Invalid Value [condition] in Merchant Center: How to Fix

What this issue means

Google only accepts three condition values, each with a specific meaning:

Any other text fails validation. Because Google uses condition to filter and refine search results, an invalid value typically disapproves or limits the product until it's corrected.

A related problem: when your condition value conflicts with other product data, like a title containing "Used" while condition says new, Google may flag a mismatch. Getting condition right prevents both issues.

Why it happens

• Store-specific grading terms. Resale and electronics stores use grades like "Grade A", "Excellent", "Like New", "Open Box" or "Certified Pre-Owned". These are meaningful to shoppers but not to Google's attribute.
• Translated values. Values like nuevo, usado or gebraucht exported from a localized store can fail validation. Use the English values from Google's specification.
• Capitalization or spacing. Some systems export New or NEW. Most of the time Google tolerates case, but stray characters or extra words aren't.
• Wrong field mapped. A WooCommerce attribute named "Condition" with free-text options is sent straight to condition.
• Shopify metafields with free text. The Google & YouTube channel lets you set condition per product; values pushed in through a CSV or an app may not match the allowed list.
• Schema markup conflicts. If your product page's structured data says UsedCondition but your feed says new, you may also see condition mismatch warnings.

How to fix it

1. Find the bad values. In Merchant Center, go to Products > Needs attention, filter for the condition issue, and download the CSV. List the unique values you're sending.

2. Map each value to Google's three options. A typical mapping:

   • Brand New, Sealed, New in Box: new
   • Open Box, Like New, Used, Pre-owned, Grade A/B/C, Damaged Box with product used or opened: used
   • Certified Refurbished, Renewed, Remanufactured with a warranty: refurbished

   Be careful with "Open Box". If the packaging was opened, Google's definition of new (unopened packaging) no longer applies, so used is the safe choice. Only use refurbished if the item was professionally restored and comes with a warranty.

3. Keep your shopper-facing grade elsewhere. Put the detailed grade ("Excellent, light scratches on bezel") in the title or description, and keep the condition attribute to one of the three values. Make sure the title and condition don't contradict each other.

4. Apply the fix:

   • Shopify (Google & YouTube app): Open the products in the Google & YouTube channel (or its bulk editor) and set condition using the provided options rather than free text. If you import condition via metafields, use exactly new, refurbished or used. For an all-new catalog, you can leave the default as new.
   • WooCommerce: In Google for WooCommerce, set the condition in the product's Google attributes. Its attribute mapping can also map a product attribute to condition; make sure the source values are the three accepted ones, or use a dedicated field.
   • Attribute rules: In Merchant Center, an attribute rule can map values in bulk. For example, if condition contains "open box" or "pre-owned", set it to used. This is the fastest way to fix a catalog with consistent but non-standard values.
   • Supplemental source: Upload id and condition to override values for specific items.

5. Align your landing pages. If your product pages include structured data, make sure itemCondition matches your feed (for example, UsedCondition for used). This avoids mismatch warnings later.

How long until it's fixed

Corrected values are usually reflected after Google reprocesses the product, generally within one to three days. Attribute rules apply at the next processing of the data source. If the issue returns, your store app may be resending the old value, so fix it at the source too.

How to prevent it

• Use a dropdown, not free text, wherever condition is entered.
• Keep grading terms in a separate field from the Google condition value.
• Keep a standing attribute rule that maps known grading terms to used or refurbished.
• When you add a new product line (for example, launching refurbished devices), update your mapping before the first sync.

Used and refurbished catalogs carry extra rules: Google notes they don't appear on some organic YouTube and Discover surfaces, and refurbished products must comply with local laws. If you sell mixed-condition inventory, Mercantads can set up condition mapping and campaign structure; see Merchant Center management and Google Shopping ads.