Getting Google’s ‘Misrepresentation Policy’ Error for Your Shopify Website?
No fear. Usually this error has a pretty simple fix. If your Bike Shop or Bike Brand has an eCommerce website with Shopify, this article provides a general checklist to consider if you are getting the ‘Misrepresentation Policy’ error from Google Merchant Center. This error will ultimately affect your online advertising strategy for your products, and unfortunately - though not surprisingly - Google is often not very forthcoming on why you might be getting this error. We hope this article helps.
Schema Markup Validation
Ensure that schema markup accurately reflects real-time stock levels for each product variant (e.g. sizes, colors, etc).
If a product has no available variants, the schema should update to OutOfStock.
Use Google’s Rich Results Testing Tool to validate. CLICK HERE.
Products with some sizes sold out should still show InStock if at least one variant is available, but fully out-of-stock products must be labeled OutOfStock.
Brand Accuracy
Verify that the brand field in your product schema matches your company's official branding.
Business Legitimacy
Add your business details in the footer, add your business name, address, hours, phone and email.
Google often requires clear proof of business legitimacy.
Return & Shipping Policies
Ensure your return and refund policy is clearly displayed during checkout.
Double-check that all shipping costs and delivery estimates (1–2 days processing + 2–5 days shipping) are accurate and match the details in Google Merchant Center feeds.
Customer Reviews
Integrate genuine customer reviews on all product pages.
A lack of reviews can raise red flags for Google.
Ad & Website Consistency
Ensure that promotions, pricing, and product claims in Google Ads match your website exactly.
Avoid running ads for discounts that are not reflected on the site.
Site Code Audit
Check your website’s code for accidental hidden text (e.g. white text on a white background) or any manipulative tactics.
Check all of these items before you send your appeal in to Google. If you’re still getting the policy infraction, and Google isn’t being very helpful, contact us here at VeloFly Digital and we’d be happy to take a look and see how we can help.
