Data Transmission
A Local Feed Partnership provider can send product, inventory, sales or store data by calling the API or by uploading files.
A file upload in fact would ingest data for the same offer that doesn't need to be updated as frequently, like product descriptions and images.
If the merchant sub-accounts are part of your MCA account, access is granted by default. Data needs to be accurate and refreshed periodically.
Product, inventory data and store identification are the main sets of data required:
- Product data refers to the offer static values (description, size, colour etc..). This data can be refreshed within a 30 days window. Google uses GTINs as strong identifiers to ingest merchant's offers, most of the offers should have one. A provider could only provide GTINs using the POS provider endpoint and Google will match the offer automatically. In case the GTIN is not available, a combination of different signals make the ingestion easier. More information on the product data specification page.
- Inventory data refers to quantity and price.While quantity is no longer a required attribute, availability is now instead. This data should be refreshed as soon as it changes on the merchant's side to strive for the best possible user experience. This is store-specific information. More information on the inventory data feed specification.
- Store identification refers to the store code either from the Google Business Profile linked to the Merchant Center account or from a dedicated store feed if it is not possible to get access to the Merchant's Google Business Profile account. This information is necessary to map offers to a particular store in the Google ecosystem. More information on the Store data specification page.
If regular updates for inventory data are not possible, alternatively a Local Feed Partnership provider can use:
- Sales data to provide a list of all products sold within a set time period. This is used to predict price and quantity for offers uploaded.
Generally, as a Local Feeds Partnership provider you need to make sure you have permission to submit data on your merchant's behalf.
From a technical perspective, while for submitting product data an LFP Provider needs administrator permissions on the account (either through an MCA - sub account relationship or by having direct access to the Merchant Center Account), for submitting inventory, sales and store data, an LFP Provider just needs to be selected as LFP provider by the merchant. This means linking their Merchant Center Account to the LFP provider account.