Why are some restricted items showing up on Google Shopping?

[PatriotOutfitters81]

Hi there,

We sell tactical gear but only "Google Friendly" items in our Google Shopping Product Listing Ads. We don't include anything that goes on a rifle, including rifle scopes. However, we see that companies like ebay and OpticsPlanet can still sell riflescopes: https://www.google.com/#q=Bushnell+3-12x44+Mil+Dot+Tactical+Riflescope&tbm=shop. There's even an article by SearchEngineLand that points this out, too: http://searchengineland.com/google-weapon-listings-shopping-search-126487.

So why is it that they can sell them and we can't? What advantage do they have or what have they done?

[JasmineA]

Sorry for the slow response! I'm sure you've been waiting to hear something.

As far as scopes, scope mounts, and laser sights go, you should be able to advertise with those with no issues. Is there another product that you are trying to sell that conflicts with the shopping guidelines?

[PatriotOutfitters81]

Hi Jasmine,

Thanks for the response. The key term is "should". We've tried several times to list it and it won't. I think we even tried to take out any terms from the title and product description that would include the words "weapon", "rifle", "AR-15" since the scope does apply to these terms, but we even see other's published listings still have those kinds of words on there.

Ah well, we'll just keep on trying and see if it sticks.

[JasmineA]

Hey Jessica,

I think you should try calling Google Adwords directly and getting an answer from them. They should be able to help you with PLAs and give you a more specific answer as to why your products are being rejected. I believe (this is just my opinion) that landing pages matter more than AdWords is willing to admit. How are your product pages performing technically? Is there any way they could be mistaken for anything that's not a scope?

[PatriotOutfitters81]

I'll contact them directly, then. Thank for your help, Jasmine.