Alex explains why the TYPE of product you choose could make your business more risky and difficult to sell. Gated categories and why to avoid them when starting out. Why start with a simple product and then you can move to others more difficult product types.

 

 

Product Categories

  • Not all categories are created equal.
  • More than 20 categories are open for selling on Amazon; products in these categories can be listed without specific permission from Amazon.
  • As a business owner we recommend you invest you time in products that are profitable
  • We recommend try to avoid gated/restricted categories for your first product.
  • There is an enormous number of hot product opportunities for you to choose from.
  • When your account is established and is in good standing, it easier to get approved for your second product.

 

Product Approvals – Gated/Restricted/Unrestricted Products

  • Ideally as a new first-time seller it is best practice to focus on products that are not restricted, to avoid complexity.
  • Sellers are required to obtain ‘approval’ from Amazon before listing in certain product categories.
  • Amazon intermittently flags products in pre-approved categories from time to time randomly for approval, while this is not common it is important to be aware Amazon may request additional information about your product.
  • Most Seller Central accounts have to be on a Professional Selling plan to list restricted products.
  • We recommend applying for product approval after you have built most of your product listing, as Amazon requires information such as product images, packaging images & product information which are all inbuilt into your listing. They may also ask for invoices, supplier information and more information.
  • For Gated/Restricted products it is possible to apply for approval before listing your product. From the ‘Inventory’ menu select ‘Add a Product’ ‘Show limitations’ then click ‘Request Approval’.Follow the links below for more information about the approval requirements and process.
  • The product approval process can only be done by the owner of the Amazon Shop (you).

 

Gated Sub-Categories and Randomised Product approvals

  • Amazon have opened new sub-categories.
  • Unfortunately. Amazon are now gating some sub categories and even products.
  • Amazon changes sub-categories constantly and do not publish a list of them.
  • Some products in pre-approved categories may be selected randomly for approval.

 

Main Restricted Categories

USA:

AU:

Amazon limits access to sell in these categories to help ensure that sellers meet standards for product and listing quality as well as other category-specific requirements.


Note: The internal links can only be used if you have an Amazon Seller Central account already and contain additional links to process steps.

 

Want to Sell in a Gated Category?

  • If you are determined to sell, you need to get approval first before ordering inventory.
  • These categories require 3 commercial invoices making things complicated.
  • Search Google for Amazon Un-gating Service.
  • Do not allow gated categories and products to deter you for your second product.