Raise your hand if you’ve been here before. You have a killer selling idea for Amazon but run into the problem of a restricted category. If this is you, this article will show you how you can get ungated on Amazon to really rock it in 2024.
Amazon Restricted Categories
Some products you sell on Amazon may require approval, even if the category doesn’t. For example, specific products in Software, laser pointers and related products, and hoverboards (in any category) all require you to submit a request to sell.
Amazon restricted categories that require approval to sell in include the following:
- Amazon Watch Warranty FAQs
- Automotive and Powersports
- Clothing, Accessories, Shoes and Luggage
- Collectible Books
- Collectible Coins
- Entertainment Collectibles
- Fine Art
- Fine Jewellery
- Gift Cards
- Grocery and Gourmet Foods
- Kindle Accessories
- Major Appliances
- Sexual Wellness
- Sports Collectibles
- Streaming Media Players
- Textbook Rentals
- Toys and Games (Holiday Selling Guidelines)
- Video, DVD and Blu-ray
If you’re wondering why there are restrictions on these categories, it’s because Amazon wants to ensure customers can ‘buy with confidence’ in these categories, so they limit the number of new sellers in them until they can prove themselves.
Amazon has built their success on their reputation of an unparalleled experience for buyers, so it’s their way of limiting risk by ensuring only the best sellers get access to these (popular categories).
For example, buyers want to know that a rare coin or book they purchased isn’t some reproduction or knockoff, and restricting sellers is one way to accomplish that.
How to Get Ungated on Amazon in Restricted Categories
Although there is no one-size-fits-all approach to getting ungated (different categories can call for different approaches), there are similarities you can use when applying.
Step 1: Create a Wholesaler Account
Right off the top, you’ll need a wholesaler account with a shipping address that matches the one on your Amazon account. If you have an LLC name and it’s different from your Amazon name, use both.
Step 2: Purchase a Few Products
Find different products (i.e. different ASINs on each) in three different categories (Beauty; Health and Personal Care; and Grocery and Gourmet Food) and place orders for 10 of each of them. For example, you could order cookies, shampoo, and multivitamins, giving you a different product in each category. When buying, remember your goal is to get ungated and not necessarily to make a profit on these items.
Step 3: Scan the Invoices
While waiting for the invoices to arrive, make sure all your personal information is correct. And once the invoices arrive, keep them separate and do not make marks on the originals. Any additions you do should be on copies, not the originals.
Scanning them is the easiest way of going about it, but you can also take pictures of them. If you choose that option, make sure you shoot in enough light, have hi-res photos, and edit them after for brightness and clarity, if needed.
Note: If the invoices don’t include your seller name at the top, add it in before scanning. As well, write the ASIN, UPC, and item model number for each product on the invoice. It’s also good to note that if you’re trying to get ungated in Shoes; Clothing and Accessories; Luggage and Travel; or Handbags and Sunglasses, you’ll need to submit images instead of invoices.
Step 4: Send in Your Request
You can find the selling applications on the categories you want to sell in. Once you do that, simply send in your application and wait for a response, which can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days. To increase your chances of getting a (faster) response, send in your application during normal business hours.
Once You Get Your Response
- If successful, congratulations! And time to start making listings so you can sell items.
- If unsuccessful, that’s alright. You’ll get a reason for the rejection, which should serve as a guideline for the improvements you need to make before re-applying to be ungated on Amazon. Some of the most common reasons include getting your metrics into better shape so you can prove you’re a quality seller.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with restrictions is one of the biggest challenges you will face as a seller. Unfortunately, some of these restrictions will always be there despite but others can be removed through ungating. Getting ungated on Amazon opens you up to bigger audiences and potentially more sales.
