Google Merchant Center Adds More Out-of-Stock Options

"Google has updated its Google Merchant Center landing page requirements help documentation to expand and offer more options for out-of-stock products. Google wants you to "ensure your landing page clearly displays product availability for online purchases." Previously, Google you needed to gray out the button for out-of-stock products. But now Google offers these new options:"

"For "out of stock" products, you can display clear text such as "sold out" or "item not available" or use a disabled/greyed out "buy" button. If a page features multiple variants, you can disable specific options in the selection grid to indicate they are unavailable. The page must feature a functional "buy" or "add to basket" button if the product is available for purchase."

"For "preorder" or "backorder" items, the page must display the expected shipping date. The landing page must clearly state any delivery restrictions, such as "store pickup only". Well Google changed the rules again, and explains that you are not strictly required to use the greyed out option, which is great."

Google Merchant Center landing page requirements were updated to provide more options for handling out-of-stock products. Landing pages must clearly display product availability for online purchases. Out-of-stock items can show clear text such as “sold out” or “item not available,” or use a disabled/greyed out “buy” button. If multiple variants appear on a page, unavailable variants can be disabled in the selection grid. Available products must include a functional “buy” or “add to basket” button. Preorder or backorder items must show the expected shipping date. Delivery restrictions such as “store pickup only” must be clearly stated.

Read at Search Engine Roundtable