Understanding the Messenger Bags Category (ID 106)
The Messenger Bags category, identified by the Google product category ID 106, is a specific classification within the Luggage & Bags department. This category is intended for bags designed with a shoulder strap or crossbody carry style, typically used for carrying documents, laptops, or personal items in a hands-free manner. By using this specific ID in your feed, you ensure that Google accurately classifies your inventory, which helps the algorithm match your products to the right search queries.
What Belongs in the Messenger Bags Category
This category is reserved for bags that feature a singular strap designed to be worn across the body or over the shoulder. These products are generally characterized by their accessibility and professional or casual utility. Common examples found in the US market include various laptop crossbody bags, vintage cotton or canvas messenger bags, paratrooper-style bags, satchels designed for travel or commuting, and water-resistant urban messenger bags. Whether you are listing a rugged canvas bag designed for a student or a premium leather satchel for a professional, if the item is primarily worn as a messenger bag, it belongs here. The focus should be on the construction and intended carry method rather than the material, as leather, canvas, and synthetic water-resistant fabrics all qualify as long as the form factor matches the messenger style.
What Does Not Belong Here and Where to Categorize It
Many bags can look similar, but Google Merchant Center requires precise placement to avoid policy confusion. If your item is a backpack, even if it has a flap top, it should be categorized under Backpacks, not Messenger Bags. Similarly, rigid office cases designed specifically for holding laptops that lack a long crossbody strap should be directed to Briefcases. Duffel Bags are reserved for larger, cylindrical bags used for gym gear or travel. If you are selling items like small pouches for makeup or toiletry items, these belong in Cosmetic & Toiletry Bags. Items meant for holding baby supplies, regardless of the strap style, must be assigned to Diaper Bags. If your product is a suitcase with wheels or a hard shell for luggage, use the Suitcases category. Shopping Totes, which are typically open-top bags with two handles, fall under Shopping Totes. Finally, if you are selling a protective case for electronics that is not a bag itself, such as a dry box, you must select the Dry Boxes category. Always verify if your bag has a dedicated purpose, such as carrying tools or baby gear, as those specific categories take precedence over the general messenger category.
Subcategories
There are no subcategories for this classification. Messenger Bags (ID 106) is the most specific level within the taxonomy.
How to Use This Category in Your Feed
You can populate the google_product_category attribute using either the numerical ID or the full path. For the best compatibility, the numeric ID is recommended as it is language-independent. Use either: 106 or Luggage & Bags > Messenger Bags. Remember that this attribute is optional; however, manual categorization is almost always more accurate than Google's automated system. Because these items fall under the broader umbrella of Apparel & Accessories, ensure you include required attributes like color, size, gender, and age_group if they apply to your product. Keep in mind that product_type is an internal, free-form field that you should use to organize your own catalog, but it does not replace the mandatory or optional google_product_category. Always use the most specific category available to ensure that your products are subjected to the correct taxonomy rules and visibility standards.