How to handle a no-returns policy on GMC
A no-returns policy is allowed on Google Shopping, but it has to be said out loud: Google’s fix page asks stores that take no returns to state that clearly on their website. Say why, say what happens when an item arrives broken, and set Merchant Center to match. Silence is not a policy; it is a question every customer asks after paying.
Why this matters
Google's pages are plain on this. The returns fix page: “If you don't accept returns or refunds, clearly state that on your website.” The account guidelines: “Even if you don't offer returns or refunds, still state your policy explicitly.” Merchant Center's return policy flow offers the answer as a setting, “No, I don't accept returns”, with a middle option for stores that only take back faults: “I accept returns for defective products only”.
If only part of your catalogue is non-returnable, you do not need a store-wide ban. Google's setup page describes a standard return policy plus “an exception policy, in which you’ll indicate that returns aren’t allowed”, and names “personal care items, safety equipment, and customized production like engraving” as products that commonly can't go back. The exception is assigned with the return policy label [return_policy_label], and product data can carry a no-returns window type in the returns [returns] attribute.
A no-returns policy still owes the shopper an answer for the unlucky order. Say what happens when an item arrives damaged, faulty or wrong, and make the page describe what your team really does. The Misrepresentation policy lists “Denying return and refund for a product despite having a clear refund or return policy that allows for returns and refunds”, so if you do take some returns back, the page has to say so. What local law adds is for your adviser; this guide covers what Google asks for.
The free scan reports a store with no returns page as a failure, and flags a blanket “all sales final” line so you can check it says what you mean. For the wider policy, see how to write a clear returns policy, and for blanket clauses hiding in the fine print, the “all sales final” guide. Every returns check is on the misrepresentation checker.
Typical evidence
“No returns” is clearer than no answer at all
You may refuse returns for some product types, subject to the law that applies. Do not leave shoppers guessing: a missing page gives them no process, while a clear category-specific refusal states the position they can evaluate.
Investigator’s note
StoreVerifier compliance desk
The public signals this check looks for:
The store takes no returns, no page says so, and the footer has no returns link at all
The store takes no returns, no page says so, and the footer has no returns link at all.
“All sales final” sits in the terms, while the FAQ says “contact us about returns”
“All sales final” sits in the terms, while the FAQ says “contact us about returns”.
Made-to-order items are non-returnable, but the policy never says what happens if one arri…
Made-to-order items are non-returnable, but the policy never says what happens if one arrives damaged.
The returns page says no returns, and Merchant Center is set to a 30-day window
The returns page says no returns, and Merchant Center is set to a 30-day window.
A store-wide ban where only engraved or hygiene products are really non-returnable
A store-wide ban where only engraved or hygiene products are really non-returnable.
What it looks like once it is right
“Each print is made to order, so we can't accept returns for change of mind. If your print arrives damaged or wrong, email a photo within 7 days of delivery and we'll replace it free.” Linked from the footer and every product page; Merchant Center set to defective products only, with a 7-day window.
Common mistakes
Common mistake
Fix checklist
State the policy plainly
A customer needs to understand the return terms. Whether they meet the applicable Merchant Center and consumer requirements depends on the product, market, and account setup.
Questions merchants ask
Can I advertise on Google Shopping without accepting returns?
Yes. Merchant Center's return policy settings include “No, I don't accept returns”, and Google's guidelines say that even if you don't offer returns or refunds, you should still state your policy explicitly. The requirement is that you say so, clearly, where shoppers look.
Do I still need a returns page if I don't take returns?
Yes. It is where you say so. Google's fix page for a missing return and refund policy asks stores that don't accept returns or refunds to state that clearly on their website, and a returns link in the footer is the obvious place for it.
What about damaged or faulty items?
Say what you do. Merchant Center has a setting for stores that accept returns for defective products only, and a no-returns page that is silent on breakages leaves the one question every unlucky customer asks unanswered. Whether local law gives buyers more than your policy does is a question for your adviser.
Remediation
Risk signal
Similar cases
Sources
- How to fix: Missing return and refund policy on your online storeGoogle Merchant Center Help — support.google.com
- Set up your return policies for Shopping ads and free listingsGoogle Merchant Center Help — support.google.com
- Follow Merchant Center guidelines to keep your account approvedGoogle Merchant Center Help — support.google.com
Community guidance
Written by Product Experts, the users Google recognises for their answers on its Merchant Center Community forum. Often stricter than Google’s help pages, and not Google policy.
Last reviewed 23 Sep 2026.
That is one issue. The library documents 134.
The free scan lists what it finds on your store. The paid report adds the affected pages, captured evidence and step-by-step fixes. Start free, with no account needed.