Google Shopping - PPA - Image Requirements

[Niche Products Ste]

Hi All

What's everyone's view on Google Shopping Image requirements?
Until about 6 months ago we often included text in our ads to draw attention and increase CTR.
Finally we were red-flagged and I've spent the week changing images for about 200 listings.

I'm okay with this as I can understand how it makes the Google page 'cleaner'.
However, I see many Shopping ads still featuring text - especially Ebay.

Do you think Ebay is getting 'special treatment' or do you think it is only a matter of time until they have to update images too??

 

[Niche Products Ste]

Okay then.....
While someone is hopefully considering a reply to the above.
It seems to me that the way to a good channel of traffic is to get your Ebay/Amazon listings to appear in the Google Shopping ads., your own ebay and Amazon listing appear

ie - Generic 'keyword' entered.
Your own website and your own ebay and Amazon listing appear in top 3 positions.
You have the 'real estate' monopolised.

But steering third party sites like Ebay/Amazon to do wjhat you want them to do seems like a 'black art'. Obviously high ranking/high volume listings will be pushed by Ebay/Amazon.
But is there more to it than this?
Do this listings have to have a unique EAN (Ebay)?
Do the listings need to have a clean 'no text' image to satisfy Google Shopping requirements??

I'm guessing its the usual case.
'Suck it and see'.
Would just be interested if anyone out there would like to share their experience in this area?

Many thanks