What is Condition [condition] Product Attribute? Google Free Listings (2025)

Some online shoppers only want brand-new products, while others specifically look for refurbished bargains or used collectibles. Failing to accurately label your product’s condition can result in missed sales or policy disapprovals in Google’s free listings.

The Condition [condition] attribute empowers merchants to clarify a product’s state—new, refurbished, or used—ensuring buyers understand exactly what they’re purchasing. Clearly indicating condition builds trust and can help boost conversion rates by targeting the right audience from the get-go.

What is Condition [condition] Product Attribute?

The Condition [condition] attribute communicates whether a product is new, refurbished, or used. Depending on the category, it may be optional or required:

• New [new]: Product has never been used. Original packaging is intact.
• Refurbished [refurbished]: Product is professionally restored to working order and comes with a warranty. May be in the original packaging or not.
• Used [used]: Product is second-hand, shows signs of wear, or has been altered from its original state.

Note: Refurbished and used products aren’t currently displayed on Demand Gen ads on the Discover surface. Be sure to label them correctly in your feed, even if they don’t show on every Google surface.

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What are Free Listings? Google’s free listings, available through the Google Merchant Center, let you feature products on surfaces like Search, Maps, YouTube, and the Shopping tab without paying for ads. By meeting basic criteria, your products can appear organically in search results. If you don’t specify Condition [condition] accurately, shoppers might see an unexpected state of the item—leading to confusion or negative experiences.

Accurately setting your product’s condition also helps Google’s systems better match your listings to relevant user queries. If you’re selling a “professionally refurbished smartphone,” you don’t want to risk it being filtered out by shoppers searching specifically for refurbished deals because you set the wrong condition.

Where Does Google Merchant Center Fit In?

Google Merchant Center is where you manage your product data for free listings and paid ads. It’s also where you upload attributes like Condition [condition], verify data accuracy, and monitor policy compliance. Staying transparent about the state of your products helps keep customers informed and ensures you meet Google’s editorial standards.

Minimum Requirements for Condition [condition]

Meeting Google’s core requirements for Condition [condition] is critical if you want to remain eligible for free listings. Below are some key essentials:

1. Use the Right Value: Submit new, refurbished, or used. No other terms (like “pre-owned”) are accepted.
2. Follow Local Laws & Regulations: Some countries impose specific rules on advertising refurbished or used goods. Always comply with relevant laws and feed rules.
3. Submit Correct Identifiers: Provide accurate product identifiers. Used or refurbished items might require additional documentation—be sure to follow the guidelines for your target country.
4. Avoid Generic Descriptions: Don’t bury the condition in your product title or other attributes; always use the dedicated condition attribute for clarity and compliance.
5. Regularly Audit Condition: If a product’s condition changes—for example, from new to refurbished—update it promptly to stay in alignment with what buyers receive.

Best Practices

Following best practices ensures transparency and helps capture the right audience:

• Check for Mismatches: Avoid potential disapprovals by ensuring your landing page and listing align (e.g., if you claim “new” but the landing page describes “like new,” that’s a mismatch).
• Use Automatic Item Updates: Consider using automatic item updates to maintain condition consistency when data changes in your feed.
• Highlight Refurbished Perks: If your refurbished product includes a warranty, mention it on your landing page. Shoppers often like reassurance that their purchase is covered.
• Be Upfront About Wear: If you’re selling a used product with minor scratches or other signs of wear, be honest about it in your product description and images—this builds buyer trust.

Pro tip: Use an AI tool to optimize your product feed

Examples

Below are real-world scenarios illustrating the importance of accurate condition labeling. Each example includes a “Before” (common mistake) and an “After” (corrected approach) to show how a clear Condition [condition] attribute can streamline user expectations and boost satisfaction.

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Pro tip: See two Google product feed examples (from 2 different online stores)

Why the Right Condition Matters for Free Listings

Condition labeling is essential because it directly affects your reach and shopper satisfaction:

• Better Targeting: Shoppers often filter by condition. Listing an item as “used” gets you in front of deal-seekers, whereas “new” appeals to those wanting untouched products.
• Trust Factor: A transparent listing builds consumer confidence. Surprises about condition lead to returns, refunds, or negative reviews.
• Policy Compliance: Google requires correct labeling, and misrepresentation can result in product disapprovals or account suspensions.

A well-labeled product condition also reduces wasted clicks from users who want a specific state—preventing disappointment and possibly boosting your conversion rate.

Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them

Even seasoned merchants might run into trouble if they overlook certain details:

• Using Synonyms or Slang: Google only recognizes new, used, and refurbished. Avoid placeholders like “brand-new” or “like-new.”
• Inconsistent Landing Pages: If your product page references “factory sealed” while the feed says “used,” it might trigger disapproval. Align every detail.
• Skipping Condition for Non-New Items: Condition is optional for new items but mandatory for refurbished or used listings. Missing it for older stock can get you flagged.
• Ignoring Policy Updates: Google’s policies evolve, so keep an eye on Merchant Center alerts to stay compliant over time.

Related Attributes

All product attributes work together to inform both potential buyers and Google’s ranking algorithms. Keep an eye on the “Needs attention” tab in Merchant Center to catch any issues early. If you’re using structured data markup, reference the corresponding schema.org property (e.g., Offer.itemCondition).

FAQs About Condition [condition]

Is there a direct ranking boost from setting the correct condition?

Yes. Done right, labeling condition precisely can improve relevance for specific searches (e.g., “used laptops under $300”) and enhance shopper trust—both of which indirectly support better performance in search results. Accurate data also reduces disapprovals, keeping your listings active and visible.

Can I specify my own descriptive words, like “pre-owned” or “gently used”?

Not in the Condition [condition] field. You must submit one of the three recognized terms: new, refurbished, or used. You can, however, provide additional descriptive phrases in your product description or title. Just make sure you still match the official condition attribute with an approved value.

Do I have to use a different feed for refurbished products?

Not necessarily. You can mix new, used, and refurbished items in the same feed, as long as you specify Condition [condition] correctly for each. Just remember that refurbished and used items don’t appear on all surfaces, such as Demand Gen ads on the Discover surface.

How often should I update condition?

Whenever a product’s state changes. For instance, if you receive a returned item that is still sellable but no longer qualifies as “new,” update it to “used.” Keep your feed in sync with reality to avoid misrepresentation.

Are there extra requirements for refurbished items?

Yes. Google requires that refurbished products be professionally restored and come with a warranty. Additionally, some regions have specific regulations around refurbishing disclosures. Ensure compliance with both Google’s policies and local laws.

What if my product has minor defects but is otherwise functional?

If the item isn’t professionally restored, it doesn’t qualify as refurbished. Labeling it “used” is typically the safest route. You can detail defects in the product description and provide images that reflect any imperfections.

Does condition impact shipping or returns?

Indirectly, yes. While condition itself doesn’t define shipping options, a “used” or “refurbished” product might have different packaging needs. Also, your return policy could vary for used items. Make sure your landing page clarifies these points to avoid confusion or disputes.

Conclusion

The state of your product isn’t just a casual detail—it’s a key factor in attracting the right audience. By complying with Google’s requirements and accurately labeling goods as new, refurbished, or used, you’ll reduce policy violations and build trust with shoppers who appreciate transparency.

Keep condition data aligned with your landing pages and promptly update listings whenever items shift from new to refurbished or used. This clarity helps match your products to the most relevant customer segment and fosters a smoother shopping experience—paving the way for more conversions in Google’s free listings.

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