The Ultimate Guide to Google Merchant Center Suspension: Causes and Remedies

If you are an e-commerce store owner and rely on  Google Shopping ads to get your products in front of potential customers, the last thing you want to see is a Google Merchant Center (GMC) suspension notification. It’s the equivalent of showing up to a party only to find out your invitation was revoked — and worse, you’re missing out on all the sales action.

But don’t worry—you’re not alone! Google suspends accounts for a variety of reasons, and most of the time, the issues can be fixed. We at Mavlers have 12+ years of experience meeting the search marketing needs of 7 K+ clients globally.

In today’s blog, our in-house subject matter expert, Ayushi Sharma, has some valuable insights on the common causes of having your Google Account suspended and how to get your account back in shape so you can get those ads back on track.

By the end of this piece, you will be sufficiently equipped to handle the dreaded instances or notifications of “Google business account suspended” like a pro and ensure that your business runs as smoothly as ever!

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Why should you care about Google Merchant Center (GMC)?

Let’s start with the obvious: Google Merchant Center is the brain behind your shopping ads. Without it, your products are invisible to millions of online shoppers browsing Google. And trust me, that’s the last thing you want. In fact, Google is responsible for 49% of product discovery online, and once people discover your brand, there’s a 35% chance they’ll make repeat purchases. Why wouldn’t you want a slice of that pie?

Plus, the platform can be a goldmine, with the average Cost Per Click (CPC) for Google Shopping Ads at just $0.66 and conversion rates hovering around 1.91%. But you’ve got to stay on Google’s good side to reap these benefits. So, if your Google Merchant Center account is suspended due to policy violation issues, here’s how to fix it.

1. Missing return and exchange policy: Don’t leave shoppers guessing

Imagine this: You buy a product online, but there’s no clear return policy. Nervous, right? Google feels the same way. Your website must have a clear return and exchange policy linked in the footer that matches what’s in Google Merchant Center. Shoppers need to know they can return that sweater if it’s not their size!

Solution: Add an easy-to-find returns page on your website that matches the info in GMC. This will avoid the Google business account suspension headache.

2. Incomplete shipping information: Where are my products going?

Shipping is a dealbreaker for most online shoppers. If you haven’t included shipping rates for all item IDs and target regions in your Google Merchant Center, you’ll be suspended faster than you can say “free shipping.”

Solution: Make sure you update your shipping info regularly in both your GMC and website. Double-check that every product ID has its proper rates assigned.

3. Insufficient or mismatched contact information: Are you a real business?

This one’s huge. If your website’s contact details don’t match those in Google Merchant Center, your business could be flagged under the dreaded “misrepresentation” policy. If Google can’t verify that you’re a legitimate operation, it’s game over.

Solution: Ensure your email, phone number, or physical address on your website’s footer is consistent with what’s in GMC. Pro tip: Don’t forget to add at least two forms of contact info to boost credibility.

4. Non-compliant product content: Follow the rules, people!

Google’s not a fan of rule-breakers, and promoting restricted products (like tobacco or weapons) will land you in hot water. Even less dramatic errors, like incorrect product attributes, can trigger suspension.

Solution: Stick to Google’s policies, and double-check your product feeds. Don’t list prohibited products or leave out important details like accurate descriptions and prices.

5. Counterfeit goods: No fakes allowed!

Google has a zero-tolerance policy for counterfeit goods. If your products are imitating another brand’s trademarks, logos, or other characteristics, you can kiss your account goodbye.

Solution: Only sell products you’re authorized to promote. If you’re caught pushing counterfeit goods, Google will not only suspend your account but might ban you entirely.

6. Malicious software: Your website needs to be safe

Google loves security, and if your website is flagged as unsafe—either because of malware, broken links, or incomplete pages—it will be suspended automatically.

Solution: Regularly check your website for malware using tools like Google Search Console. A free audit with Lighthouse can also help you spot broken links or empty pages.

7. Misleading promotions: No false promises!

Is one of your offers too good to be true? If you make outlandish claims or unrealistic promises, Google will likely suspend your GMC account for misleading customers.

Solution: Keep it real. Ensure your promotions are accurate and backed by data. Nobody likes clickbait, especially Google.

8. Multiple accounts: One’s company, two’s a crowd

If you’re running more than one Google Merchant Center account for the same domain, Google will think you’re up to no good.

Solution: Stick to one account per domain to avoid confusion and the dreaded suspension.

9. Virtual addresses: Don’t pretend to be somewhere you’re not

Setting up a virtual business address for a location where you don’t actually operate is a surefire way to get suspended. Google considers it misrepresentation.

Solution: Use your real business address in your GMC and avoid using third-party virtual offices that could raise red flags.

10. Stock issues: Running on empty?

If your site doesn’t properly manage inventory or you’re constantly running out of stock, you could get suspended. Google expects you to maintain accurate stock levels at all times.

Solution: Keep your product availability updated, and don’t promote items you can’t fulfill.

The cool-down period: What to do If you’ve been suspended

Okay, so you’ve been suspended. Now what? First, take a deep breath. You get two chances to request a review from Google before they initiate a one-week cool-down period. During this time, the “Request review” button will be disabled, and you’ll have to wait it out. Use this time wisely to fix all issues flagged in your account.

Here’s a final checklist to avoid suspension and stay ahead of the curve.

• Always display clear return, shipping, and contact details.

• Never create a second Google Merchant Center account for the same business.
• Keep product prices and inventory up-to-date.

• Use high-quality images and accurate descriptions.

• Be transparent about payment methods and promotions.

• Regularly check for 404s and malware issues.

The road ahead

Now that you are quite conversant with identifying and fixing the common causes of Google Merchant Account suspended notifications, we suggest reading ~ Best Paid Marketing Tools for Every Budget in 2025: Reviews and Recommendations.