When your availability data in the Merchant Center is not updated correctly, Google may show products as unavailable or reject them. Basically, the availability in the feed must exactly match the status on the website. Therefore, delayed feed updates cause problems. Additionally, incorrect availability can significantly harm the customer experience.

Why is availability data not updated correctly in the Merchant Center?

Incorrect availability data often results from infrequent feed updates or wrong attribute values like ‘in stock’ instead of ‘out of stock’. Furthermore, shop systems may dynamically change availability without updating the feed. However, Google offers the Content API to update availability in real time. Also check whether the prices in the feed are consistent.

How to fix availability data in the Merchant Center

Use the Content API or automatic feed uploads to submit availability changes promptly. Therefore, you should update the feed at least every six hours. Additionally, the allowed values ‘in_stock’, ‘out_of_stock’, or ‘preorder’ must be used correctly. More details are available in the Google help on the availability attribute.

Our recommendation

Implement a real-time connection via the Google Content API to transmit availability changes immediately to the Merchant Center. Basically, you should set up particularly frequent updates for products with limited stock. Furthermore, we recommend setting up automatic notifications when products are sold out. This way you avoid frustrated customers and rejections.

Conclusion

Correct availability data is essential for successful Shopping campaigns and satisfied customers. However, real-time synchronization requires technical expertise. Our Google Ads agency sets up the optimal feed automation for you.