GTIN [identifier_exists]

Hi @chopperstwisted,

If you add the GTIN, MPN or Brand attribute to the feed, the feed will automatically include the identifier_exists attribute to the feed, and this is how it should be according to GMC’s feed specification rule. https://support.google.com/merchants/answer/6324478?hl=en

As you have added the GTIN attribute while configuring the feed, the GTIN attribute is getting included in all the items on the feed and in which the GTIN field value is empty, the value of identifier exists is no, and google will show a warning(not error) that you have missing GTIN values.

To avoid this warning, either you have to add valid GTIN to all the items or remove GTIN from your feed configurations. Besides, MPN and Brand are also identifiers, so if you add MPN but no brand, the identifier will be no and if you add brand but no MPN, then still the identifier will be no. So, if you are not using GTIN but MPN and Brand then make sure you have added both MPN and Brand will make the value of Identifier_exists = yes.

If a product does not have a GTIN, the GTIN field should be left empty and [Identifier Exists] set to [No].

If you can’t set those attributes in the source data, create a rule in the Merchant Center:?Set [identifier exists] to “No” WHERE [GTIN] has no value

These videos might also help you:

1. GTINs and Why You Need Them in Google Shopping
2. How to Fix Invalid Value GTIN in Merchant Centre
3. How to Fix Incorrect value [identifier exists]

Thanks!
-OP

Thank you and this was what I expected.

This plugin having features built in to tackle scenarios like this would be a better option. The mapping of custom meta needs to happen. Instead, you must perform these actions with rules in GMC.

Hello TC

Thank you for your reply.

To confirm, are you suggesting that these actions should performed by the plugin automatically?
I am asking because I want to understand you clearly and guide you further.

Were you able to perform these actions manually?
If yes, then how did it go?

Please let me know ??

Best regards.

Yes, I believe this should be an option from the plugin instead of creating a rule in GMC to overcome it. I did end up creating a rule as suggested. Set [identifier exists] to “No” WHERE [GTIN] has no value

Hi

I have the same problem as @chopperstwisted. I think there should be an option to set the identifer_exists parameter

• This reply was modified 6 months, 3 weeks ago by paulglvs.

Hello TC, paulglvs

Thank you for your reply and the feedback.

I will encourage you to go to this link and submit a feature request.
This way our dev team will know what people are expecting from this plugin.

I really appreciate your time and effort. ??

Best regards.

@doublezed2 Actually, according to the changelog, this used to be a feature. And it was removed on version 2.0.2 … I don’t know why! as this is required for “unique products”.

Hi @aebs90,

This is taken from our FAQs page:

In the previous version of the extension, the logic identifier_exist = false was implemented. Due to a Google Merchant Center policy update that no longer required this logic, it was completely removed from the extension as it caused products with no identifiers to be disapproved in Google Merchant Center. The identifier_exist = false logic is deprecated and shouldn’t be used as it’ll result in errors and products being disapproved.

Product identifiers such as GTIN, MPN, etc., are assigned by the product manufacturer. For custom products with no identifiers, you can ensure your products aren’t flagged by following these steps:

• GTIN – Leave blank when no GTIN exist.
• MPN – Enter the product SKU used in WooCommerce
• Brand – Enter your domain name (without https and www)

You can assign these fields to multiple products in bulk using the Google Listings & Ads attribute mapping feature. Entering MPN and Brand when no GTIN exist will ensure your products aren’t flagged.

You can find more details about the removal of this attribute here: https://github.com/woocommerce/google-listings-and-ads/issues/1592.

Thanks!
-OP

Hi @omarfpg , thanks for your reply!

Ok, your point makes sense. But this looks like an error from the Google Listings and Ads plugin, let me explain my points:

1. I didn’t find any post from Google talking about this being deprecated, do you have any link? They don’t mention any.
2. But there is an article about this attribute in the official Google documentation, and it looks like it is still needed (when applies): https://support.google.com/merchants/answer/6324478?hl=en

Now let me tell you my recent experience:

All my products were marked as “needs attention”. They are one-of-a kind products. So as there was no way to set this on the plugin, I had to go and edit every single product in the Merchant Center, and check this field:

And that resolved the issue! So.. it looks like this attribute is still needed and it still works to resolve that issue!

I hope you can reconsider adding this attribute back to the plugin.

Thanks again!

Hello Aaron Barraza

Thank you for your reply.

I am glad to know that you have found a solution to the problem.
Your feedback is duly noted and will be communicated to the relevant team.

Feel free to contact us again if you have any other questions. ??

Have a great day!