Complete Guide to Policy Pages Required by Google Merchant Center

Your GMC application was rejected because policy pages are missing, incomplete, or not properly linked

You need to create or update policy pages to meet Google's requirements

Your existing policies are generic templates that don't include your actual business details

Policy information on your website contradicts your GMC account settings

Return policy: return window, return costs (defective vs. change-of-mind), return process, contact info

Shipping policy: shipping methods, costs, delivery times, shipping regions, tracking information

Privacy policy: what data you collect, how you use it, cookies, third-party sharing, contact for data requests

Terms of service: purchase terms, liability limitations, dispute resolution, governing law

All policies must be linked in the website footer and accessible from every page

Copying policy templates word-for-word without inserting your business name, address, and specific terms

Having policy pages that mention a different business name or website (left over from a template)

Policies contradict each other (return policy says 30 days, terms of service says 14 days)

Policy pages are PDFs or images instead of regular web pages (not crawlable by Google)

Missing a privacy policy entirely — this is required by law in most jurisdictions and by Google

Create a return policy page: state your return window, separate sections for defective and non-defective returns, return shipping costs, refund timeline, and contact information

Create a shipping policy page: list all shipping methods with costs and delivery estimates, specify shipping regions, mention order processing time, and provide tracking information details

Create a privacy policy page: cover what personal data you collect, how it's used, cookie policy, third-party services (analytics, payment processors), and how customers can request data deletion

Create a terms of service page: include purchase terms, payment methods accepted, intellectual property notice, liability limitations, and dispute resolution process

Replace all placeholder text (e.g., [Your Company], [Your Email]) with your actual business details

Link all policy pages in your website footer — use clear labels like 'Return Policy', 'Shipping Policy', 'Privacy Policy', 'Terms of Service'

Cross-check all policies against your GMC settings to ensure they match exactly