Google Search Console to Drop Shipping & Return Setting

Google Search Console has become an essential tool for e-commerce businesses, offering features to optimize online visibility and streamline website management. Among its robust capabilities, the platform recently introduced a feature allowing online merchants to manage shipping and return policies directly. While this has simplified how businesses communicate critical details to Google, it will soon phase out this feature, emphasizing structured data and merchant listing markup as alternatives.

Key Features of Shipping & Return Settings

Precedence Over Other Methods

Shipping and return policies configured in Google Search Console have traditionally taken precedence over structured data on websites or product-level merchant listing markup. This ensured merchants could streamline and centralize the management of their policies for accurate reflection in search results.

Automatic Approval and Verification

Shipping details submitted through this feature were automatically approved, providing a hassle-free experience for merchants. However, return policies required manual verification, typically taking 10 to 13 days.

Ease of Policy Management

Merchants could easily add, edit, or delete policies for specific countries. This level of control allowed businesses to cater to region-specific customer expectations and improve user experience.

How to Set Up Shipping & Return Policies

While the feature is active, merchants can follow these steps to manage their policies:

Adding Shipping Policies

1. Access Settings: Log into your Google Search Console account.
2. Navigate to Shipping & Returns: Under “Shopping,” select “Shipping and returns.”
3. Add Shipping Policy:
   • Choose the country the policy applies to.
   • Specify delivery times and costs (flat rate, free, or conditional free).
4. Submit and Repeat: Perform these steps for all applicable regions.

Adding Return Policies

1. Navigate to Returns Tab: Under “Shipping and returns,” select “Returns.”
2. Add Return Policy:
   • Choose the country.
   • Enter the URL for your return policy.
   • Specify the return window and costs.
3. Submit and Repeat: Repeat for all countries served

Editing or Deleting Policies

1. Access the Policy: Locate the specific policy under “Shipping and returns.”
2. Make Changes or Delete: Use the options menu to edit or remove as needed.

Why This Feature Matters

Managing shipping and return policies through Google Search Console has offered businesses significant benefits:

• Streamlined Policy Management: Centralizing settings reduced the reliance on multiple tools and systems.
• Enhanced Customer Experience: Accurate, readily available policies boosted buyer confidence and satisfaction.
• Improved E-commerce SEO: Clear shipping and return details helped businesses stand out in competitive search results, aligning with Google Merchant Center updates and e-commerce SEO best practices.

Transitioning Beyond Search Console’s Feature

As Google phases out this setting, merchants will need to adapt by prioritizing structured data and leveraging other tools like the Google Merchant Center to manage shipping and return policies. Structured data will remain critical in ensuring these details are discoverable and accurately displayed in search results.

Summary

The decision to drop the shipping and return settings from Google Search Console reflects Google’s ongoing evolution in optimizing features for e-commerce. Businesses will need to adjust their strategies to ensure seamless policy management and user experience.

At Digilogy, we specialize in helping businesses navigate these transitions with ease. From implementing structured data to optimizing your e-commerce SEO strategy, our tailored digital marketing solutions ensure your brand remains competitive in an ever-changing landscape.

Ready to enhance your e-commerce presence? Contact Digilogy today!