Amazon has been the biggest store for people for the past few years. We all know that people consider it the everything store as you can get almost anything from Amazon in a few seconds.
If you are an Amazon seller, you know that you can not sell everything on Amazon, at least not without Amazon’s permission regarding some product categories.
This means that you can find these gated categories filled with goldmine products where your competitors failed to venture. You can literally sell anything profitable once you have been ungated. But you have to keep in mind the categories of products you are selling. If you are a new seller and you want to sell certain products, then you must know how to work with Amazon Gated Categories.
In this topic, we will share useful information regarding Amazon product categories, particularly gated categories, and how you can get approval for them. Moreover, some categories are gated for new sellers while some categories are open from the start.
Being a seller, if you are planning to sell products from restricted categories, you will need to get approval for that specific category from Amazon. The process of approval is different depending on the categories.
If you are seeking approval for certain categories you can expand your inventory opportunities as an Amazon seller. It can also reduce competition as there are few sellers in Amazon gated categories.
So, let’s start with details on Amazon gated categories and what steps you can take to get approval to sell them.
What is an Amazon Gated Category?
A gated category on Amazon is a product category that requires approval from Amazon to sell. Amazon usually requires additional fees, performance checks, and other necessary qualifications for particular products and categories. The categories that are gated they protect both customers as well as the sellers.
Gated Product Categories
Amazon takes great care of its customers as well as its sellers. Amazon makes sure that customers have the best possible experience with their sellers. It also protects new sellers who specialize in an item from sellers who are not capable of providing a great customer experience.
Gated products generally includes the following:
- Automotive
- Entertainment Collectibles
- Collectible books
- Fine Art
- Luggage
- Some Appliances
- Sexual Wellness
- Shoes
- Wine
- Watches
- Sports Collectibles
- Beauty
- Camera and Photo
- Consumer Electronics
- Health and Personal Care
- Grocery
- Musical Instruments
- Software
- Toys at Q4
- Video Games
Selling in Gated Categories
All gated categories have their requirements. For instance, if you have to sell clothing products, you will have to apply and show that the images of your products are according to the standards of Amazon. If you want to sell entertainment collectibles, then you will need to authenticate the products accordingly.
However, the decision of approval by Amazon can be tiring at times. Sometimes sellers have to apply two to three times for the approval. So, it is very imperative to understand the requirements and if you are rejected try to get feedbacks (feedbacks can help in improving your application).
How To Get Approval?
We are mentioning some of the tips below so that you can understand how to get approval from Amazon.
The application process for approval is straightforward and simple. But, you can always apply different things to increase your chances of getting approved.
1. You Need To Build a Good Seller Reputation
Your approval to sell a particular product on Amazon that falls under gated categories entirely depends on your reputation and history. Usually, applications from new sellers are rejected by Amazon in some really stringent category like grocery. You can build your credibility on Amazon as a seller but it will require some time. Therefore, it is good if you start from ungated categories and work your way up.
2. Try to Apply using Brand Items
If you sell any brand items (Not your private label brand), we recommend that you apply for approval using them as they will give your application a better chance to stand out due to the brand’s well-known worth in the market. Categories and products are gated to protect the interest of the consumer and reduce the sales of defective goods. Therefore, your private label will not always make the cut when applying to ungate a particular category.
3. Checking Quantities Can Help
You have to make sure that you meet the minimum quantity requirements for each invoice. Try to double-check the requirements of the application and understand the procedure of how you can meet them.
4. Buying from a Local Supplier or a Manufacturer Would Help
It will be of great help to buy your products from a local supplier while applying for a gated category of Amazon. As Amazon very rarely accepts the invoices from the overseas manufacturers for an ungated category application. Hence, if it is possible for you then try to purchase directly from the manufacturer to ensure the safety and authenticity of the product.
5. Research Your Product
When it comes to gain approval for gated categories on Amazon, sellers need to research about their products. Make sure that you have the approval to sell the products before placing or adding them to your product listings.
If somehow you are found violating the policies and restrictions of Amazon, then it can take the following steps:
• Cancellation of your product listing
• Limits on product listing privileges
• Suspension of your listing privileges
• Elimination of your listing privileges
• Closure of your contract with Amazon
Remember that, once Amazon takes any disciplinary action against a seller, it gets difficult to put back the seller credibility again.
As an Amazon seller, you have to make sure that you are not violating any FBA specific product restrictions. As a seller, you have to take special care with the products that are to be shipped to the Amazon fulfillment center or warehouse. Because any material that is hazardous or violate FBA product standards may be subjected to disposal without any reimbursement.
6. Get Professional Help
If you have tried on your own and you have been left feeling frustrated (like me), then a 3rd party ungating service like “The Funnel Guru” may come in handy. I’ve share my experience using them and am quite pleased with the results that they brought.
Feel free to check out their ungating review I’ve done here. For the price that they are charging, it definitely beats the frustrating and time wasted going back and forth with Amazon customer support.