Did you dedicate hours of thorough research to identify a promising product for sales on Amazon, but suddenly realize that it falls within one of Amazon restricted categories? Stay positive and persist, as products like these can take your business further if you get approval from Amazon to sell them on their platform. Seize the opportunity while other sellers hesitate to navigate the required steps to sell in restricted categories. Though the journey may pose challenges, we are here to assist you.
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What are Amazon Restricted Categories?
Amazon stands as one of the largest online marketplaces all over the world, featuring millions of products for purchase. However, not every product qualifies for sale on Amazon. Certain items fall within Amazon restricted categories, necessitating specific permission from Amazon to be sold.
It’s crucial to differentiate between Amazon restricted categories and Amazon restricted products. While you may be interested in sourcing a product that seems to belong to Amazon restricted categories, if the product itself isn’t restricted, you could explore alternative categories. This is because products frequently have the flexibility to belong to multiple Amazon seller product categories.
Why are there restricted categories on Amazon?
Well, before talking about Amazon seller gated categories, let’s understand why some certain categories were restricted by Amazon. Amazon is undeniably a customer-focused platform dedicated to safeguarding shoppers and ensuring an excellent shopping experience. That’s why they impose limitations on the sale of specific Amazon seller product categories. This strategy enables Amazon to prevent counterfeit goods and maintain its standing with customers.
You’ll also notice that most of the Amazon restricted categories are all niches with significant profit potential. This is another reason behind Amazon’s requirement for pre-qualifying sellers prior to product listing.
With the growing number of Amazon sellers, there is an increased risk of illegitimate sellers and subpar products. Therefore, by implementing restrictions on Amazon seller product categories, Amazon aims to maintain standards and ensure that authentic products are offered by reputable and reliable sellers.
For specific limitations, Amazon mandates sellers to submit an application via Seller Central for assessment. If your application is approved, you can then list the product. Nevertheless, Amazon might not approve applications for all Amazon seller gated categories.
Enables Amazon to prevent counterfeit goods and maintain its standing with customers
List of Amazon restricted categories
Amazon has identified certain categories as ‘restricted’ to ensure consumer protection. Sellers on Amazon must obtain approval before selling any products in these categories. The list of restricted Amazon categories varies based on the marketplace and national laws. While this guide primarily concentrates on Amazon US, the approval processes are generally comparable across various countries. Here are some Amazon restricted categories:
- Grocery & Gourmet Foods
- Music Category
- Lighting Category
- Beauty Topical
- Sports & Nutrition
- Watches
- Gardening & Watering
- Automotive
- OTC Medication
- Haircare & Beauty Appliances
- Baby Topicals
- Toys
- Pet supplies
- Medical supplies & Equipment
- Pet Care
- Pet Food
- Candles & Aroma Therapy
- Power Tools
- Home Environment Electronics
- Wireless Accessories
- Baby Feeding
- Feminine Hygiene
- Baby Activity Gear
- Baby Strollers and Carriers
- Audio Visual
- Personal Safety & Household
Amazon’s commitment to strict safety regulations often brings less competition
Read more:
>> List of restricted products on Amazon
Getting Ready for Amazon Ungating
Amazon’s commitment to strict safety standards and regulations often brings less competition within restricted categories on Amazon. Joining this exclusive group has the potential to boost both sales and profits. However, there are distinct rules and specific steps for gaining approval to sell in each Amazon restricted category. Though there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, meeting specific criteria is crucial for evaluation before approval.
Become a professional seller
Professional sellers are required to pay a monthly subscription charge of $39.99, along with additional selling fees. This subscription offers various benefits to assist you in your selling journey, especially when seeking approval for restricted categories. If you’re uncertain about whether upgrading to a professional account is worthwhile, refer to this helpful guide.
Maintain healthy performance metrics
Keeping strong performance metrics is vital for your success on Amazon. To qualify to sell Amazon restricted categories, your pre-fulfillment cancel rate should be under 2.5%, the late shipment rate should be less than 4% and the defect rate must be below 1%.
Provide evidence of product authenticity
Amazon prioritizes the well-being of its customers. Unless the product you intend to sell is secure and genuine, your application to sell Amazon seller gated categories is likely to face challenges. To establish the authenticity of your product, you need to confirm that your supplier is either the manufacturer or an authorized dealer.
Show valid invoices for your inventory
Submitting invoices is also a part of selling application for restricted categories on Amazon. The invoice must be dated within 90 days prior to your application date. Verify the authenticity of your invoices and ensure that the buyer details on the invoice align with the information in your Seller Central account. Thoroughly review the information to avoid any discrepancies.
Maintain an official website for your company
Having a company website serves a dual purpose. It not only assists in the approval process of selling Amazon restricted categories but also plays a vital role in creating a lasting brand and establishing direct connections with customers. A well-maintained company website signals to Amazon that you are a reliable and trustworthy seller.
Steps to get Amazon restricted brand/ category ungated.
Steps to Ungate Amazon Restricted Categories
Once you have gathered all the required documents, the process of Amazon category ungating becomes straightforward. Simply follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to listing products in Amazon restricted categories:
- Access your Amazon Seller Central account
- Choose “Add a Product” from the Inventory menu
- Search for the product you intend to sell
- Select the link that says “Listing limitations apply” beside the item in the search results.
- Click on “Request Approval” to initiate the application procedure.
The application process for selling Amazon seller gated categories is different from category to category and from product to product. Your application could potentially be declined. If you’re uncertain about the status of your application, you can take these steps.
- Sign into your Seller Central Account
- Choose “View Selling Applications” from the Catalog menu.
If you’re having trouble going through the application process, you could consider using an ‘ungating service’ from Amazoker. They can help you ungate Amazon restricted categories or make the process more straightforward and simpler. Amazoker is a well-established and trustworthy company that specializes in aiding Amazon sellers with services such as ungating, appeals for account suspension, and resolution of account verification issues.
Amazoker has aided many sellers in gaining approval to sell in restricted categories, boasting a strong success rate and receiving positive feedback from customers. For more details about Amazoker, feel free to explore their website at amazoker.com or reach out to them at +1 580 262 6126.
In short, having permission to sell products in Amazon restricted categories can be challenging, but the rewards are often well worth the effort. By overcoming the initial entry barriers, you distinguish yourself from other sellers. Restricted categories typically experience less competition, offering a chance for business expansion if you are willing to exert additional effort.
