How to Get Ungated on Amazon: Proven Strategies for Success in 2024

I am gonna decode the secret how to get ungated on Amazon in 2024.

We are discussing breaking into those restricted categories and making an impact.

Therefore, sit back and join us as we unwind these tested strategies that will turn you into an Amazon success.

In this guide, we are going to focus on some effective strategies that you can use in 2024 for successful ungating.

Following these steps will improve your chances of accessing gated categories on Amazon.

This presents new possibilities and increases your revenue.

What Do Gated and Ungated Products on Amazon Mean?

Gated and ungated products on Amazon represent categories of items that sellers can put up for sale on the platform.

Gated Products: These include restricted products that Amazon needs to approve before the seller can list them.

This is how Amazon sustains the quality standard and consumer trust in their brand.

For example, categories such as Collectible Coins, Fine Art Jewelry, and Streaming Media Players are gated.

Sellers who want to sell in these categories have to go through an approval process that may include submitting documents, proving their credentials, and meeting Amazon’s performance criteria.

This is achieved to protect against fake products. It also guarantees the quality and authenticity of products.

Ungated Products: Ungated products do not need Amazon’s prior permission for listing.

They are usually easier for new sellers to enter.

They can sell these products directly without having to submit the application.

Ungated categories are generally open.

Nevertheless, some subcategories or specific products under these categories still need to be vetted.

Gated categories include the most common everyday items.

They don't fall into the specialized or potentially high-risk gated categories.

Why Does Amazon Gate or Restrict Certain Categories or Products?

Amazon gates or restricts some categories and products to maintain high standards of quality and trust for its customers.

This approach is crucial for a few reasons:

Preventing Harm to Buyer Experience: Postage stamps, fine art pieces, and precious jewelry are examples of goods that can easily be counterfeited. Selling counterfeit or substandard copies of these products can result in poor customer satisfaction.

Protecting Against Fraud and Counterfeits: Amazon needs to make sure that sellers are reliable. This eliminates the possibility of fraud and dealing with imitation products. This is even more relevant in the case of new sellers who do not have any track record on the platform.

Maintaining Reputation and Trust: Amazon is a popular and well-trusted brand, so it is crucial for it to maintain its standards. The restricting of certain items allows it greater control over products. This ensures authenticity and legality.

Ensuring Authenticity and Compliance: Gated categories allow Amazon to verify the legitimacy of products and make sure they comply with legal standards. This is particularly essential for products that need specialized information, such as groceries or medical items.

Protecting Established Brands: Among these restricted categories are well-known brands that collaborate with Amazon to prevent their products from copyright violations. To trade these branded products, sellers require an approval license or contract.

Amazon Ungated/Unrestricted/Open Categories

Amazon has over 33 main categories for sellers, and out of these, 12 are completely ungated.

Ungated categories on Amazon don't require pre-authorization.

Sellers can start selling them immediately without approval.

This is especially appealing for new sellers.

It's also great for those wanting to avoid the complexities of selling restricted products.

What is Ungated on Amazon?

A non-restricted category refers to a collection of products on Amazon that sellers can list and sell without the need for special permission or approval; essentially, there are no barriers or gates in place for entry.

List of Ungated Categories on Amazon

Based on the latest information, the Amazon's ungated categories and products include:

Amazon Kindle	eBooks, paperback books, Kindle accessories, audiobooks, paperback books and eBooks.
Baby	Toys, diapers, pillows, bottles, pacifiers, and shampoos.
Beauty & Personal Care	bags, brushes, cases, hair styling tools, bags, skincare tools, and cases.
Books	Magazines, non-collective books, calendars, card decks, sheet music, and journals.
Cell Phones and Accessories	Cell phones, phone cases, chargers, power banks, and selfie sticks.
Sports and Outdoor	Exercise, Hunting accessories, fitness, boating and fishing, game room, and athletic apparel.
Tools and Home Improvement	Hand and Power tools, building materials, appliance parts, and plumbing.
Musical Instruments	Recording equipment, guitars, strings, live sound, amps, and orchestra.
Major Appliances	Induction cookers, washing machines, kitchen stoves, freezers, dishwashers, clothes dryers, and air conditioners.
Home & Garden	Snow removal, lawn care, pool supplies, storage, crafts, decor, bath and pet supplies, furniture, kitchen, and dining.
Industrial and Scientific	Electrical and lighting, education, dental supplies, retail supplies, and printers.
Camera and Photo	Instant print cameras, camcorders, cameras, telescopes, and binoculars.

Selling in these ungated categories can be a strategic starting point for Amazon sellers.

It offers a straightforward path to establishing an online presence and potentially enhances seller performance.

What Are the Best Ungated Categories on Amazon?

The ideal ungated categories on Amazon are the ones that new sellers can start selling without special permission.

Buyers are fond of these categories, and sellers have good potential in them.

Here are some of the top ungated categories:

Amazon Kindle	This category permits the sale of audible books and e-books. There is no need for approval to sell audiobooks on Amazon Kindle or self-publish your online courses and eBooks.
Books	This is a wide-ranging category inside which you are allowed to sell new and used books, even Kindle ones, without the need for pre-approval. However, selling books that can be categorized as collectible or rare requires approval.
Cell Phones & Accessories	The selling of smartphones, cell phones and their accessories is totally ungated. This is a perfect niche for trending items.
Baby Products	In this category, you are allowed to sell different baby products such as accessories, shampoos, and care products. This category does not include clothing, but items associated with baby hygiene and comfort are popular.
Beauty Products	Cosmetics and beauty products are hot-selling items. There are hundreds of products you can sell in this niche, but they have to be original and from reputable manufacturers.
Pet Supplies	This group incorporates pet food, treats as well as toys, and furniture meant for pets. It’s an ideal option for sellers because Amazon is a go-to place among pet owners.
Home & Garden	This category includes items for home improvement, décor, garden lights, rugs, and fabrics. It's not restricted by Amazon, offering a wide range of products to sell.

These categories are open for new sellers and provide good profit potential.

Your best category would be based on factors such as what interests you the most, market trends, and your ability to source products.

Note that while these categories are ungated, the products must meet Amazon’s policies and standards.

What Categories and Products are Gated or Restricted on Amazon?

Gated products require Amazon approval before sellers can sell them on Amazon.

Based on the research material, here's a breakdown of the categories and products that are gated:

Gated Categories on Amazon:

These categories require Amazon's approval for sellers to list items.

This is to ensure that the sellers meet criteria like product quality and authenticity.

Grocery and Gourmet Foods
Sports collectibles
Streaming Media Players
Collectible Coins
Fine Arts
Entertainment Collectibles
Personal Safety and Household Products
Automotive & Powersports
Video, DVD & Blu-ray
Watches
Major Appliances
Postage Stamps
Services
Music & DVD
"Made in Italy" products
Jewelry

Restricted Products:

These products also require approval to sell on Amazon, often due to their potential harm or higher likelihood of being counterfeit or fake.

Automotive and Powersports
COVID-19 Supplies
Animals & Animal-Related Products
Cosmetics & Hair/Skin Care
Art - Home Decor & Fine Art
CPAP Cleaning and Disinfecting Devices
Alcohol
Drugs & Drug Paraphernalia
Coins, Currency, Cash Equivalents, and Gift Cards
Explosives, Weapons, and Related Items
Food & Beverage
Dietary Supplements
Composite Wood Products
Gambling & Lottery
Human Parts & Burial Artifacts
Lock Picking & Theft Devices
13. Electronics
Medical Accessories and Devices
Upholstered Furniture, Bedding, & Other Quilted Products
Subscriptions and Periodicals
Hazardous and Dangerous Items
Jewelry & Precious Gems
Recycling Electronics
Plant and Seed Products
Lighting
Laser Products
Warranties, Service Plans, Contracts, and Guarantees
Offensive and Controversial Materials
Postage Meters & Stamps
Tobacco & Tobacco-Related Product
Recalled Products
Surveillance Equipment
Pesticides and Pesticide Devices

Brand Restrictions on Amazon

On Amazon, there are brand restrictions that affect what sellers can list.

This means that for certain gated brands on Amazon like Adidas, Nike, Gucci, and similar high-profile names, sellers can't just sell these products.

They have to go through some form of approval process.

Amazon puts these restrictions in place to ensure product authenticity.

They also do it to maintain the quality and reputation of these Amazon gated brands.

Amazon has specific rules about the condition of products in several categories.

These are besides brand limits. For instance, used items cannot be listed in categories such as Baby Products, Beauty and Cosmetics, etc.

This also applies to categories such as Shoes, Handbags & Sunglasses, and Watches.

Such restrictions ensure a certain level of quality with regard to products manufactured for these delicate categories.

How to Get Ungated on Amazon?

The process of being ungated on Amazon is easy, but it requires specific documentation, which should be given proper attention.

Here's a breakdown of the steps and tips to help you get ungated on Amazon in restricted categories:

Go to Seller Central and Choose Inventory: From here, choose ‘Add a Product’.

Search for the Gated Product: Find the product you wish to sell by its ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number), name, or brand.

Apply to Sell: Click on 'Apply to sell' next to the product in the search results.

Request Approval: Click on 'Request Approval'. Remember, Amazon doesn’t accept requests for certain categories and subcategories, so check those before applying.

Provide Required Documents: This can include a letter from the manufacturer or brand owner (especially if buying wholesale), itemized invoices with supplier contact information, and any other relevant documentation.

Order at least 10 units of a relevant product from your distributor manufacturer or wholesaler.

Obtain an invoice showing the quantity ordered, cost, and business details as they appear on your Amazon account.

Open an account with a wholesale supplier or distributor of the products you want to sell. For the sake of consistency, use your Amazon business details.

Submit the invoice to Amazon in a non-editable format (like PDF or a photo).

Seller Metrics: Make sure that your Amazon seller account has no issues and healthy enough metrics, as this sometimes results in instant approval. Some important metrics include maintaining ODR under 1%, PFCR below 2.5%, and LSR less than 4%. These numbers evaluate customer satisfaction, order management quality, and shipping accuracy, which play an important role in the successful creation of a seller profile with a good reputation on the platform.

Check the Status of Your Application: Go back to the ‘Add a Product’ tool on Seller Central and click on the link 'Selling Application Status.’

Meeting Amazon's Requirements: Amazon may ask for at least three months of sales history, a Return Address in the selling country, and customer support in the local language.

How to Get Ungated in DVDs on Amazon?

Becoming ungated in such a category can be transformative for those who aspire to have their company grow by selling DVDs on Amazon.

Being able to offer popular movies and TV shows to customers can attract a wide audience and increase your sales potential.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using a Service Provider

Whether it is worth paying a service provider to handle ungating for you on Amazon really depends on a few factors.

Advantages of Using a Service Provider:

Expertise: Specialist service providers have a very good understanding of the ungating process and are updated on any changes, which may enhance your chances of success.

Convenience: A service can also help streamline the process if you’re short on time so that all aspects of your business get due attention.

Support with Documentation: They can help find the right distributor and also provide accurate documents required for the application process.

Risks and Disadvantages:

Risk of Fake Documents: Fake documentation by some ungating services may result in disastrous outcomes such as suspension of Amazon Seller account.

Cost vs. DIY Approach: Although these services provide convenience, the process of ungating can be done by yourself, especially if you’re looking for a cost-effective option and have time to understand the process.

No Guaranteed Success: With or without the help of a service provider, approval is not guaranteed. As ungating services are not official Amazon service providers, they can’t give you a guarantee that your application will be accepted.

Recommendation:

Do Your Due Diligence: If you choose to engage a service provider, ensure that the one you select is genuine and reputable. Do not choose a service that gives or uses fake invoices.

Consider Self-Application: Where applicable, undertake the application solely by yourself. It is cheaper and eliminates the risk of relying on suspicious third parties.

Tips to Get Gated Category Approval

To increase your chances of getting restricted category approval on Amazon, here are some tips based on the research material:

Build a Good Seller Reputation	First, begin with sales on ungated categories to improve credibility and a reputable track record on Amazon because applications from new sellers are often declined.
Apply Using Brand Items	Apply for well-known brand items in your application. While private labels may not be rejected in all cases, branded goods can boost your possibility of securing acceptance by Amazon.
Check Quantities	Make sure that your applications meet the minimum quantity requirements on each invoice.
Source Locally or from the Manufacturer	Amazon prefers invoices provided by local suppliers or directly from manufacturers to ensure the safety and authenticity of items.
Use an Authorized Official Wholesaler	Do not buy from cash and carry, clearance sites, or liquidation sites. Invoices from official wholesalers are more likely to be approved by Amazon.
Ensure Correct Categorization	Ensure the ungating products chosen should be categorized and listed only in the category you are applying for.
Ensure Matching ASINs on Amazon	Your product from the wholesaler should come with a matching ASIN on Amazon.
Use Recent Invoices	Invoices must be dated within 90 days, and details should correspond to the Seller Account.
Improve Your Performance Metrics	Emphasis should be placed on quality customer service, reduced returns and refund cases, as well as ensuring that orders arrive in good time and state.
Apply During US Business Hours	The customer support team of Amazon is mainly located in the US, so applying during their work hours might let you get a quick response.
Use Reputable and Multi-Category Wholesalers	This can help you save time and money while obtaining quality products.
Ensure Clear, Legible Invoices	Invoices must comply with what Amazon allows and should be legible.
Maintain Consistent, Positive Seller Metrics	Prove to Amazon that you are a trusted seller.
Leverage Amazon’s Brand Registry	If you choose branded products to sell, then this will contribute to the authenticity of your application.
Be Prepared for Follow-Ups	During the application acceptance process, you may be requested to provide Amazon with more information as needed, so answer in a timely manner.

Keep in mind that being ungated can be really helpful for your business, and it might take several attempts. Patience and attention to detail are crucial.

Benefits of Selling in Gated Categories and Products on Amazon

Selling in gated categories and products on Amazon offers several significant benefits:

Reduced Competition	The fact that gated categories tend to have entry barriers means fewer sellers in these markets, which implies that the market is less saturated.
Higher Margins	You can usually get a better price because there is less competition, resulting in higher profit margins.
Greater Authority	Being an authorized retailer in a restricted category maintains your customers’ trust and credibility. It also confirms that you comply with Amazon standards, which boosts customers’ confidence in your products.
Product Exclusivity	Some products are exclusively available within restricted categories, giving you access to unique items that can't be sold by everyone.
Brand Consistency	Restricted categories offer greater control over brand representation, ensuring the integrity and consistency of brands.
Increased Discoverability	Products listed in the gated categories can enjoy special promotional incentives by Amazon, which essentially makes them accessible to more customers.
Access to Promotions	Vendors in these categories may be eligible for exclusion coupons and featured placement, which provide additional marketing benefits.
Buy Box Advantage	There is a higher chance of winning the sought-after Buy Box default option to purchase, which can directly contribute toward much-increased sales.
Larger Product Range	After ungating, you can expand the range of your products to popular restricted categories such as grocery, gourmet food, and fine arts, among others, which generate more sales.
Utilizing Amazon’s Customer Base	Amazon is a large e-commerce store and its selling limitations within the restricted categories will help you in targeting its large customer base.

Despite the effort of getting ungated, some sellers consider it beneficial as they can receive surplus profits by choosing market positioning and exclusive access to particular products.

How Long Does it Take to Get Ungated on Amazon?

The waiting period to get ungated on Amazon can vary significantly, and there is no definite duration as to how long it takes. Here are some key points to consider:

Varies Greatly	The time to get approved can take anywhere from a few hours to several days or even weeks.
Depends on Promptness and Accuracy	The speed of the process is also largely dependent on how fast and accurately you submit your documents.
Influenced by Seller Account Age and Status	If you own an older seller account or have other categories ungated, then the approval might come quicker.
Subject to Amazon’s Response Time	Amazon's turnaround time is a key consideration. Depending on their workload, they may respond quickly or need additional time.
Possible to Resubmit Applications	If your application is rejected, you can reapply. Many sellers get success after several attempts.
Dependent on Several Factors	Some issues that really matter are the availability of proper documents, brand authorization, compliance with regulations, and account health.
Impact of Errors in Paperwork	A minor error in your paperwork can cause delays or even rejections, so you must make sure everything looks correct before sending it off.
No Guaranteed Time Frame	There is no guaranteed or standard time frame for approval due to the various factors involved.

It is possible to hasten the process by informing Amazon support that you are waiting for approval.

This sometimes helps to push your application through the system.

But keep in mind that every situation is different, and approval times can be highly variable from one seller to another.

In short, breaking into Amazon's gated categories is like hitting the jackpot for your business.

It opens doors to higher profits, less competition, and a whole new level of selling awesomeness.

So, there you have it, folks – your roadmap to conquering gated categories on Amazon in 2024.

And remember, if you're ready to take your Amazon game to the next level, check out my Reselling Freedom membership site.

It's packed with tips, tricks, and insider secrets to help you crush it on Amazon.

Don't forget to stay connected! Hit me up on TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook.

I'm here to answer your questions and help you make big moves.

Let's make this year your best Amazon year yet!

Happy selling, and see you on the inside!

Steve w/ “Raiken Profit” 🔥🔗