Backorder vs Preorder in Merchant Center

What is the Availability Attribute for Product Feed?

The availability attribute in Google Merchant Center is a critical component of your product feed. It informs Google and potential customers about the current status of a product's availability. Accurate representation of this attribute is essential, as it directly influences whether your products appear in Google Shopping results.

Supported Values for Availability

Google supports four primary values for the availability attribute:

• In Stock: The product is available for immediate purchase.
• Out of Stock: The product is not available for purchase.
• Preorder: The product is not yet released, but orders are accepted.
• Backorder: The product is temporarily unavailable, but orders can be placed for future fulfillment.

Understanding these values is vital for correctly setting up your product listings and ensuring compliance with Google’s policies.

How to Select Availability Attribute’s Value: Tips and Best Practices

Selecting the correct value for the availability attribute is essential for maintaining a positive customer experience and optimizing your product feed. Here are some tips and best practices:

1. Match Availability with Landing Page

Ensure that the availability status in your product feed matches the information displayed on your product landing page. Discrepancies can lead to disapproval of your products in Google Merchant Center.

2. Use Preorder and Backorder Wisely

Use preorder for products that have not yet been released but can be ordered. For items that are temporarily out of stock but will be available soon, use backorder. This distinction helps manage customer expectations effectively.

3. Update Regularly

Monitor your inventory and update the availability status promptly. Regular updates help maintain accuracy and prevent potential issues with product disapproval.

Selecting Availability Value: Top Tips and Best Practices

To optimize the selection of availability values, consider the following:

• Automate Updates: Use automated item updates to ensure that your product availability reflects real-time changes.
• Include Availability Dates: For preorder and backorder items, always include the availability date attribute to inform customers when they can expect their products.
• Leverage Google’s Resources: Utilize Google’s guidelines and best practices for product data to enhance your listings' performance.

Is the Product Availability Attribute Required for All Products?

Yes, the availability attribute is required for all products listed in Google Merchant Center. Failing to provide this information can lead to disapproval of your product listings. It's essential to ensure that the availability status is accurate and consistently updated to maintain compliance with Google’s policies.

What is “availability_date”?

The availability_date attribute specifies when a product will be available for purchase. This attribute is particularly important for preorder and backorder items, as it provides customers with a clear timeline for when they can expect their orders to be fulfilled.

Formatting the Availability Date

The availability date should be formatted as YYYY-MM-DD (e.g., 2024-11-25). Including the time is optional but can be formatted as YYYY-MM-DDThh:mm for more precision. However, it’s advisable to avoid including time to prevent complications related to time zones.

How to Use the Product Availability Attribute in Different Languages

When listing products in multiple languages, it’s crucial to maintain consistency in the availability attribute across all language versions. Ensure that the values used for availability (e.g., in stock, out of stock, preorder, backorder) are accurately translated and match the product information on the landing page.

Best Practices for Multilingual Listings

• Consistent Terminology: Use the same terminology for availability across all languages to avoid confusion.
• Localized Availability Dates: Ensure that availability dates are relevant to the local market and correctly formatted.

How to Add Availability Attribute to a Product Page

Adding the availability attribute to your product page involves several steps:

1. Choose the Correct Value: Determine whether the product is in stock, out of stock, available for preorder, or on backorder.
2. Update Your Product Feed: Incorporate the selected availability value into your product feed.
3. Ensure Visibility on Landing Page: Make sure the availability status is clearly visible on the product landing page to align with the information in your feed.
4. Monitor and Update Regularly: Regularly check and update the availability status as needed.

How to Add Availability Attribute to Google Shopping Product

To add the availability attribute to your Google Shopping product listings, follow these steps:

1. Access Google Merchant Center: Log in to your Google Merchant Center account.
2. Navigate to Products: Go to the “Products” section and select the product you want to update.
3. Edit Availability Attribute: In the product details, locate the availability attribute and select the appropriate value (in stock, out of stock, preorder, backorder).
4. Save Changes: Save your changes and ensure that the product feed is updated.
5. Verify Compliance: Check that the availability status matches the information on your product landing page to avoid disapprovals.

For more detailed guidance on managing your product feed, consider visiting this resource for additional insights.In conclusion, understanding the differences between backorder and preorder, along with effectively managing the availability attribute and availability date in Google Merchant Center, is essential for any e-commerce business. By following the best practices outlined in this article, you can enhance your product listings, improve customer satisfaction, and ultimately drive more sales.

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