Why Prepare? #
A CSS switch is relatively straightforward and usually done in just a few clicks. However, based on our experience as a CSS provider, we know that a switch can trigger a number of issues – most commonly, Free Listings becoming unassigned. This guide explains what to check before you start and how to avoid that problem entirely by assigning Free Listings before the switch takes place.
Step 1 – Check Your Current Setup #
Before you begin, go through the following points:
Single MC or Multi-MC?
Is this a standalone MC or part of a Multi-MC setup? If it is a single MC, you can proceed directly. If a Multi-MC setup exists, contact us first to discuss the right approach.
Current CSS status
Is the MC currently running under the default Google CSS or under another CSS provider? If it is running under another CSS provider, we recommend switching to the Google CSS first – the Dummy MC method in Step 2 only works when the MC is hosted at Google, and it also ensures Free Listings can be correctly reassigned.
Are Free Listings active?
Are Free Listings enabled in the MC? If not, consider whether this is intentional before proceeding.
Admin access
Make sure at least one team member has admin access to the MC before making any changes.
Step 2 – Assign Free Listings in Advance (Dummy MC Method) #
To ensure Free Listings remain correctly assigned after the switch, follow these steps before moving the MC.
1. Create a Dummy MC
- Navigate to your CSS dashboard and select the relevant CSS domain.
- Click Merchants in the left-hand navigation.
- Open the primary MCA using the blue button on the right.
- Go to Accounts and click the plus icon to create a new account.
- Enter a dummy name (e.g. “Client Name Dummy”) and the shop URL (set the shop URL to the exact URL of the MC you want to switch).
💡 When creating an account through the CSS, the shop does not need to be claimed.
2. Assign Free Listings in the existing MC
- Open the MC that is currently hosted at Google (the one you intend to move).
- Go to Settings → General → Comparison Shopping Services.
- Your CSS will now appear in the list. Hover over it – three dots (⋯) will appear on the right.
- Click the three dots and select:
-
- “Free product listings for Europe”
- Optionally: “Shopping ads outside of Europe”, if applicable
3. Perform the switch
Carry out the MC switch to your CSS.
4. Clean up
Delete the Dummy MC from your MCA.
Summary #
- Create a Dummy MC via the CSS MCA using the shop’s URL
- In the Google-hosted MC, assign Free Listings to the new CSS under Comparison Shopping Services
- Perform the CSS switch for the MC
- Delete the Dummy MC
Troubleshooting: Free Listings Lost After a Switch? #
If you didn’t follow the steps above before the switch, Free Listings may not transfer automatically. In that case, a Control MC can be used to reassign them after the fact.
→ Configuring Free Listings after an MC Switch (Control MC)
