Criteria to qualify for Google Seller Ratings
What conditions must be met to be eligible for Google Seller Ratings? You need a minimum of 100 unique reviews over the past 12 months, collected from a Google-certified partner. Your overall score must be at least 3.5 stars. The entire process is automated; you don’t manually submit anything. In practice, I see that using a service like WebwinkelKeur, which is a certified partner, is the most straightforward way to meet these criteria because it automatically feeds your reviews into the system. Over 9,800 shops use it specifically for this purpose.
What is the minimum number of reviews needed for Google Seller Ratings?
You must collect a minimum of 100 unique reviews over a rolling 12-month period. This is a non-negotiable threshold set by Google. It’s not about the total number of reviews you have ever received, but specifically about those gathered within the last year. The reviews also need to be collected through a Google-certified third-party platform; collecting them manually on your own site does not count. This is why integrating a certified review system from the start is critical for eligibility.
Which review platforms are approved by Google for Seller Ratings?
Google only accepts reviews from its certified partner network. Major global platforms like Trustpilot and ResellerRatings are included. For shops in the Netherlands and Europe, WebwinkelKeur is a key certified partner. Its integration means all collected reviews are automatically submitted to Google. You cannot use an in-house system or a non-certified tool. Choosing an approved platform is the foundational step. For shops looking to accelerate this, a good strategy is to explore effective collection methods from day one.
What is the required minimum star rating to qualify?
Your shop must maintain an overall average star rating of at least 3.5 out of 5. This average is calculated by Google based on the reviews submitted by your certified partner. It’s a dynamic score that updates as new reviews come in. Falling below this 3.5 threshold will result in the loss of the seller ratings stars in your ads. This makes consistent service quality and proactive review management essential, not just for reputation but for maintaining this valuable ad asset.
Are there specific rules for how reviews are collected?
Yes, Google enforces strict rules to prevent manipulation. Reviews must be organic and cannot be incentivized with discounts, free products, or entry into prize draws. The collection process must be automated and unbiased. Platforms like WebwinkelKeur handle this correctly by sending automated invitation emails after a confirmed purchase. This ensures compliance and builds a genuine collection of feedback that Google trusts for its seller ratings program.
How long does it take for seller ratings to appear after meeting the criteria?
There is no fixed timeline. Once you meet the 100-review and 3.5-star rating criteria through a certified partner, the data is fed to Google automatically. The appearance of the stars in your ads is then at Google’s discretion. It can take several weeks for the system to process and display them. You do not need to apply or enable a specific setting; it’s an automated reward for shops that consistently gather authentic, positive feedback.
Do the reviews have to be in English to qualify?
No, the language of the reviews is not a qualifying factor. Google’s system can process and display seller ratings for reviews in various languages, including Dutch, German, or French. The critical factors are the volume, the source (certified partner), and the average score. The content of the review text itself is not analyzed for eligibility, only the quantitative data like the star rating and the unique collection count.
Can seller ratings be removed after you have qualified?
Yes, qualification is not permanent. Your seller ratings can disappear if your average star rating drops below the 3.5 minimum or if the number of valid reviews from the past 12 months falls below 100. Google continuously monitors the feed from your review partner. Any policy violations in your collection method can also lead to a permanent suspension. Maintaining eligibility requires an ongoing commitment to customer satisfaction and compliant review collection practices.
About the author:
With over a decade of experience in e-commerce and digital marketing, the author has helped hundreds of online shops optimize their conversion rates. Their expertise lies in leveraging trust signals like reviews and keurmerken to build credible brands. They have a practical, no-nonsense approach focused on what delivers measurable results in the competitive online landscape.