With an incredible 310 million people across the world using Amazon as their priority online shopping source, the potential customer base is enormous.
Offering a wide variety of products that appeal to this large audience should be your first priority if you want to be a successful Amazon seller. The key to increasing sales while minimizing competition is the calculated method of being ungated on Amazon.
Whether you’re taking your first steps into Amazon selling or a seasoned pro eager to explore new territories, this guide is your roadmap to learning how to get ungated on Amazon.
So, let’s get started and look at the steps that can help you sell more on Amazon.
What is Ungated on Amazon?
Getting ungated on Amazon refers to gaining approval to sell in specific product categories or with particular brands. Amazon restricts certain categories and brands to ensure product quality, authenticity, and customer satisfaction. By completing the ungating on Amazon, sellers obtain the right to list and sell products within these restricted areas.
For instance, you want to sell high-end electronics or popular fashion brands. These categories often require sellers to go through the ungating process. Once approved, you can list and sell products in these sought-after categories, potentially tapping into a larger market with less competition and enjoying higher sales opportunities. Being ungated widens your product offerings and enhances your selling capabilities on the Amazon platform.
Benefits of Getting Ungated on Amazon?
Getting ungated on Amazon can offer several benefits for sellers, depending on the specific category or brand. Here are some reasons why you might consider trying to get ungated on Amazon:
- By gaining approval to sell in exclusive categories, you can tap into markets where competition and demand are lower.
- Being ungated allows you to broaden your product catalog, catering to a broader range of customer needs. This is especially beneficial if you’re aiming to expand your business.
- Ungating opens doors to selling high-demand products, potentially leading to increased sales and improved profit margins.
- Selling well-known brands enhances your store’s credibility, building trust with customers. Gaining approval for specific brands lets you showcase these products.
- In some cases, being ungated provides a competitive advantage. Less competition in specific categories or brands can help you capture a larger market share.
- Products in gated categories or from specific brands often have higher profit margins due to factors like brand reputation, quality, or exclusivity.
- Getting approval for restricted categories or brands is strategic for business growth. It allows you to explore new markets, attract diverse customers, and scale your operations.
- Selling in popular or restricted categories boosts your store’s visibility on Amazon. This heightened exposure can attract more traffic to your listings, potentially increasing sales.
- If customers are actively searching for products in certain gated categories or from specific brands, being ungated lets you meet that demand and capture a market share.
- Accessing a more comprehensive array of products provides flexibility. You can choose products aligned with current market trends, customer preferences, and seasonal demands.
Requirements for Getting Ungated on Amazon
To get ungated on Amazon, you must meet specific requirements, which can vary based on the category and your selling history. Generally, Amazon asks for:
Business Information
Provide a valid business address, business tax details (Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number), and a government-issued photo ID from you or an authorized representative.
Vendor/Distributor Relationship:
Show proof of a legitimate vendor or wholesale distributor relationship.
Proof of Purchase
Submit invoices for at least ten items in the category or brand you want to get ungated.
Product Photos
Share photos of your products to ensure compliance with packaging guidelines.
Certifications and Testing Documents
Provide any necessary certifications for testing documents, especially if they relate to safety guidelines.
Authorization Letter
Sometimes, you may need an authorization letter from the brand owner.
Additionally, maintain a healthy professional Amazon seller account with good metrics:
- Order Defect Rate: Keep it below 1%.
- Pre Fulfillment Cancel Rate: Maintain it below 1.75%.
- Late Shipment Rate: Ensure it stays below 4%.
Remember, you should apply for ungating for the category and the brand separately. Understanding the legal requirements, certifications, and limitations related to the products you wish to sell is essential.
Amazon Invoice Requirement
To meet Amazon’s invoice requirements for ungating, you need proof of buying at least ten items from the restricted category, indicating a strong relationship with your distributor. Here’s what your invoice should include:
Recent Invoice:
The invoice must be within the last 180 days from the purchase date.
Matching Information
Ensure that the shopping address and business details on your Amazon Seller Central match those on the invoice.
Product ASIN
Include the product ASIN on the invoice. You can write it by hand if needed.
Supplier Information
Feature the supplier’s business name, phone number, email, and address on the invoice.
Itemized Order Details
List the product order with itemized details, specifying a minimum purchase quantity of 10 products.
Model Number or UPC
The invoice’s product information should contain a model number or UPC.
For example, you’re seeking approval to sell electronics. In that case, your invoice should show you’ve purchased at least ten items recently, with detailed information about each product, including its ASIN, model number, and the supplier’s contact details. This proof helps you establish credibility with Amazon and enhances your chances of being ungated.
How to Get Ungated on Amazon?
Ungating on Amazon is not a one-size-fits-all process, as each category has unique requirements. However, there are common steps you can take during the Amazon ungating application process:
Register as a Seller
Sign up for an Amazon Seller Account. We recommend a professional account for access to both restricted and unrestricted items, available for a monthly fee.
Evaluate Account Status
Maintain a good sales performance as a competitive marketplace demands it. Regularly check your seller account’s status in the “seller central account” for customer feedback and product quality.
Follow Category Guidelines
Comply with specific criteria for each category. For example, the fine arts category may require at least three years of selling experience and a legitimate website displaying your work.
Find a Reliable Wholesaler
Establish a relationship with a trustworthy supplier to ensure a consistent stock of necessary goods. Reliable sourcing is crucial for positive customer feedback and business growth.
Provide Original Invoices
Submit accurate and detailed information, including each product’s original invoices, UPC, ASIN, and model numbers. Amazon values professionalism and documentation accuracy.
Request Approval
Follow the approval process by selecting the items, adding them to the inventory, and requesting approval through the “Request Approval” button. Respond promptly to any additional details requested by Amazon support.
If you aim to sell limited-category items, ensure your invoices are complete and accurately reflect the necessary information. When applying for approval, follow the outlined steps, such as choosing the items, requesting approval, and providing additional details.
Unlock success on Amazon with these pro tips for getting ungated
Exercising patience is necessary for achieving ungating approval on Amazon, but you can expedite the process with these helpful tips.
Apply During US Working Hours
Submit your application during U.S. working hours for faster processing. Applications submitted at night may need to be completed on time.
Use a Correct and Finalized Invoice
Present an accurate and finalized invoice in PDF format. Avoid altering a standard invoice to ensure smooth processing.
Include Contact Details
Enhance trustworthiness by providing your contact details in the application.
Maintain Strong Performance Numbers
Ensure your seller account demonstrates strong performance metrics. Sellers with favorable numbers are likely to receive faster approval.
Provide Detailed ASIN Information
Include the ASIN for each product you aim to ungate. The more detailed information you provide, the better your chances of a successful application.
Get Professional Amazon Ungating Services
Opting for professional Amazon ungating services holds significant advantages for sellers navigating the complex process of gaining approval in restricted categories or brands. These services bring expertise and experience, efficiently guiding sellers through intricate requirements.
By leveraging professional assistance, sellers can save time, reduce the risk of errors, and increase the likelihood of swift approval. Handling appeals and rejections becomes more seamless when these services are well-versed in navigating Amazon’s support systems.
Additionally, the focus on staying updated with policy changes ensures that applications align with the latest requirements. While there is a cost involved, professional services offer valuable benefits by providing peace of mind, confidence, and dedicated support. This allows sellers to concentrate on core business activities while experts handle the ungating process.
Choosing a reputable agency for Amazon seller account management like eMarspro would be a wise decisionl for a successful and streamlined experience on the Amazon platform.
How Long Does It Take to Get Ungated on Amazon?
It is challenging to specify an exact duration for getting ungated on Amazon because the time varies. Typically, the process can range from a few days to several weeks before you receive a decision on your application. Factors influencing the timeframe include the category or brand you’re applying for and the overall demand during specific periods.
In general, approvals may be expedited during busy seasons like Q4 and high-demand months for seasonal products. It’s essential to note that various factors, including the completeness of your application and the accuracy of your documentation, influence Amazon’s review process. Being patient and proactive in responding to any additional information requests from Amazon can contribute to a smoother and quicker ungating experience.
How much does it cost to get ungated on Amazon?
Ungating on Amazon typically doesn’t incur a direct cost for most categories; you must meet specific criteria and provide the necessary certificates. However, some categories, like Fine Jewelry, may require a non-refundable approval fee, which can be as high as $5,000. The overall cost of getting ungated on Amazon varies widely, primarily depending on the category or brand for which you seek approval.
In many cases, Amazon doesn’t charge a direct fee for the ungating process. Instead, meeting the approval requirements incurs potential costs, such as purchasing stock to generate invoices. When planning to get ungated on Amazon, it’s essential to consider these potential expenses and factor them into your budget.
Amazon has ungated categories in 2024
In 2024, sellers on Amazon can go through several ungated categories, making it easier to start selling diverse products. These include:
- Amazon Kindle
- Books
- Baby
- Products like pillows, shampoos, toys, bottles, diapers, and pacifiers
- Beauty & Personal Care
- Camera and Photo
- Home & Garden
- Cell Phones and Accessories
- Industrial and Scientific
- Musical Instruments
- Major Appliances
- Tools and Home Improvement
- Sports and Outdoor
While these categories offer a range of products for new sellers, it’s essential to note that some subcategories within them may still have specific gating requirements.
Final Words
In conclusion, although you may find the prospect of getting ungated on Amazon challenging initially, engaging in this strategic endeavor can enhance your business’s profitability. By following a systematic approach, you can broaden your product offerings and gain access to more lucrative categories and brands.
Getting ungating success involves:
- Sourcing products from reputable suppliers.
- Furnishing authentic invoices to Amazon.
- Maintaining commendable seller metrics.
This combination positions you for a successful journey toward ungating approval.
For complete assistance in navigating the intricacies of Amazon ungating, consider eMarspro’s eCommerce management services. With over a decade of experience in managing and handling the complexities of Amazon selling, our dedicated Amazon consultants offer reliable support to ensure your success on the platform.
Contact us today or call us at +1-682-472-4939 to discover how eMarspro can supercharge your Amazon business and streamline the ungating process.
