Intro
Google has introduced a new feature in Search Console that allows online stores to manage their shipping and return policies easily. This update simplifies providing essential information to customers, potentially boosting retailers' visibility and sales.
Key Highlights:
1. Addressing Consumer Priorities:
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Shoppers prioritize price transparency, shipping costs, delivery speed, and return policies.
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Google's new feature aims to help stores communicate these details more effectively.
2. New Search Console Integration:
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Merchants can now configure shipping and return information directly in Search Console.
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This eliminates the need for complex markup on individual product pages.
Key Features:
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Direct Input: Merchants can directly input shipping and return policies in Search Console.
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Automatic Synchronization: The feature syncs automatically with Merchant Center accounts.
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General Return Policies: Stores can set general return policies for the entire business.
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Precedence: These configurations take precedence over website configurations and product-level markup.
Potential Benefits for Merchants:
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Enhanced Product Listings: Clear, up-to-date shipping and return information can improve product listings in Google Search.
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Increased Visibility and Traffic: Highlighting services like free and fast shipping can attract more customers.
How to Implement:
Google has outlined a straightforward process for adding and managing shipping and return policies through Search Console. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Accessing the Feature:
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Open the Settings page for your Search Console property.
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Navigate to the “Shopping” section and select “Shipping and returns”.
2. Adding Shipping Policies:
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Click on the “Shipping” tab and select “Add shipping policy”.
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Choose the country the policy applies to.
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Set delivery times by specifying minimum and maximum days for delivery.
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Configure shipping costs with options like flat rate, free shipping over a certain amount, free shipping for all orders, or other custom options.
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Submit the policy.
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Repeat for each country you ship to.
3. Adding Return Policies:
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Select the “Returns” tab and click “Add return policy”.
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Choose the applicable country.
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Enter the URL of your return policy page.
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Specify the return window and set the return cost (flat rate, free returns, or percentage of the product price).
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Submit the policy.
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Repeat for each country where you offer returns.
4. Editing or Deleting Policies:
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Locate the policy you wish to modify.
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Click the “more” icon next to the policy.
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Choose “Edit” to make changes or “Delete” to remove the policy.
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Follow the prompts to complete the action.
5. Important Notes:
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Shipping details are automatically approved upon submission.
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Return policies require manual verification, which can take 10-13 days.
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Newly submitted return policies will be marked as “pending” until verified.
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Only owners or full users of the Search Console property associated with a Merchant Center account can access these settings.
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Policies created in Merchant Center cannot be managed in Search Console.
Impact on Ecommerce:
For Shoppers:
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Easier access to shipping costs and return policies directly in search results.
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Saves time comparing different stores.
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Builds trust through upfront disclosure of costs and policies.
For Sellers:
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Levels the playing field for smaller shops to compete with larger ones.
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Stores offering attractive shipping deals may stand out in search results.
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Simplifies the process of sharing shipping and return information, benefiting all stores, not just tech-savvy ones.
Conclusion
Google's new Search Console feature for managing shipping and return policies simplifies the process for online stores, making it easier to provide vital information to customers. This update enhances the ecommerce experience by improving transparency and potentially boosting sales and visibility for retailers.
For more detailed information, visit Google’s updated documentation on Translated results in Google Search.
