Source: Search Engine Roundtable by barry@rustybrick.com (Barry Schwartz). Read the original article
TL;DR Summary of Google Merchant Center Expands Landing Page Rules for Out-of-Stock Products
Google Merchant Center has updated its landing page requirements to provide more flexibility in displaying out-of-stock products. Merchants can now use clear text like “sold out” instead of only graying out the buy button. The update also clarifies how to handle preorder, backorder items and delivery restrictions. This change improves the user experience and offers more options for online sellers.
Optimixed’s Overview: Enhanced Flexibility for Product Availability Display in Google Merchant Center
Key Changes in Google Merchant Center Landing Page Requirements
Google has refined its guidelines for how merchants should indicate product availability on landing pages linked to Google Shopping ads. These updates aim to improve transparency for shoppers and provide sellers with greater freedom in presenting stock status.
New Options for Out-of-Stock Products
- Merchants can display clear text labels such as “sold out” or “item not available” instead of only using a disabled or greyed-out buy button.
- For products with multiple variants, sellers may disable specific unavailable options within the variant selection grid.
- The page must maintain a functional buy or add-to-basket button when the product is available for purchase.
Handling Preorder, Backorder, and Delivery Restrictions
- For preorder or backorder items, the landing page must clearly display the expected shipping date.
- Any delivery restrictions such as “store pickup only” must be clearly stated on the page.
Impact of the Update
This update offers merchants enhanced flexibility in how they communicate stock status, which can improve shopper experience and reduce confusion. By allowing textual indicators alongside or instead of disabled buttons, Google supports clearer communication and potentially higher conversion rates for out-of-stock or special order items.
