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Google Shopping API Essential Guide

Aug 7, 20246 minute read

What type of API does Google Shopping provide?

Type of API

  • Google Shopping uses a REST API called the Content API for Shopping.

API Details

  • The API is currently on version 2.1.
  • It allows developers to manage product listings and accounts for Google Shopping.
  • The API endpoint is https://shoppingcontent.googleapis.com/content/v2.1/.

API Functionality

  • The API provides resources for managing various aspects of Google Shopping, including:
    • Accounts
    • Products
    • Inventory
    • Orders
    • Shipping settings
    • And many more

Example API Call

  • Here's an example of how to list products using the API:
GET https://shoppingcontent.googleapis.com/content/v2.1/{merchantId}/products
  • This call returns JSON data containing product information.

Best Practices

  • Google recommends using their provided client libraries to interact with the API.
  • Shipping and Tax information should be configured at the account level rather than at the product level.

Does the Google Shopping API have webhooks?

Based on the search results provided, it does not appear that the official Google Shopping API has webhooks or an event subscription system. The search results do not contain any specific information about Google Shopping API webhooks or events.

Key points to consider:

  1. The search results primarily discuss webhooks and event subscriptions for other Google Cloud services, such as Google Cloud Build and Google Calendar API, but not for Google Shopping API.

  2. Google Cloud Platform does offer webhook functionality for some of its services, but there is no mention of Google Shopping API specifically having this capability.

  3. The Google Calendar API does have an events watch feature that allows for webhook subscriptions, but this is not related to the Google Shopping API.

Best practices:

  1. If you need real-time updates for Google Shopping data, you may need to implement polling mechanisms or explore alternative solutions.

  2. Check the official Google Shopping API documentation for the most up-to-date information on available features and integration options.

  3. Consider reaching out to Google's developer support or community forums for specific questions about Google Shopping API capabilities.

In conclusion, based on the provided search results, there is no evidence that the official Google Shopping API supports webhooks or event subscriptions. However, it's always best to verify this information with the most recent official documentation or by contacting Google directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Rate Limits and other limitations

Based on the search results provided, here are the key points about the API rate limits for the Google Shopping API:

Direct Answer

The Google Shopping API (Content API for Shopping) does not have a fixed rate limit of 2500 queries per day. Instead, it uses an automatic quota system that adjusts based on usage for the products and accounts services.

Key Points to Consider

  1. Quotas and limits are subject to change without notice.

  2. The API uses automatic quota adjustment for the products and accounts services based on usage.

  3. Quotas are per-method. For example, the get method has a separate quota from the update method.

  4. patch methods count against both get and update quotas.

  5. Each method call within a custombatch counts separately against that method's quota.

  6. Calls count against the quota of the account you authenticate as when making the call.

Best Practices

  1. Don't update your products more than twice per day, and don't update your sub-accounts more than once per day.

  2. Check your quotas periodically using the quotas.list method to ensure you have sufficient quota for your implementation.

  3. If you need an increased quota for any service other than products or accounts, or if you're hitting your daily quota for these services, contact Google with specific information about your needs.

  4. When requesting a quota increase, provide your Merchant Center ID, the methods you've reached quota limits on, an estimation of how many calls per day you need, and the reason for the increase.

It's important to note that the information about a 2500 queries per day limit mentioned in the question is outdated. The current Content API for Shopping uses a more dynamic quota system. Always refer to the official Google documentation for the most up-to-date information on API limits and quotas.

Latest API Version

Based on the search results provided, here are the key points regarding the most recent version of the Google Shopping API:

  1. The most recent version is the beta version of the Merchant API, which is described as "the new version of the Content API for Shopping and the future" [1].

  2. The Content API for Shopping is still available and widely used. It allows merchants to automate Google Merchant Center account management, including uploading products, managing inventory, and linking inventory to Google Ads [1].

  3. Google recommends using the Google API client libraries when deploying the Content API for Shopping. These libraries are available for many popular programming languages [1].

  4. Recent updates to the Content API for Shopping include:

    • New Returnpolicy and Returnaddress services for Buy on Google [2]
    • Deprecation of Buy on Google metrics in the MerchantPerformanceView table [2]
    • Added support for multi-client account supplemental Content API feeds [2]
  5. The API version numbering is not explicitly mentioned in the search results, but the Content API for Shopping is often referred to as v2 in developer discussions [3].

Key points to consider:

  • The Merchant API beta is the newest version and is described as the future of the Shopping API ecosystem.
  • The Content API for Shopping (v2) is still actively maintained and used.
  • Google provides client libraries and code samples to simplify API integration.
  • Regular updates and new features are being added to the Content API for Shopping.

Best practices:

  • Use the recommended Google API client libraries for easier integration.
  • Stay updated with the latest changes and features by regularly checking the release notes.
  • Consider exploring the beta version of the Merchant API for future-proofing your integration.
  • Comply with Google Shopping ads and free listings policies when using the API.

While the search results don't provide an explicit version number for the most recent API, it's clear that the Content API for Shopping (commonly referred to as v2) is the current stable version, with the Merchant API beta being introduced as the future iteration.

How to get a Google Shopping developer account and API Keys?

Here are the key steps to get a developer account for Google Shopping and create an API integration:

  1. Set up a Google Merchant Center account:

    • Create a new Google account to associate with your Merchant Center account
    • Follow the steps to set up a new Merchant Center account at merchants.google.com
  2. Create a Google Cloud project:

    • Go to the Google Cloud Console (console.cloud.google.com)
    • Create a new project
    • Enable the Content API for Shopping for that project
  3. Set up API credentials:

    • In the Google Cloud Console, create credentials (OAuth client ID or service account) to authenticate your API requests
  4. Apply for a Multi-Client Account (MCA):

  5. Link your Merchant Center account to your MCA:

    • Have an admin of the Merchant Center account authorize linking it to your MCA
  6. Use a client library:

    • Google provides client libraries in various languages to simplify using the API
    • See the "Samples and Libraries" page for options
  7. Make API calls:

    • Use the client library to authenticate and make calls to the Content API for Shopping
    • Test API functionality in your development environment

What can you do with the Google Shopping API?

Based on the provided search results, here are the key data models you can interact with using the Google Shopping API, along with what is possible for each:

Product Data

  • Basic product information:

    • Submit required attributes like title, description, link, image link, etc.
    • Provide optional attributes to enhance product listings
  • Price and availability:

    • Set product prices and availability status
    • Manage inventory levels
  • Product categorization:

    • Assign Google product categories
    • Define custom product types
  • Product identifiers:

    • Provide unique identifiers like GTIN, MPN, brand
  • Detailed product descriptions:

    • Add rich product data like color, size, material, etc.

Shopping Campaigns

  • Ads redirect: Specify custom landing page URLs
  • Custom labels: Add up to 5 custom labels per product for campaign organization
  • Promotion IDs: Link products to specific promotions
  • Lifestyle images: Include additional lifestyle product images

Destinations

  • Excluded/Included destinations: Control where products appear (e.g. Shopping ads, free listings)
  • Country exclusions: Exclude specific countries for Shopping ads
  • Pause: Temporarily pause products across all ad types

Other Settings

  • Shipping: Set shipping rates and methods
  • Tax: Provide tax rate information
  • Currency and language: Specify product currencies and languages

Orders

  • Manage orders placed through Google Shopping

Local Inventory

  • Configure local inventory ads
  • Link to Google Business Profile
  • Verify local inventory

Supplemental Feeds

  • Create and manage supplemental product data feeds

The API allows comprehensive management of product data, campaign settings, and order processing for Google Shopping. Developers can automate uploads, updates, and optimizations across these different data models.