Why This Page Matters

Your Terms & Conditions page proves to Google that your business enforces clear policies and safeguards customers. The absence of a compliant Terms page increases the risk of suspension in Google Merchant Center.

A non-compliant Terms & Conditions page will result in your store being flagged for Misrepresentation – an extremely common cause for account suspension in Google Merchant Center.

What Google Wants in Your Terms Page

Google rigorously examines your Terms & Conditions page for specific, non-negotiable qualities through Google Merchant Center.

1. Transparency – your business is clearly identified and honest about its operations
2. Clear policies – every key area (shipping, returns, payments) is addressed without ambiguity
3. No hidden conditions – all rules are visible, not buried or concealed
4. Matching info – details must be consistent across your entire website

The sections below are required. Sections marked NEW are optional but recommended for full compliance and client trust – they do not replace any of your existing content.

1. Business Identity

You are required to name your business clearly in the Terms & Conditions. Google demands verification of your legitimacy as an entity. Omission of business identity details will trigger a Misrepresentation flag in GMC.

You must include all of the following:

• Your legal business or store name
• Your website URL (e.g., gmcapproval.com)
• A working contact email address
• A physical business address (strongly recommended)

Do not leave out any of these details. Each required item must appear to avoid a Misrepresentation flag from Google.

2. Use of Website

State who can use your site and the rules for visitors to prevent misuse.

You must explain:

• Who is eligible to use your site (e.g., adults, registered users)
• That users must provide accurate, truthful information
• Prohibited activities include fraud, abuse, scraping, and unauthorized access

3. Product Information & Accuracy

If you sell mobile devices or electronics, it is especially important to provide exact product details and ensure price information on your site matches your Google Shopping feed. Any price mismatch will result in GMC suspension.

• All products are described as accurately as possible at the time of listing
• Prices are subject to change without prior notice
• Errors in product descriptions or pricing may be corrected at any time
• Product images are representative and may vary slightly from the actual item

4. Orders & Payments

Explain how orders are accepted and payments processed. This builds trust and validates your Google checkout.

• Rules for when an order is considered accepted (e.g., after payment confirmation email)
• Accepted payment methods (credit/debit card, mobile banking, etc.)
• Fraud prevention checks – orders may be held or cancelled if suspicious activity is detected
• Right to refuse or cancel any order for any legitimate reason

5. Shipping & Delivery

Ensure your shipping information in Terms & Conditions matches the details in your Shipping Policy. Any differences during Google’s review may lead to issues.

• Countries and regions you deliver to
• Estimated order processing time before dispatch
• Estimated delivery timeframes after dispatch
• Possible delays due to couriers, customs, or demand spikes
• Conflicting shipping details can result in suspension review.
• Ensure accuracy across documents.

6. Returns & Refunds

State your return and refund policy clearly and ensure it aligns with the Refund Policy you display. Google requires that you clearly state your return and refund policy and ensure it aligns with the Refund Policy you display. timeframe within which returns are accepted (e.g., 7 days, 30 days)

• How refunds are issued (original payment method, store credit, etc.)
• Any exceptions or non-returnable items

7. Warranty & Liability

State your explicit warranty and liability terms. Define coverage and limit exposure.

• Whether products carry a manufacturer’s warranty and for how long
• What the warranty covers (manufacturing defects vs. physical damage)
• Your limitation of liability in the event of product defects or customer losses

8. Intellectual Property

This section protects your brand and website assets from unauthorized use.

• All website content, logos, images, and text belong to your business
• No unauthorized copying, reproduction, or distribution is permitted
• Any third-party trademarks used on the site belong to their respective owners

9. Limitation of Liability

Limit liability for uncontrollable events. Include this in every compliant Terms & Conditions document.

• Financial losses resulting from delayed or damaged shipments.
• Product misuse by the buyer after delivery.
• Indirect or consequential losses arising from the use of your products.
• Your total liability is limited to the value of the order placed.

10. Governing Law

State which country’s law governs these Terms, aligned to your business location.

• Name the governing jurisdiction (e.g., Bangladesh, United Kingdom, United States)
• Any disputes will be subject to the courts of that jurisdiction

Example: “These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Bangladesh. Any disputes arising under these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Bangladesh.”

11. Contact Information

Google requires clear, accessible business contact information on your site.

• Business name and trading name
• Email address that is actively monitored
• Physical address or registered business address
• Phone number or live chat (if available)

Additional Sections Below – The following sections enhance your Terms & Conditions beyond the baseline. They address areas under increased Google scrutiny in 2025 and reinforce trust with your clients.

12. Privacy & Data Collection

State how you handle customer data acquired during checkout.

• What personal data do you collect (name, email, address, payment info)
• Why do you collect it (to process orders, communicate, improve service)?
• That you do not sell personal data to third parties
• That data is stored securely and only shared with necessary service providers (e.g., courier, payment gateway)
• A reference to your full Privacy Policy page for complete details

If you serve customers in Europe or the UK, you must comply with GDPR requirements. If you serve customers in Bangladesh, you must reference the Digital Security Act and consumer data best practices.

13. Cookies Policy

Disclose that your website uses cookies and specify their purpose for users.

• Your website uses cookies to improve the user experience
• Types of cookies used: essential, analytics, and marketing/advertising cookies
• Users can manage or disable cookies through their browser settings
• Continued use of the website constitutes acceptance of cookie usage
• Reference to your full Cookie Policy page, if you have one

14. Account Creation & Termination

Clearly define the terms for creating, suspending, and terminating state accounts.

• Users are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of their account credentials
• You reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms
• Users may request the deletion of their account and associated data
• Fraudulent accounts will be terminated immediately and reported where required by law

15. Force Majeure

Add a force majeure clause for disruptions beyond your control.

You will not be held liable for failures or delays in fulfilling orders caused by:

• Natural disasters, floods, fires, or earthquakes
• Government actions, trade restrictions, or customs delays
• Pandemic, epidemic, or public health emergencies
• Strikes, civil unrest, or widespread power outages
• Courier or logistics network failures outside your control

16. Third-Party Links Disclaimer

Disclaim responsibility for any content on third-party sites you link to.

• Links to third-party websites are provided for convenience only
• You do not endorse or control the content of external websites
• You are not responsible for the privacy practices of any third-party websites
• Users access third-party links entirely at their own risk

17. Dispute Resolution

Having a clear dispute resolution process shows Google and your customers that you handle complaints fairly and professionally. This is increasingly important for higher-value product categories.

• Customers should first contact you directly to attempt an informal resolution
• You aim to respond to all complaints within a defined timeframe (e.g., 3 business days)
• Unresolved disputes may be referred to the relevant consumer protection authorities
• Formal disputes are subject to the courts of your governing jurisdiction

18. Changes to These Terms

You must inform users that these Terms may be updated from time to time. This protects you legally and demonstrates transparency – a core requirement of Google Merchant Center’s policies.

• You reserve the right to update or modify these Terms at any time
• Changes will be posted on this page with the updated effective date
• Continued use of the website after changes constitutes acceptance
• Significant changes may be communicated by email to registered users
• Always display a Last Updated date at the top or bottom of your Terms page. Google’s reviewers look for this as a sign of an actively maintained, trustworthy business.

19.Age Restriction

• Stating a minimum age for using your website and making purchases is a legal requirement in many jurisdictions and a best practice for all e-commerce stores.
• You must be at least 18 years of age to use this website and place orders
• By using this website, you confirm that you meet the minimum age requirement
• If you are purchasing on behalf of a minor, you, as the adult, accept full responsibility

What Causes GMC Suspension

Avoid these common mistakes that lead to Google Merchant Center account suspension. Each of these has been identified as a high-risk signal in GMC reviews.

• No Terms & Conditions page at all
• Fake, copied, or placeholder content
• Missing refund or shipping references
• No real contact details visible
• Conflicting info between pages
• Unrealistic delivery promises (e.g., “1-day worldwide”)
• No governing law or jurisdiction was stated
• No last updated date on the page

If your Terms page covers all 19 sections above, you have addressed every known GMC review checkpoint and built a page that inspires genuine customer confidence.