Google Search Console now lets Merchants manage Shipping & Returns directly

Google today announced a new update to Search Console designed to simplify the process for online merchants to manage shipping and return information. This update streamlines the process by allowing merchants to directly configure these details within Search Console, eliminating the need to switch between platforms.

For online shoppers, transparent information about shipping costs, speeds, and return policies is a crucial factor influencing purchasing decisions. 

With Google, previous merchants had two options for managing the information about shipping and return policies:

Product-Level Merchant Listing Markup: This involved adding structured data tags to individual product pages, specifying details like shipping costs and return windows.

Merchant Center Account-Level Policies: Merchants could define general shipping and return policies for their entire store within their Merchant Center accounts.

Introducing shipping & return settings in Search Console

The new update introduces a dedicated "Shipping and returns" section within Search Console settings. Here, merchants can define shipping and return policies for various countries they ship to. Supported details include:

• Delivery Time: Minimum and maximum estimated delivery timeframe.
• Shipping Cost: Options include flat rates, free shipping above a certain amount, or free shipping overall.
• Return Window: The number of days customers have to initiate a return.
• Return Cost: Options include flat rates, free returns, or a percentage of the product price.

This update offers several advantages for online merchants:

• Simplified Management: Previously, managing shipping and return information required switching between Search Console and Merchant Center. The new update allows merchants to centralize this process within Search Console.
• Improved Efficiency: Streamlining the process can save merchants time and effort previously spent managing shipping and return details across multiple platforms.
• Enhanced Visibility: Accurate and up-to-date shipping and return information displayed directly in Google Search results can improve product listing visibility and potentially attract more customers by showcasing features like free shipping or fast delivery times.

While this update simplifies shipping and return management, some key points require attention:

• Search Console Settings Take Precedence: Information entered within Search Console overrides configurations on a merchant's website, including product-level merchant listing markup. It's crucial to ensure consistency across all platforms.
• Return Policy Verification: Unlike shipping details, return policies submitted through Search Console undergo manual verification by Google, which can take up to 10-13 days.

The introduction of shipping and return settings within Search Console represents a positive step for online merchants. The streamlined process simplifies information management and potentially enhances product listing visibility, ultimately benefiting both merchants and online shoppers seeking transparent information.