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Revamp Your Vehicle Listings with Google’s ‘Build to Order’ Feature

```json { "alt": "Hand holding smartphone displaying Google Shopping logo with large Google G logo in the background.", "caption": "Exploring the future of online retail with Google Shopping, perfectly blending technology and commerce at our fingertips.", "description": "A hand holds a smartphone showing the Google Shopping logo, a colorful shopping tag with 'G,' indicating the app's purpose. In the background, a large, partially visible, multicolored Google 'G' logo is prominently displayed. This image represents Google's integration of shopping experiences through digital platforms, emphasizing accessibility and convenience in modern online commerce. Keywords: Google Shopping, online retail, smartphone, digital commerce." } ```

Written by

shivamcrushpressai

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When I discovered Google’s latest update to the Merchant Center, I was thrilled. They’ve added a ‘build to order’ option for vehicle listings, offering sellers like me a streamlined way to display customizable models that customers can factory-order.

I immediately saw how this attribute could revolutionize my listings. It’s designed for dealers who, like myself, don’t always have every model available on the lot. This addition allows us to tag vehicles that aren’t in stock but can be tailored and ordered. It’s a game-changer!

What needs to change. I’m aware that updating my listings involves two critical steps. First, I need to adjust my structured data by setting availability to BuildToOrder. Secondly, I must align my Merchant Center feed with the same availability code. Ensuring consistency is key to avoid listing disapprovals.

Instruction on when to use the availability [availability] attribute in GMC 

Why we care. This update is a breath of fresh air for us sellers. Until now, conveying a vehicle’s unavailability for immediate pickup was challenging. Now, the ‘build to order’ option clearly mirrors the operations of modern automakers, especially those like Tesla and Rivian that offer direct-to-consumer customization. It helps set clear expectations for our customers and ensures our data is pristine for Google.

```json { "alt": "Guidelines for product availability status including in stock, out of stock, preorder, backorder, and build to order.", "caption": "Explore the different product availability statuses: from in stock and out of stock to preorder, backorder, and even build to order for vehicle ads.", "description": "This image illustrates guidelines for product availability statuses required for all products. It lists supported values businesses can use: in stock, out of stock, preorder, backorder, and build to order, with detailed descriptions for each. These values ensure that product feed information matches the website details, facilitating smooth transactions. This guide aids businesses in managing inventory visibility effectively." } ```

The fine print. Remember, if a vehicle is categorized as ‘build to order,’ it must have the condition attribute set to ‘new.’ If it’s listed as ‘used,’ it will be disapproved. Google regards build-to-order vehicles as newly configured, not pre-owned.

Bottom line. For anyone like me selling customizable or factory-order vehicles, this update is a more precise way to reflect vehicle availability. However, it only works if my feed, structured data, and condition fields are in synchronization.

I first learned about this update from Google Shopping specialist Emmanuel Flossie, who kindly explained how to implement it on his blog.

Dig deeper. For more insights, check out the “Availability [availability]” Google Merchant Centre help doc

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.

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FAQs

What is Google's build to order option for vehicle listings?

It is a Google Merchant Center availability option for vehicles that are not immediately in stock but can be customized and factory-ordered by a customer. The post frames it as useful for dealers selling customizable models.

What needs to change when using BuildToOrder for vehicle listings?

The post says sellers need to set structured data availability to BuildToOrder and align the Merchant Center feed with the same availability code. Keeping those fields consistent helps avoid listing disapprovals.

Why does build to order availability matter for vehicle sellers?

It gives sellers a clearer way to show when a vehicle is not available for immediate pickup but can still be ordered. That helps set customer expectations and keeps vehicle data cleaner for Google.

Can a used vehicle be listed as build to order?

No. The post states that vehicles marked build to order must have the condition attribute set to new, and used vehicles with this availability may be disapproved.

Who is the build to order update best suited for?

The update is best suited for sellers of customizable or factory-order vehicles. The article mentions modern automakers and direct-to-consumer customization as examples of why the option better reflects current vehicle sales workflows.

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