How to Solve Missing field “hasMerchantReturnPolicy” (in “offers”) Issue in GSC

If you run an eCommerce store, especially on Shopify, you might have encountered the Missing field “hasMerchantReturnPolicy” (in “offers”) issue in Google Search Console.

This warning typically arises because Google expects your product schema to include a merchant return policy, which provides essential information about your return policies. Let’s break down what this issue is, why it occurs, how to fix it, and the benefits of doing so.

What is the Missing field “hasMerchantReturnPolicy” (in “offers”) Issue?

The “hasMerchantReturnPolicy” field is part of the structured data markup that helps search engines understand your product pages better. Specifically, it informs Google about your return policies, which can enhance your site’s visibility and credibility in search results. When this field is missing, Google can’t display complete information about your product returns, which can be a disadvantage for your store.

Not only does it impact how your store is perceived by potential customers, but it can also lead to missed opportunities for engagement and conversions. Ensuring this field is properly implemented helps build trust with customers and gives your store a competitive edge in search rankings, ultimately contributing to higher customer satisfaction and increased brand loyalty.

Why Does the Missing field “hasMerchantReturnPolicy” (in “offers”) Issue Occur?

This issue occurs because the structured data code on your product pages does not include return policy information. Common reasons include:

• Shopify’s built-in themes do not automatically include this field in the structured data.
• Custom themes or apps may not properly implement this field.

Benefits of Fixing the “hasMerchantReturnPolicy” Issue

Fixing this issue provides several benefits:

1. Improved Search Visibility: Google can display more detailed information about your products in search results.
2. Enhanced Customer Trust: Customers can see your return policies upfront, reducing uncertainty.
3. Better SEO Performance: Complete structured data helps improve your site’s SEO ranking.

How to Fix the “hasMerchantReturnPolicy” Issue

Step-by-Step Guide

• Understand Your Return Policy:
  • Determine your applicable countries, return policy category, return window, return methods, and return fees.
• Locate the Structured Data Code:
  • In your Shopify theme, find the file where the structured data is implemented (usually in product-template.liquid).
• Add the Required Code:
  • Insert the following code into your structured data, customizing it according to your policies:

"hasMerchantReturnPolicy": {
  "@type": "MerchantReturnPolicy",
  "applicableCountry": "CH",
  "returnPolicyCategory": "https://schema.org/MerchantReturnFiniteReturnWindow",
  "merchantReturnDays": 60,
  "returnMethod": "https://schema.org/ReturnByMail",
  "returnFees": "https://schema.org/FreeReturn"
}

Example Implementation in Liquid

{
  "@context": "https://schema.org/",
  "@type": "Product",
  "name": "{{ product.title }}",
  "description": "{{ product.description }}",
  "image": "{{ product.featured_image.src }}",
  "offers": {
    "@type": "Offer",
    "price": "{{ product.price | money }}",
    "priceCurrency": "USD",
    "availability": "https://schema.org/InStock",
    "url": "{{ shop.url }}{{ product.url }}",
    "hasMerchantReturnPolicy": {
      "@type": "MerchantReturnPolicy",
      "applicableCountry": "US",
      "returnPolicyCategory": "https://schema.org/MerchantReturnFiniteReturnWindow",
      "merchantReturnDays": 30,
      "returnMethod": "https://schema.org/ReturnByMail",
      "returnFees": "https://schema.org/FreeReturn"
    }
  }
}

• Validate Your Code:
  • Use Google’s Rich Results Test to ensure your structured data is correctly implemented.
• Revalidate in Google Search Console:
  • Once the issue is fixed, request validation in Google Search Console to ensure the error is resolved.

Conclusion

Addressing the Missing field “hasMerchantReturnPolicy” (in “offers”) issue is crucial for maximizing your eCommerce store’s potential. By ensuring that your product pages include complete structured data, you not only improve your site’s SEO but also build stronger customer trust by providing transparent return policy details.

Following the steps in this guide will help you resolve this issue effectively, leading to better visibility, higher search rankings, and a more user-friendly shopping experience.

If you found this guide helpful, please share it so others can benefit from it too!