The meaning of the term “Gated” when it comes to Amazon categories
If you are a seller on Amazon, you may have come across the term “gated” categories. This can be confusing and overwhelming for new sellers, as it is not clearly defined by Amazon. In simple terms, a gated category on Amazon refers to a product category that requires approval from Amazon before a seller can list their products in that particular category. This process is Amazon ungating and it involves submitting certain documents and meeting specific criteria set by Amazon. Let’s dive into it.
What are Gated Categories on Amazon?
Amazon “gated” categories refer to specific product categories on the platform that require sellers to meet certain requirements and obtain permission before being able to sell in them. These categories are often high-demand and lucrative, making them highly sought after by sellers.
One common example of a gated category on Amazon is the “Health & Personal Care” category. In order to sell products in this category, sellers must provide documentation proving that their products meet certain quality and safety standards. This is to ensure that consumers are purchasing safe and effective products from reputable sellers.
Another example of a gated category on Amazon is the “Beauty” category. Sellers looking to sell beauty products on Amazon must provide proof that their products are authentic and meet certain quality standards. This is to protect consumers from purchasing counterfeit or unsafe products.
Understanding Amazon Ungating
As mentioned earlier, Amazon ungating is the process of getting approval from Amazon to sell products in a particular category. This process is necessary because Amazon wants to ensure that only legitimate and trustworthy sellers are allowed to sell in certain categories. This helps to maintain the quality of products and services offered on the platform, ultimately benefiting both the sellers and the customers.
How to Get Ungated in Amazon Categories
Essentially, becoming ungated means that a seller has met the requirements set forth by Amazon and has been granted permission to sell products in that category. This can be a lengthy and sometimes complicated process, but it is necessary in order to sell certain types of products on the platform.
Amazon Certified
One way to become ungated in a gated category on Amazon is to become “Amazon Certified”. So, a common question that sellers may have is, “What does Amazon certified mean?”. When a category is gated on Amazon, it means that Amazon has certified that the sellers who are approved to sell products in that category meet certain standards set by the platform. This certification is meant to ensure that products in that category are of high quality and that customers can trust the sellers who are selling them. Being Amazon Certified can help sellers gain access to gated categories and expand their product offerings on the platform.
Process of Amazon Ungating
On the other hand, to gain access to gated categories, sellers need to go through an ungating process. The process of Amazon ungating varies depending on the category, but there are some general steps that you can follow.
The procedure for becoming ungated on Amazon
Step 1: Determine Which Categories You Want to Sell In
The first step is to decide which categories you want to sell in. This will help you determine which documents you need to submit and what criteria you need to meet. It is important to note that not all categories are open for ungating at all times. Some categories may have limited openings or may be closed for ungating altogether.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
Once you have determined which categories you want to sell in, you need to gather all the necessary documents. These documents may include invoices from your suppliers, business licenses, and product certifications. Make sure that these documents are up-to-date and meet the requirements set by Amazon.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
After you have gathered all the necessary documents, you can submit your application for ungating. This can be accomplished by accessing your Amazon Seller Central account. Make sure to fill out all the required information accurately and attach the necessary documents.
Step 4: Wait for Approval
Once you have submitted your application, you will have to wait for Amazon to review and approve it. This can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the category and the volume of applications they receive. If your application is approved, you will receive an email notification and the category will be added to your list of approved categories.
Step 5: Reapply if Necessary
If your application is rejected, don’t lose hope. You can always reapply after making the necessary changes or providing additional documents. Amazon will usually provide a reason for the rejection, so make sure to address that issue in your reapplication.
Benefits of Being Ungated on Amazon
Now that we have discussed how to get ungated on Amazon, let’s take a look at some of the benefits of being ungated:
Access to High-Demand Categories
Certain categories on Amazon are highly sought after by customers, such as health and personal care, beauty, and grocery. By getting ungated in these categories, you can tap into a larger customer base and increase your sales potential.
Increased Credibility
Being ungated in certain categories also adds to your credibility as a seller. Customers are more likely to purchase from sellers who are certified by Amazon, as it gives them assurance that the products they are buying are of good quality and legitimate.
Ability to Sell Restricted Brands
As mentioned earlier, some brands have strict policies regarding who can sell their products on Amazon. By getting ungated in a particular category, you may also gain access to selling restricted brands within that category.
Amazon ungating is the process of getting approval from Amazon to sell products in a particular category. This process is necessary to maintain the quality of products and services offered on the platform. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can increase your chances of getting ungated in different categories on Amazon.