Source: Search Engine Roundtable by barry@rustybrick.com (Barry Schwartz). Read the original article
TL;DR Summary of Google’s New “Build to Order” Attribute for Vehicle Listings
Google Merchant Center now includes a **”Build to order” availability attribute** specifically for vehicle ads, allowing customers to customize and order vehicles not immediately in dealership stock. This update clarifies distinctions between **preorder**, **backorder**, and the new **build_to_order** statuses to improve inventory accuracy. Missing the required condition setting for this attribute can lead to product rejection in Google Vehicle ads.
Optimixed’s Overview: Enhancing Vehicle Listing Accuracy with Google’s “Build to Order” Availability Attribute
Introduction to the New Attribute
Google has introduced a new availability option called “Build to order” in the Google Merchant Center, designed exclusively for vehicle advertisements. This addition helps dealerships and advertisers better communicate the status of vehicles that are not currently in stock but can be customized and ordered by customers.
Key Details of the “Build to Order” Attribute
- Purpose: Indicates vehicles that aren’t immediately available but are customizable and can be ordered directly.
- Scope: Applicable only to Google Vehicle ads, not general product listings.
- Distinction from Other Availability Values:
- Preorder: For new, unreleased products.
- Backorder: For existing products out of stock but expected to return.
- Build to order: For customizable vehicles ordered upon customer request.
- Compliance: Missing the required condition settings for this attribute can cause product rejections.
Impact on Advertisers and Dealerships
By adopting the “Build to order” attribute, advertisers can provide clearer information to prospective buyers, improving user experience and potentially increasing order conversions for customizable vehicles. It also helps Google maintain accurate and reliable vehicle inventory data in its ads platform.
