Is this business considered a SAB to Google?

[AmberRobinson]

Hi All,

We have a client who designs and installs custom closets, garage systems, wall beds, home offices, etc. They have a showroom that displays all this for their potential customers to visit.

I have hidden the address for this business but the client has an idea that, since they have this showroom that customers can go to, they should not be considered a SAB.

My issue is with this part of Google's quality guidelines

"If you don't conduct face-to-face business at your location, you must select "Yes, this business serves customers at their locations""

This client does occasionally conduct face-to-face business at the location BUT they serve the customers at their locations.

Opinions and suggestions greatly appreciated!

[mike_sif]

If your client serves his customers at their locations it is a SAB.  No-brainer is you ask me.

[MiriamEllis]

Hi Amber,

This is one of those grey area businesses. I can understand why you'd want feedback on this, for sure. I think the answer lies in this statement from you,

This client does occasionally conduct face-to-face business at the location

(emphasis mine)

Given that the bulk of the business model is go-to-client, your client will be safer hiding their address. Now, should they choose not to do so, and should a penalty occur down the road, they could potentially argue with Google staff that the business has a showroom and good reason to have their address shown and you might be able to win on that, but, if you'd prefer to play it safer, then hiding the address is definitely the easiest route for this client.

So, this isn't a totally clear scenario. You could choose to go either way with this client, realizing that one route may lead to a penalty that would then require a potentially endless dialogue with Google, whereas the other route will likely be problem-free. In my opinion, different Local SEOs I know might handle this situation in different ways, so you'll have to make a gut-feeling decision on what you, as the Local SEO on this project, feel is the smartest route for your particular client, weighing all potential outcomes of the 2 choices.

[AmberRobinson]

Hi Miriam,

Appreciate your feedback on this. Your reasoning is exactly why I chose to hide the address in the first place but, after the client questioned my decision more than once, I started to wonder if I was almost being too strict.

That response was the reassurance I needed to keep it hidden. Well, that AND avoiding a potentially endless dialogue with Google!

Thanks!

[MiriamEllis]

You are very welcome, Amber. I think you've made the right decision!