Fix missing return policy in Merchant Center

Symptom

The account has no accepted return policy settings for Shopping surfaces even if the storefront has a visible returns page.

Exact cause

Google flagged this state because your Google Merchant Center account does not have a return policy configured. Google requires a return policy for Shopping ads in most countries. Without one, your products may lose eligibility for Shopping ads and trust badges.

This is an account-settings problem first. Storefront markup helps, but it does not replace the account-level return settings Google uses for Shopping.

Which system wins

For storewide return policy handling, the strongest signals come from Merchant API or Merchant Center/Search Console settings, then product-level markup, then organization-level markup.

Correct edit point

Fix Merchant Center or Search Console return policy settings first. Use page-level markup only when you need more detailed storefront signals.

Manual fix steps

1. Open Google Merchant Center → Settings → Return policies.
2. Create a return policy that matches your Shopify store's actual return terms.
3. Specify the return window (e.g., 30 days), return method (mail, in-store), and who pays return shipping.

StoreSteady assist

StoreSteady will create a return policy in your Merchant Center account based on your Shopify store's return policy settings. Review the policy after it's created to ensure accuracy.

Validation steps

1. Update the governing account-level setting first.
2. Confirm the public policy or shipping content matches the account configuration.
3. Re-check Merchant Center, Search Console, or Store Quality after the published review window.

Expected resolution time

Return policy changes are processed within 1–3 business days.