As an Amazon seller, you may have come across the terms “gated” and “ungated” categories. Essentially, gated categories are those that require special permission from Amazon to sell in, while ungated categories do not. In other words, there’s no “gate” in place for ungated categories, making it easier for sellers to list and sell their products without additional requirements or approval.
If you’re looking to expand your product offerings on Amazon, getting ungated in certain categories can be a game-changer. Some of the categories that are completely ungated and don’t require prior approval to sell in include Amazon Device Accessories, Automotive & Powersports, Beauty, Books (Non-Collectibles), Camera & Photo, Cell Phones & Accessories, Home & Garden, Industrial & Scientific, Major Appliances, Musical Instruments, Sports, and Tools & Home Improvement. However, it’s important to note that some subcategories within these categories may still be gated, so it’s always best to double-check before listing your products.
So, how can you get ungated in gated categories on Amazon? It can be a bit of a process, but it’s definitely doable. In general, you’ll need to provide Amazon with documentation and/or invoices showing that you’re an authorized reseller of the products you’re looking to sell in the gated category. The exact requirements can vary depending on the category, so it’s important to do your research and make sure you’re meeting all of Amazon’s criteria.
Understanding Amazon Categories
As an Amazon seller, understanding the different categories on Amazon is crucial to your success. In this section, I will explain the different types of categories on Amazon, including open and restricted categories, as well as gated and ungated categories.
Open and Restricted Categories
Amazon has two types of categories: open and restricted. Open categories are those that are available for all sellers to list their products without any restrictions. Restricted categories, on the other hand, are those that require sellers to obtain approval from Amazon before they can list their products.
Restricted categories are often subject to additional guidelines and requirements that sellers must meet to be approved. These requirements can include product quality, safety, and legal compliance. Restricted categories also tend to have more category restrictions and may only allow sellers to list specific products.
Gated and Ungated Categories
Within restricted categories, there are two types of categories: gated and ungated. Gated categories are those that require special permission from Amazon to sell. This means that sellers must apply for approval from Amazon and meet certain criteria before they can list their products in these categories.
Ungated categories, on the other hand, are those that do not require any special approval from Amazon to sell. This means that sellers can easily list and sell their products in these categories without any additional requirements or approval.
It is important to note that while a category may be listed as ungated or open, it may have subcategories or even specific products that will still need to undergo an approval process. Therefore, it is important to carefully review the category restrictions and requirements before listing products in any category.
In conclusion, understanding the different types of categories on Amazon is essential for any seller looking to succeed on the platform. By knowing which categories are open, restricted, gated, and ungated, sellers can make informed decisions about which products to list and how to grow their seller account.
The Approval Process
As an Amazon seller, getting approved to sell in ungated categories can increase your sales potential and help you reach a wider audience. Here’s what you need to know about the approval process.
Getting Ungated
Before you can start selling in an ungated category, you need to get ungated. This means that you need to apply for approval from Amazon to sell in a specific category.
Documentation and Requirements
To get approved, you need to provide documentation and meet certain requirements. The requirements vary depending on the category, but they may include:
- Professional seller account: To sell in most categories, you need to have a professional seller account. This requires a monthly subscription fee, but it gives you access to more features and tools.
- Product invoices: You may need to provide invoices or receipts to prove that you have a legitimate source for the products you want to sell.
- Product samples: Amazon may ask for samples of your products to verify their quality and authenticity.
- Other documentation: Depending on the category, you may need to provide additional documentation such as safety certifications or licenses.
Application Process
To apply for approval, follow these steps:
- Log in to your Amazon seller account and go to the “Inventory” tab.
- Click on “Add a Product” and search for the product you want to sell.
- If the product is in a gated category, you will see a message that says “Listing limitations apply.” Click on “Request Approval” to start the application process.
- Follow the instructions and provide the required documentation.
- Wait for Amazon to review your application. The review process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
Once you are approved, you can start selling in the ungated category. Keep in mind that you may need to follow additional guidelines or restrictions for certain categories, such as listing requirements or product labeling.
Overall, the approval process for ungated categories on Amazon can be a bit time-consuming, but it’s worth it if you want to expand your sales opportunities.
Benefits of Ungating
As an Amazon seller, there are numerous benefits to ungating categories. In this section, I will discuss two of the most significant benefits: competitive advantage and expanded inventory.
Competitive Advantage
Ungating categories on Amazon gives sellers a competitive advantage over those who are unable to sell in those categories. By selling in ungated categories, sellers can differentiate themselves from competitors and stand out in the marketplace. Additionally, ungated categories often have less competition than gated categories, making it easier for sellers to rank higher in search results and increase sales.
Expanded Inventory
Ungating categories also allows sellers to expand their inventory and offer a wider range of products to customers. This can lead to increased sales and customer satisfaction, as customers are more likely to find what they are looking for when shopping on Amazon. Additionally, selling in multiple categories can help sellers diversify their revenue streams and reduce their reliance on a single product or category.
In conclusion, ungating categories on Amazon can provide sellers with a competitive advantage and allow them to expand their inventory, leading to increased sales and customer satisfaction.
Challenges in Ungating
Ungating on Amazon can be a challenging process, and sellers may encounter various obstacles along the way. In this section, I will discuss two of the most common challenges faced by sellers when trying to ungated: counterfeit items and restricted products.
Counterfeit Items
One of the biggest challenges when trying to ungated on Amazon is dealing with counterfeit items. Amazon has a strict policy against selling counterfeit items, and sellers who are found to be selling such items can face serious consequences, including account suspension or even legal action.
To avoid selling counterfeit items, it is essential to source products from reputable suppliers and ensure that they are genuine. Sellers should also be aware of the signs of counterfeit items, such as low-quality packaging, misspelled or incorrect branding, and suspiciously low prices.
Restricted Products
Another challenge faced by sellers when trying to ungated on Amazon is dealing with restricted products. Certain products, such as firearms, prescription drugs, and hazardous materials, are restricted on Amazon, and sellers must meet certain criteria to sell them.
To sell restricted products, sellers must first obtain the necessary permits, licenses, and certifications. They must also comply with Amazon’s strict guidelines for selling these products, including proper labeling, packaging, and shipping.
In conclusion, while ungating on Amazon can be a challenging process, sellers can overcome these challenges by sourcing products from reputable suppliers, being aware of the signs of counterfeit items, and obtaining the necessary permits and certifications for selling restricted products.
Ungated Categories Overview
As an Amazon seller, one of the key benefits is the ability to sell products in ungated categories. These are categories that don’t require special permission from Amazon to sell, making it easier for sellers to list and sell their products without additional requirements or approval.
Here are some of the main ungated categories on Amazon:
Beauty and Personal Care
The Beauty and Personal Care category is a popular one for sellers, with a wide range of products available. This includes items like makeup, skincare, haircare, and more. Sellers can easily list and sell their products in this category without any additional requirements or approval.
Books and Video
The Books and Video category is another popular one for sellers, with a wide range of books, movies, and TV shows available. This category is also ungated, making it easy for sellers to list and sell their products without any additional requirements.
Electronics
The Electronics category is a large and diverse one, with a wide range of products available. This includes items like computers, cameras, headphones, and more. Sellers can easily list and sell their products in this category without any additional requirements or approval.
Sports and Outdoors
The Sports and Outdoors category is a popular one for sellers, with a wide range of products available. This includes items like camping gear, fitness equipment, and more. This category is also ungated, making it easy for sellers to list and sell their products without any additional requirements.
Home and Garden
The Home and Garden category is another popular one for sellers, with a wide range of products available. This includes items like furniture, home decor, and more. Sellers can easily list and sell their products in this category without any additional requirements or approval.
Baby and Toys
The Baby and Toys category is a popular one for sellers, with a wide range of products available. This includes items like baby gear, toys, and more. This category is also ungated, making it easy for sellers to list and sell their products without any additional requirements.
Clothing, Shoes and Jewelry
The Clothing, Shoes and Jewelry category is a large and diverse one, with a wide range of products available. This includes items like clothing, shoes, and jewelry. Sellers can easily list and sell their products in this category without any additional requirements or approval.
Overall, these ungated categories provide a great opportunity for Amazon sellers to list and sell their products without any additional requirements or approval. By understanding these categories and the products they contain, sellers can make informed decisions about what products to sell and how to list them.
Gated Categories Overview
As an Amazon seller, it’s important to understand which categories are gated and require special permission from Amazon to sell in. The following categories are currently gated:
Automotive and Powersports
If you want to sell automotive and powersports products, you’ll need to apply for approval from Amazon. This includes items like car parts, tires, and motorcycle accessories.
Fine Art
Fine art is a gated category on Amazon, which means you’ll need to apply for approval to sell paintings, sculptures, and other pieces of art.
Grocery and Gourmet Foods
If you want to sell grocery and gourmet foods on Amazon, you’ll need to apply for approval. This includes items like specialty chocolates, organic snacks, and artisanal cheeses.
Major Appliances
Selling major appliances like refrigerators, washers, and dryers on Amazon requires approval. This is to ensure that sellers are qualified to handle the delivery and installation of these large items.
Musical Instruments
Musical instruments are a gated category on Amazon, which means you’ll need to apply for approval to sell guitars, keyboards, and other instruments.
Office Products
If you want to sell office products on Amazon, you’ll need to apply for approval. This includes items like printers, scanners, and office furniture.
Pet Supplies
Pet supplies are a gated category on Amazon, which means you’ll need to apply for approval to sell pet food, toys, and other pet-related items.
Watches
Selling watches on Amazon requires approval. This is to ensure that sellers are offering high-quality, authentic watches to customers.
It’s important to note that the requirements for getting ungated in these categories can vary. Some categories may require proof of purchase or a certain number of sales before you can apply for approval. Make sure to check Amazon’s guidelines for each category before applying.
Overall, understanding which categories are gated on Amazon is crucial for any seller looking to expand their product offerings. By taking the time to get approved in these categories, you can increase your sales and reach a wider audience on the platform.
Selling on Amazon
If you’re looking to sell products on Amazon, there are a few different ways to get started. In this section, I’ll cover the three main options: Amazon FBA, Amazon Marketplace, and the Amazon Seller Account.
Amazon FBA
Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) is a program that allows you to store your products in Amazon’s fulfillment centers. When a customer places an order, Amazon will pick, pack, and ship the product for you. This can save you time and effort, as well as give you access to Amazon’s Prime shipping program.
To use Amazon FBA, you’ll need to create an FBA account and send your products to Amazon’s warehouses. You’ll also need to pay fees for storage and fulfillment, as well as any other fees associated with selling on Amazon.
Amazon Marketplace
Amazon Marketplace is a platform that allows third-party sellers to sell products directly to Amazon customers. This can be a good option if you’re just starting out and don’t want to deal with the logistics of fulfillment.
To sell on Amazon Marketplace, you’ll need to create a seller account and list your products. You’ll also need to handle shipping and customer service yourself, so it’s important to have a plan in place for these tasks.
Amazon Seller Account
An Amazon Seller Account is a basic account that allows you to sell products on Amazon. This option is best if you’re just starting out and want to test the waters before committing to a more advanced selling option.
With an Amazon Seller Account, you’ll need to handle shipping and customer service yourself. You’ll also need to pay fees for each product you sell, as well as any other fees associated with selling on Amazon.
Overall, there are a few different options for selling on Amazon, depending on your needs and preferences. Whether you choose Amazon FBA, Amazon Marketplace, or an Amazon Seller Account, it’s important to do your research and understand the costs and requirements associated with each option.
Conclusion
In my experience as an Amazon seller, I have found that ungated categories can be a great way to expand your product offerings and increase sales. With the right research and strategy, even new sellers can successfully sell in these categories.
One important thing to keep in mind is that not all brands or products are eligible for ungating. It’s important to do your research and make sure you meet all of Amazon’s requirements before attempting to sell in a restricted category.
Overall, I have found that ungating can be a valuable tool for sellers looking to grow their business on Amazon. By expanding into new categories and offering a wider range of products, sellers can increase their visibility and reach new customers.
I would recommend that any Amazon seller interested in ungating take the time to thoroughly research the process and requirements. With the right approach and a little bit of patience, you can successfully sell in even the most restricted Amazon categories.