Mastering Google Shopping: GTIN Requirement Tutorial

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What are G-Tins?
3. Importance of G-Tins in Google Shopping
4. What Products Require G-Tins?
5. How to Find out Which Products Require G-Tins
6. How to Provide G-Tins for Products
7. Benefits of Providing G-Tins
8. Common Questions about G-Tins
9. Conclusion

Introduction

In this article, we will discuss the Google Shopping ads G-Tin requirement and its implications for merchants. We will explain what G-Tins are and why they are important for the Google Shopping experience. We will also provide information on which products require G-Tins and how to find out if your products fall into that category. Additionally, we will discuss the benefits of providing G-Tins and answer common questions about the G-Tin requirement. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of the G-Tin requirement and how it can benefit your business in Google Shopping.

What are G-Tins?

G-Tins, or Global Trade Item Numbers, are unique product identifiers that help match products to user queries in Google Shopping. G-Tins are typically found underneath the barcode of a product and uniquely identify each product. They can vary in length, ranging from 8 to 14 digits. The beginning of a G-Tin represents a prefix for a specific company or manufacturer, ensuring the uniqueness of each G-Tin.

Importance of G-Tins in Google Shopping

G-Tins play a crucial role in Google Shopping, as they help match the correct product to a user's query. They also assist in bundling similar products together and grouping retailers who sell the same product. By having G-Tins for your products, they become more discoverable for users, leading to increased conversion rates. In fact, studies have shown that products with G-Tins can experience a conversion rate increase of up to 20%.

What Products Require G-Tins?

Starting from May 16, 2016, Google will require merchants to submit correct G-Tins for certain products in 11 countries, including the US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Japan, Australia, and Brazil. The requirement applies to brand-new products sold by multiple merchants in these countries. However, certain products, such as used goods, custom goods, and in-house brands, do not require G-Tins.

How to Find out Which Products Require G-Tins

To determine which products in your inventory require G-Tins, log into your Merchant Center account and go to the Diagnostics section. Here, you will find a list of Current issues at the item level. Any items that require G-Tins will be flagged with a warning message stating "Item requires G-Tin resolved by May 16, 2016." This information will help you prioritize which products to focus on and ensure compliance with the G-Tin requirement.

How to Provide G-Tins for Products

If your products require G-Tins, there are several ways to obtain them. The best place to look is your supply chain system, as G-Tins are typically managed within the supply chain. You can also find G-Tins on the packaging of the products you sell or request them from your dropship vendor if you use a dropshipping process. By ensuring G-Tins are included in your product feed, you will meet the G-Tin requirement and improve the discoverability of your products in Google Shopping.

Benefits of Providing G-Tins

Providing G-Tins for your products offers several benefits. Firstly, it enhances the performance of your shopping ads by accurately matching products to user queries. This increases the likelihood of your products appearing in product cards on Google, the shopping tab, and other formats like purchases on Google and Shopping ads on YouTube. Secondly, providing G-Tins allows for the enrichment of product information, such as videos and reviews, leading to higher user confidence and conversion rates. Overall, G-Tins improve the visibility and success of your products in Google Shopping.

Common Questions about G-Tins

1. Can I still submit a product without a G-Tin?

   • Yes, certain products, such as used goods, custom goods, and in-house brands, do not require G-Tins.

2. What if I don't have access to G-Tins for a specific product?

   • If the product doesn't have a G-Tin because it doesn't exist or You're the manufacturer and haven't created one, it won't be required. Only G-Tins that already exist should be provided.

3. Can I use a manufacturer part number instead of a G-Tin?

   • While historically accepted, using manufacturer part numbers can lead to mismatches. G-Tins are preferred as they are standardized and ensure uniqueness.

4. How long will warnings about missing G-Tins appear in the Merchant Center?

   • Warnings will remain for a two-week period after the May 16th deadline.

5. What if I have multiple variants of a product with different G-Tins?

   • Each variant should have its own G-Tin to ensure accurate matching and categorization.

Conclusion

The Google Shopping ads G-Tin requirement is an essential aspect of the Google Shopping experience. By providing G-Tins for your products, you enhance their discoverability, improve performance, and increase conversion rates. It is important to determine if your products require G-Tins and ensure their correct submission by the May 16, 2016 deadline. While the process may require effort, the benefits of complying with the G-Tin requirement are well worth the investment.