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    Google Simplifies Adding Shipping & Return Policies For Online Stores

    Last updated on

    Google has introduced a new capability that enables online stores to oversee their shipping and return policies directly via Search Console.

    This enhancement streamlines the process of delivering essential information to customers, which could potentially enhance retailers’ visibility and increase sales.

    Addressing Consumer Priorities

    Recent trends show that consumers value clear pricing information when shopping online. Factors like shipping fees, delivery times, and return policies significantly influence their purchasing decisions.

    In response to this trend, Google has streamlined the process for stores to convey these important details to customers.

    New Search Console Integration

    Setting up shipping and return details directly in Google Search Console simplifies the process, eliminating the need for intricate markup on every product page.

    This update is particularly beneficial for merchants who struggled with the previous setup.

    Key Features:

    • Input shipping and return policies directly in Search Console
    • Automatically sync with Merchant Center accounts
    • Establish overarching return policies for entire businesses
    • Override website configurations and product-specific markup

    Potential Benefits For Merchants

    Online retailers can optimize their product listings on Google Search by ensuring they provide clear and current shipping and return details.

    This enhancement can potentially boost visibility and attract more traffic, especially by showcasing features such as free and expedited shipping options alongside product specifics.

    How To Implement

    Google has introduced a streamlined method for incorporating and managing shipping and return policies through Search Console.

    Here’s a step-by-step guide:

    1. Accessing the Feature

      • Go to the Settings page of your Search Console property.
      • Navigate to the “Shopping” section and click on “Shipping and returns”.

      2. Adding Shipping Policies

        • Select the “Shipping” tab and click “Add shipping policy”.
        • Choose the country to which the policy applies.
        • Specify delivery times by setting minimum and maximum days for delivery.
        • Configure shipping costs, including options such as:
          • Flat rate (with currency corresponding to the selected country)
          • Free shipping for orders above a certain amount
          • Free shipping for all orders
          • Other custom options
        • Submit the policy.
        • Repeat the process for each country you ship to.

        3. Adding Return Policies

          • Go to the “Returns” tab and select “Add return policy”.
          • Choose the relevant country.
          • Enter the URL of your return policy page.
          • Specify the return window (number of days allowed for returns or indicate no returns).
          • Set the return cost:
            • Flat rate (in the currency of the country)
            • Free returns
            • Percentage of the product price
          • Submit the policy.
          • Repeat the process for each country where returns are offered.

          4. Editing or Deleting Policies

            • Locate the policy you want to modify.
            • Click on the “more” icon next to the policy.
            • Choose “Edit” to make changes or “Delete” to remove the policy.
            • Follow the prompts to confirm your action.

            5. Important Notes

              • Shipping details are automatically approved upon submission.
              • Return policies require manual verification, which typically takes 10-13 days.
              • Newly submitted return policies will be marked as “pending” until verified.
              • Only owners or full users of the Search Console property associated with a Merchant Center account can access these settings.
              • Policies created in Merchant Center cannot be managed within Search Console.

              What Does This Mean?

              Google’s latest tool for displaying shipping and return information has the potential to impact the ecommerce experience in multiple ways.

              Original news from SearchEngineJournal