Minimum & Maximum Handling Time [min_handling_time] / [max_handling_time] Fields for Product Feed

Specify the shortest and longest time between order placement and when your product ships, to give accurate delivery expectations.



Optional for each product

The min_handling_time and max_handling_time attributes tell Google how quickly you ship an order after it’s placed.

  • min_handling_time: The shortest number of business days before shipping.
  • max_handling_time: The longest number of business days before shipping.

These values help set realistic delivery expectations in Shopping ads and free listings.




When to use

  • If you want to display accurate delivery times in your listings.
  • If your handling time varies, use both min and max to show a range.
  • Can be used instead of the handling time sub-attributes of the shipping attribute.
  • If both are present (standalone and sub-attributes in shipping), Google uses the sub-attributes.



Format

  • Type: Number (whole number only)
  • Unit: Business days
  • Repeated field: No

Formatting examples:

AttributeFile formatExample value
min_handling_timeText feed1
XML feed<g:min_handling_time>1</g:min_handling_time>
max_handling_timeText feed3
XML feed<g:max_handling_time>3</g:max_handling_time>



Minimum requirements

  • Use business days (default: Monday–Friday unless otherwise set in Merchant Center).
  • Set max_handling_time as the number of days from order placement to latest possible ship date.
  • Do not use decimals : whole numbers only.
  • Avoid unrealistic times (e.g., negative numbers, 0 if same-day shipping isn’t actually possible).

If your values don’t match actual shipping practices, products may be disapproved.




SEO Tip

Google will prioritize products with faster shipping, they can also improve click-through and conversion rates by setting clear expectations. Shorter handling times may encourage faster purchasing decisions.




Official Source: https://support.google.com/merchants/answer/7388496

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