Are you an ambitious Amazon seller aiming to venture into restricted categories and take your business to new heights? Rest assured, many sellers like you strive to unlock their accounts and tap into those profitable categories every day. While becoming an Amazon seller may present some challenges, don’t be discouraged, as with the right knowledge and approach, getting ungated on Amazon can be a straightforward process. In this article, we’ll present a comprehensive guide on how to get ungated on Amazon, covering the following key sections:
- 1. Understand some Amazon requirements.
- 2. Follow the category guidelines.
- 3. Choose a reliable wholesaler.
- 4. Provide authentic invoices.
- 5. Request ungated approval.
What Is Gated and Ungated on Amazon?
Gated categories on Amazon are the ones that require sellers to meet the specific criteria and Amazon’s approval before they can sell products in those categories. These criteria might involve submitting supplier invoices, verifying authenticity, or meeting certain performance metrics of Amazon. By gating or well-restricting certain categories, Amazon protects its sellers and buyers and reduces the counterfeit products being sold on the marketplace.
Some of the restricted categories that Amazon requires approval for include:
- Amazon Watch Warranty
- Fine Art
- Streaming Media Players
- Video, DVD and Blu-ray
- Toys and Games (Holiday Selling Guidelines)
An ungated category means that sellers must obtain permission from Amazon to sell their products under it. In other words, these categories have been moved from gated to ungated. So, by unlocking the gated ones, sellers get the chance to broaden their product offerings on Amazon or Amazon marketplace.
How to Get Ungated on Amazon?
How to get ungated on Amazon seems be a daunting task without a thorough grasp of the platform’s requirements and guidelines. However, fear not! In this comprehensive guide, we will lead you through the essential steps to successfully get ungated Amazon, ensuring your path to expanded selling opportunities and increased success on one of top marketplaces for selling products.
1. Understand some Amazon requirements
To become ungated Amazon and gain approval to sell in these restricted categories, you need to meet specific requirements of Amazon:
- Professional seller account: You must possess a professional seller account, which comes with a monthly fee but grants access to valuable selling tools and features, including gated categories.
- Established selling history: Amazon may require a proven track record of successful selling on the platform. Meeting minimum performance criteria, such as maintaining low order defect, cancellation, and late shipment rates, as well as providing valid tracking information, demonstrates your reliability.
- Product listing quality: Your existing product listings should exhibit accurate and detailed information, high-quality images, and clear titles and descriptions. Optimizing your product listings enhances your chances of approval.
- Customer feedback and seller ratings: Excellent customer service and positive feedback from buyers are vital to gain Amazon’s trust. Building a strong reputation for exceptional service enhances your eligibility for finalizing on how to get ungated on Amazon.
- Invoices and receipts: For certain categories, Amazon may require invoices or receipts from your suppliers. These documents should clearly demonstrate your purchase of genuine products from authorized distributors or manufacturers.
- Certifications and licensing: Some categories mandate specific certifications or licenses to sell products. Providing the necessary documentation to prove your eligibility is essential.
- Amazon brand registry: Enrolling in the Amazon Brand Registry program can be beneficial in certain cases. It empowers you with more control over your brand’s product listings, potentially streamlining the approval process for specific categories.
It’s important to note that requirements can vary depending on the category and Amazon’s policies, and they may change over time. It’s best if you stay informed and adaptable is key to navigating the ungating process successfully.
2. Follow the category guidelines
In the process of how to get ungated on Amazon, it is recommended that you thoroughly read and understand the category guidelines. This document contains crucial information regarding the permitted products within the category, as well as the necessary packaging, labeling, and fulfillment requirements which are related to Amazon FBA vs FBM.
Moreover, it is suggested to ensure that your products fully comply with all the specifications outlined in the category guideline. To confirm their eligibility, you need to carefully review the guidelines once again before proceeding with your submission. By adhering to these guidelines diligently, you increase the chances of successfully getting ungated on amazon and approved for the category.
3. Choose a reliable wholesaler
Selecting a trustworthy wholesaler is an important step to address how to get ungated on Amazon. When choosing a wholesaler, you should do your research and make sure that they’re reputable. You can read reviews online, or you can contact other sellers who have worked with the wholesaler.
Once you’ve found a few potential wholesalers, you need to get quotes from each one. This will help you to compare prices and find the best deal for your ungating Amazon.
4. Provide authentic invoices
In this Amazon ungating guide, the subsequent crucial step pertains to invoices. It is imperative to ensure that the invoices submitted to Amazon are original and have been issued by the wholesaler without any alterations or photocopies. These invoices must contain all the essential information, including the product name, quantity, price, and wholesaler details.
Additionally, it is vital that the provided invoices are clear and legible, ensuring that all information is easily readable and comprehensible. By adhering to these guidelines, you can enhance the likelihood of a successful ungating process for your products on Amazon.
5. Request ungated approval
To go to complete the process of how to get ungated Amazon, you need to request ungated approval. You can submit your ungating request through Seller Central. To do this, go to the Account Settings page and click on the Ungated Access tab. When you submit your request, make sure that you provide all of the required information. This includes the product name, quantity, price, and wholesaler information.
Notably, you need to be patient. The ungating on Amazon process can take a few weeks. If your request is denied, you can always try again later.
Get Ungated on Amazon for Different Categories
1. Nike category
- The Nike category on Amazon offers a wide range of athletic footwear, apparel, and accessories. To get ungated in this category, sellers typically need to meet certain criteria set by Nike, such as obtaining official authorization or acquiring invoices from authorized distributors. Sellers must also ensure that their products are genuine and not counterfeit, as Amazon places high importance on protecting customers from fraudulent items.
- The same also applies for Amazon brand ungating process of other popular brands like Adidas, Hoka, or Converse.
2. Toys category
The toys category on Amazon offers a wide range of children’s toys, games, and playsets. While the main toy category does not require approval, many sub-categories and brands within it do. So, in most cases, if you want to sell products and brands in the toy category on Amazon, you’ll need to go through the ungating Amazon process. Due to the safety considerations associated with toys, you may also need to provide the following:
- Images of product manuals displaying safety and compliance information, as well as warnings about small parts and choking hazards.
- A Children’s Product Certificate (CPC) for the ASINs (Amazon Standard Identification Numbers) you intend to sell.
- Reports from an acceptable testing laboratory approved by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
These additional requirements are in place to ensure the safety and compliance of toys being sold on the platform, prioritizing the well-being of young consumers.
3. Beauty category
The beauty category is one of the categories listed within seller central as not requiring approval since it was ungated in 2017. However, aspiring sellers aiming to venture into the beauty category will soon realize its vastness, encompassing a wide array of products. The beauty category includes cosmetics, skincare products, hair care items, and much more. While some beauty or hair accessories may be sold without approval, certain cosmetic or skin cream products will necessitate approval.
To successfully get ungated on Amazon, you must complete steps as instructed in the section how to get ungated on Amazon. Upon completion, Amazon will request specific documents, which can be challenging to obtain. These documents may include a GMP Good Manufacturing Practices certificate, a manufacturer invoice from the previous 180 days, or a COA Certificate of Analysis. Moreover, additional documents, such as FDA Licenses for items affecting physical health, and other legal documentation, might also be required.
The journey of how to get ungated on Amazon for the beauty category can be time-consuming and complex. Thus, we highly recommend entrusting this task to a professional and reliable group with extensive experience. Otherwise, opting for an Amazon Ungating Service can prove to be much more convenient, less stressful, and save valuable time for you and your business. By letting experts handle the ungating Amazon process, you can focus on other aspects of your business while ensuring compliance and success in the beauty category on Amazon.
4. Grocery category
Though the Grocery category itself is not restricted, numerous sub-categories and brands have their own gating restrictions. Finding on how to get ungated on Amazon for the grocery category necessitates fulfilling specific requirements, such as obtaining permits and licenses mandated by local health departments. Additionally, sellers must meticulously handle packaging, labeling, and ensuring appropriate expiration dates for all food products. Demonstrating strict compliance with food safety regulations is pivotal in obtaining entry into this category, ensuring the well-being of consumers.
A crucial aspect of the ungating on Amazon process is finding a reliable supplier. Frontier Co-op Wholesale stands as a popular wholesale choice for grocery items, but it’s essential to purchase from their designated wholesale website rather than their retail site.
5. Topicals category
The topicals category encompasses items such as creams, lotions, and ointments used for skincare or therapeutic purposes. Topicals are actually a gated sub-category of beauty, so if you have completed how to get ungated on Amazon for the beauty category, you can specifically apply for topicals separately.
To address how to get ungated on Amazon for this category, sellers must often provide detailed information about their products. For example, ingredients, usage instructions, and any relevant certifications. It’s best if you adhere to relevant regulations and guidelines for topicals, such as FDA regulations for over-the-counter drugs, to ensure compliance and gain access to this category.
Besides, you should be able to follow the same process you can use to get ungated groceries, and you can even purchase from the same wholesale supplier Frontier Co-op. Just make sure your topical purchases are a separate transaction to the grocery item.
6. DVDs category
Despite the emergence of streaming services like Netflix, the market for selling DVDs on Amazon remains robust. However, to take part in this lucrative opportunity, sellers must meet specific criteria to finish on how to get ungated on Amazon in the DVD category.
This typically involves obtaining permission from the copyright holder or establishing themselves as authorized resellers. You need to ensure that the DVDs offered are genuine and not pirated copies is essential, as is adhering to regional DVD encoding standards. To get ungated, sellers usually need to provide invoices or authorization letters from authorized distributors.
In addition, before making any purchases, sellers must inform Amazon of the ASIN of the purchased item to facilitate the ungating process. By diligently following these steps and meeting the necessary requirements, sellers can successfully offer DVDs on Amazon, tapping into a vibrant market that still appreciates physical media for entertainment.
7. Fine arts category
The fine arts category on Amazon encompasses a wide range of captivating artwork, paintings, sculptures, and other collectible pieces. To be thorough on how to get ungated on Amazon for this category, sellers are required to submit a comprehensive application along with supporting documentation that validates their expertise and authenticity. These include:
- Maintaining a business presence for a minimum of three years;
- Showcasing a significant online presence, such as an Artsy website;
- Demonstrating a history of participation in relevant art fairs;
- Being associated with professional art organizations.
Significantly, Amazon meticulously reviews each application, assessing the artwork’s genuineness and overall quality before granting ungated status in this esteemed category.
8. Book category
The books category on Amazon is ungated, which means that you can sell any book on Amazon without having to apply for approval. However, there are some restrictions on what books you can sell. For example, you cannot sell books that are: Out of print, Adult, Textbooks, Books that are not in English. So, how to get ungated in books on Amazon in case the books belong to one of these sub-categories?
Simply, you just need to apply for approval. To do this, you will need to provide Amazon with proof of your authorization to sell the book. This proof may include a wholesaler invoice, a book distributor invoice, or a letter from the publisher.
Once you have submitted your application, Amazon will review it and make a decision within a few days. If your application is approved, you will be able to sell books in that category.
How to Get Ungated on Amazon – FAQs
- How do I get ungated for my product on Amazon?
To get ungated Amazon for a specific product category, you will typically need to submit an application and provide documentation that demonstrates your expertise and authenticity as a seller of that type of product. The specific requirements can vary depending on the category, but generally you will need to provide proof of your education, experience, or professional affiliations related to that category. Additionally, Amazon may verify the authenticity and quality of your products before granting ungated status. You can find more detailed information on the specific requirements and application process for each category on Amazon’s Seller Central website.
- How much does it cost to get ungated?
It appears that the cost to get ungated on Amazon can vary depending on the specific category and method used to get ungated. Some sources suggest that there may be fees associated with submitting an application, while others suggest that the cost may come from paying for services, such as an ungating service for Amazon or a review of product samples. Overall, it seems that the cost of getting ungated can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the specific circumstances.
- How long does it take to get ungated on Amazon?
It may take only a few days for some categories, while others may take several weeks or even months. Additionally, the time it takes may also depend on how promptly you provide all requested documents and how quickly Amazon is able to review your application. Therefore, there is no definite answer on how long it will take to get ungated on Amazon.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the journey of how to get ungated on Amazon necessitates careful planning, adherence to guidelines, and persistence. While the process may be challenging, sellers should remain patient and persistent, making necessary improvements to their business performance on Amazon. Notably, in some complex cases of getting ungated on Amazon, it is advisable that you seek professional assistance can be beneficial in complex cases.
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