How to Configure Shipping in Google Merchant Center
A step-by-step guide to setting up shipping rules in GMC, including flat-rate, carrier-calculated, and free shipping.
Mismatched shipping data disapproves products automatically.
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Two Ways to Set Shipping in GMC
You can configure shipping at the account level in GMC (applies to all products) or at the product level in your feed (overrides account settings for specific products). Most merchants start with account-level settings and use feed-level for exceptions.
Account-Level Shipping Setup
Go to Shipping and returns in the left menu of GMC.
Click the + button to create a shipping service. Configure:
Service name — A label for this shipping rule, e.g., "Standard US Shipping"
Country — The country this service applies to
Currency — Must match your account currency
Delivery time — The range of business days (e.g., 3–5 days). This appears on Shopping ads and free listings.
Shipping rate — Options include:
- •Free shipping
- •Flat rate (same cost for all orders)
- •Price-based rules (free above $X, flat rate below)
- •Weight-based rules
- •Carrier-calculated rates (UPS, FedEx, USPS)
Flat-Rate Setup
Set a single cost that applies to all orders. Simple and quick to configure.
Free Shipping Setup
Set the rate to "Free." If free shipping only applies above a certain order value, create two rules: one for orders below the threshold (with a flat rate) and one for orders above (free).
Carrier-Calculated Shipping
Links to UPS, FedEx, or USPS rate tables. Requires your shipping origin address and package dimensions. More complex to set up but gives accurate rates that match what you charge at checkout.
Critical Rule: Rates Must Match Checkout
The shipping cost shown in Shopping results comes from GMC. If a customer clicks through and sees a different price at checkout, this is a policy violation. Audit your GMC shipping settings against your live checkout at least monthly.