Google Merchant Center. However most likely you are creating bundles with an app, 3rd party apps don’t have a real product listed.

Data feed applications, can only submit products that are created in Shopify. So instead of using an app to create your bundles, create them physically in your shopify account.

If you are at risk of overselling, consider setting a limit.

When you list bundles ensure you add is_bundle, explained here: https://support.google.com/merchants/answer/12472645

3

Hi @anastasijagav ,

I understand your requirement. This is not possible with the native Shopify Bundles app, but it should be possible with our app, Profit Bundles. Bundles created through our app function as regular products and work seamlessly with Google Merchant Center.

4

Hi @anastasijagav

Your issue is a common challenge when using bundles with Shopify and Google Merchant Center. The good news is there are a few ways to work around this without creating new listings or risking overselling:

1. Set Up a Virtual Bundle

One solid workaround is creating a “virtual product” specifically for your bundle. This isn’t the same as a new product listing; instead, it’s a placeholder tied directly to the inventory of the individual products within the bundle. Here’s how you can do it:

  • Use Shopify Apps: Apps like Bundler or Bundle Builder let you set up bundles without creating a separate inventory for the bundle itself. These apps track stock for the individual products, so you won’t oversell.
  • Feed Sync: Many bundle apps integrate with Merchant Center or feed tools like Google Shopping Feed by Simprosys to ensure bundles appear in your ads correctly.

This method keeps everything automated and minimizes manual work.

2. Use a Feed Management Tool

If apps aren’t your thing, feed management tools like DataFeedWatch or Channable let you map your bundle information. You can manually combine product data and sync it to Merchant Center without actually listing the bundle as a separate product in Shopify. This way, the bundle will appear in your feed while keeping inventory tied to individual items.

3. Custom Rules in Merchant Center

Another option is setting up custom feed rules in Merchant Center:

  • Map Bundle Attributes: Assign bundle-related attributes (e.g., title, description, pricing) manually in your product feed.
  • Adjust Inventory Settings: If the feed allows it, link stock levels to the individual components of the bundle rather than the bundle itself.

This approach is a bit more technical but works well if you’re comfortable with feed optimization.

4. Manual Entry as a Temporary Fix

If automation isn’t an option and you need ads live ASAP, manual entry might be your best short-term fix. Just remember:

  • Update Regularly: Make sure the inventory of the bundled products is always accurate in Merchant Center.
  • Monitor Stock Closely: This ensures you won’t oversell.

While not ideal for scaling, it’s a straightforward way to get your bundle into your feed quickly.

If I were in your shoes, I’d start with a bundle app that integrates directly with Merchant Center. It’s the easiest way to keep things automated, accurate, and scalable. Manual entry works too, but it’s more effort in the long run, especially if you plan to grow your product offerings or bundle options.

If you need any other assistance, I am willing to help.

Best regards,
Daisy

5

Can you confirm that this will work with integration to marketing channels, such as Google Merchant Center?

6

This is a 2 year old thread. @robsandersau Can you share what your questions are?

If it’s regarding bundles, if they are created using an app, you can not import them to GMC. Because 3rd party created products are not visible to the data feed app.

7

Thanks @EmmanuelFlossie

It is exactly what you mentioned with regards to an App that can push bundles through to the GMC feed. I was hoping there had been progress from one of the developers in this thread.

Have since learned that the best option may be to use a tool such as DataFeedWatch, utilising the is_bundle attribute.

8

You can add is_bundle attribute with every app.

Even add it manually in GMC.

I don’t see datafeedwatch being able to push custom products, unless they are added within Shopify ecosystem. But if you find that it does work, please do share which app you used for adding products in Shopify. As this will help other merchants wanting to do the same.

The app refers to adding bundles in Shopify.

9

Merchant Centre doesn’t support bundles natively, so they won’t auto-pull. The best approach is to list the bundle separately either by manually creating it in the feed or using a supplemental/feed management tool. This way you can advertise the bundle without risking overselling, since stock still ties back to the individual SKUs. If it’s just a few bundles, manual works fine; if you’re scaling, a feed tool is the smarter long-term solution.