This is How You Fix Your Google Merchant Center Mispresentation Error (2025)

I see a lot of merchants scratching their heads over Google Merchant Center misrepresentation errors in 2025.

I’m here to cut through the noise and show you how to fix them, no fluff, no filler.

Google Merchant Center (GMC) is a gateway to listing products on Google Shopping. But it also enforces strict policies. In 2025, misrepresentation errors remain one of the main reasons for suspension in online retail.

The point is that you cannot simply guess what Google expects. You have to maintain consistency across your entire online presence—business info, website structure, product data, and promotional offers—to Google’s guidelines.

Below, I break down the common causes and share the fixes that have worked for many merchants.

I have spent a lot of time addressing these issues alongside many store owners, and a recurring series of solutions keeps proving successful. Let’s get into it.

Understanding Why Misrepresentation Errors Happen

Most of us know that Google takes user trust seriously. If your data or site content appears unreliable in any way, Google Merchant Center might label it “Misrepresentation” and suspend your account.

That label often leaves merchants confused, especially when they are sure they have not intentionally misled anyone.

The system works on specific signals. Even a small data discrepancy can trigger major issues.

The “Misrepresentation” message is Google’s way of saying that something about your promotional claims, product listings, or business information does not match what they expect from a trustworthy seller.

Why 2025 is a Special Year

After years of evolving e-commerce standards, you might expect the system to work flawlessly by now.

However, this year demonstrates that it is far from perfect. Merchants face repeated suspensions over issues that might seem minor—like offering pre-orders with shipping estimates that don’t match or showing a store address that conflicts with official business records.

The rules have become tighter and reviews less forgiving.

I often see store owners struggling with long suspension periods. Some resolve the issue within days; others take weeks.

In every instance, one thing is clear: Google expects up-to-date, consistent, and transparent data about who you are and what you’re selling.

Common Misrepresentation Issues in 2025

1. Untrustworthy Promotions: Some promotions might appear harmless, but if your discount codes or deals seem misleading, Google flags them. This might include exaggerated “original” prices, endless sales banners, or overly large discount claims.

2. Unavailable Promotions: You might have run a promotion that has ended, yet the advertisement remains live or the landing page shows outdated offers. When visitors cannot find the promised deal, a misrepresentation claim is a risk.

3. Omission of Relevant Information: If a product listing does not include important details—such as return rules, shipping restrictions, or disclaimers—Google may view that as a risk. Missing clarity is taken as misrepresentation.

4. Misleading or Unrealistic Promotions: Bold claims about product effectiveness or exaggerated promises tend to draw increased scrutiny. If you assert that a skincare cream will “erase wrinkles instantly” or a workout device will help users lose 30 pounds in a week, expect to encounter issues.

Common Error Types & Recommended Fix

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Effective Fixes That Work

1. Correcting Business Information

I have seen many accounts recover from suspension once the merchant took time to verify all the core business details:

Ensuring physical location, phone number, and emails are consistent everywhere. If your site says you’re based in Denver but your Merchant Center account lists Manila, that’s a red flag.

Consistency across your website, Merchant Center, social profiles, and any linked marketplaces is very important.

Pro tip: Make sure your “Contact Us” page, footer address, and any mention of your business location are identical. Google checks for uniform data. Even a small discrepancy, such as “Company, Inc.” vs. “Company Inc,” can trigger a review for misrepresentation.

2. Product Data Accuracy

The way you set up your product data in GMC can make the difference between remaining in good standing and being suspended. In 2025, the product feed is under intense review. Make sure you:

• Submit data that is accurate and current. Avoid inflating prices or claiming stock when none exists.
• Provide valid URLs to landing pages and policy pages. Broken links often lead to suspension.
• Use high-quality images accompanied by clear titles and descriptions. Poor images or placeholders can raise suspicions.
• Categorize your products correctly using Google’s taxonomy. Incorrect labeling can appear as if you are trying to rank for unrelated categories.
• Fill in all required product fields, including brand, GTIN (if available), MPN, and condition.

Sometimes, missing small details like the MPN or brand name might not cause issues alone, but incomplete data can add up and look untrustworthy.

3. Removing Problematic Content

When uncertainty arises, remove anything that might confuse or mislead users. Over the past year, I have seen these issues frequently:

1. Pre-orders or backorders
   Google wants to ensure customers receive what they expect. Pre-orders can seem speculative if it isn’t clearly stated when the product will be delivered. One merchant mentioned, “The first thing I did was remove my pre-orders and still failed review!” This often means there were other issues as well, but removing pre-order items is usually an essential first step.
2. Landing page errors
   Pages that return errors like 404 or 503 immediately raise a red flag. Carefully check your website. Test popular products, policy pages, and especially your shipping and returns information.
3. Country restrictions
   If you have accidentally restricted access for certain regions, Google might not be able to fully review your site. This could trigger a misrepresentation error, especially if it appears that you are hiding content from some locations.

4. Updating Policies & Transparent Disclaimers

Clear disclaimers may not win awards, but they help keep your Merchant Center account in good standing. In 2025, Google expects shipping, return, and refund policies that clearly list the actual costs and any special restrictions.

If you charge a restocking fee or only ship to specific regions, mention that explicitly.

It is better to clearly state the facts rather than leave customers—and Google—guessing.

Expert Recommendations for 2025

In February 2025, several experts shared their thoughts on how Google identifies misrepresentation. Their overall view was that GMC’s review process examines two core areas:

1. Summary Issues
   This covers overall business legitimacy, brand consistency, contact information, and general trust signals.
2. Feed Issues
   This takes a close look at your product data, including titles, descriptions, categories, availability, and shipping details.

Both areas must be looked at carefully. If your product feed is flawless but your website’s contact page is missing, you might still face suspension. Addressing both areas together is essential.

Here’s a quick reminder:

• Summary: Verify business registration details (real address, phone number, and domain information), keep branding consistent, and update contact information across all platforms.
• Feed: Ensure promotions are genuine, product details are precise, landing pages work correctly, and avoid language that might seem like clickbait.

Dealing with the Review Process

After you have made your fixes, you need to request a review. Here’s how to proceed:

1. Document the changes you made. For example, note “Updated contact info in Merchant Center to match the website” or “Removed pre-order items from the feed.”
2. Check your feed thoroughly. Fill in every field you can; even optional information can help build trust.
3. Submit a short and clear explanation in your appeal form. For example, “I corrected inconsistent business address data across my site and updated my product listings to remove out-of-stock items.”

If Google denies your first appeal, review your policies again, then refine your site and feed. Some merchants have fixed a few smaller errors on a second attempt before finally getting approved.

Case Studies from 2025

The Persistent Shopify Store Owner

In March 2025, one merchant shared an experience where a newly built Shopify store was suspended for misrepresentation within two months.

They checked their product data, shipping info, and disclaimers. The main problem turned out to be a mismatch between the address in their business registration (Florida) and the address shown on their Shopify store (Texas).

They updated the address consistently across all platforms, including social media, and then requested a review. Within a couple of weeks, their account was reinstated. This timeline is common if underlying issues are addressed systematically.

The “I Fixed Everything … or So I Thought” Scenario

In April 2025, another merchant faced repeated suspensions despite checking everything in both the store and Merchant Center. After further review, they discovered the mobile version of their product pages was missing essential disclaimers about shipping fees and restocking charges due to a theme glitch.

Google’s crawlers sometimes notice these differences. Once the merchant fixed the mobile layout to show disclaimers consistently, they requested a review and were reinstated in two days.

The Stubborn Pre-Order Items

Several merchants in early 2025 reported problems with pre-orders. As one merchant noted, “The first thing I did was remove my pre-orders and still failed review!” Removing pre-orders is often necessary but may not be enough by itself.

If one misrepresentation issue is found, you should check your entire feed. Occasionally, conflicting shipping details or insufficient stock notices contribute to the overall problem. It pays to review everything carefully.

Practical Tips for Long-Term Compliance

I have found that once your account is reinstated, it is important to remain compliant. Here are some suggestions:

1. Regularly update your product feeds
   Avoid delays that could allow outdated stock or invalid details to accumulate. Setting up daily or real-time syncing can help.
2. Maintain consistent branding
   If you change your store name or brand identity, update all corresponding channels, including your website, Merchant Center, and social media profiles.
3. Keep disclaimers visible
   If you offer free shipping on orders above a certain amount, clearly display that rule in your product feeds and on your policy page.
4. Be careful with promotions
   Running constant flash sales or perpetual discounts might raise suspicions if they never change. Google looks for genuine offers rather than tactics that seem manipulative.
5. Monitor your site’s health
   Regularly check for broken links, especially on policy pages. A monthly review can prevent unnoticed errors from building up.

The Human Element: Communication Matters

Sometimes, a simple phone call to a support representative can clear up misunderstandings. Although getting in touch with a real person isn’t always easy, opening a ticket or using Google Ads support channels can uncover overlooked issues.

I have advised merchants to ask polite, specific questions when contacting support. Questions such as “Where exactly is the data conflict in my profile?” or “Is there a particular product causing the violation?” can bring useful insights.

Troubleshooting a Failed Review

If your appeal is denied, it helps to go over these key areas again:

1. Website Terms and Conditions: Are they clear, visible, and consistent with your product feed?
2. Refund and Returns Policies: Are they current and free from conflicting statements?
3. Business Registration: Does your official business address match exactly with the one on your website?
4. Shipping Details: Does your feed accurately reflect shipping times and rates for each product category?
5. Product Claims: Is your language straightforward without exaggeration?

Looking Ahead

It is well known that Google invests in advanced AI checks. In 2025, this system is stricter than ever.

As the year progresses, expect more updates that focus on misrepresentation signals—from customer reviews to social media activity.

My recommendation is to stay updated with Google’s official documentation and periodically review your site and feed for any inconsistencies.

I also keep an eye on community forums like those on Shopify, Google Ads, and various e-commerce groups. Users often spot subtle changes in Google’s policies before these are formally announced, and peer advice can be surprisingly prompt in offering solutions.