How I Got Ungated on Amazon

Ungated? What Does That Mean?

When I first started selling on Amazon, I had no idea what “ungated” meant. Essentially, Amazon restricts certain categories, brands, or products to ensure quality and compliance with regulations. To sell in these areas, you need to go through an “ungating” process to gain approval.

amazon ungating

Why Does Amazon Gate Categories?

Here are the main reasons Amazon gates certain categories:

  • Brand Protection: To prevent counterfeit products.
  • Regulations: To comply with laws for certain products (like food or cosmetics).
  • Quality Control: To ensure sellers meet high standards.

Invoice Requirements

One of the trickiest parts is providing the right invoices. Here’s what Amazon looks for:

  • Supplier Name and Address: Ensure the invoice comes from a reputable supplier.
  • Your Name and Address: Match the information in your Amazon seller account exactly.
  • Quantity: The invoice should show at least 10 units of the product.
  • Date: Use recent invoices (within the last 180 days).
invoice amazon ungating

How I Get My Invoices

Here’s exactly how I handle this step:

  1. Buy 10 Units Online: I purchase 10 units of the brand from retailers like Target, Walmart, or Kohl’s online.
  2. Get the PDF Invoice: I download the invoice from the store’s online orders list.
  3. Match Information: I double-check that the invoice matches my Amazon business name and address exactly (word for word).
  4. Submit to Amazon: I upload the invoice during the application process.

My Tips:

  • If rejected, I close the case, open a new one, and resubmit the same PDF.
  • Once I’m ungated, I often return the items to the store if I don’t need them.

I’ve found Target.com particularly reliable for this method, but it also works with Kohl’s, Walmart, and other big retailers.

Are Ungating Services Worth It?

I’ve thought about using an ungating service, but here’s my take:

✅ Pros:

  • Saves Time: They handle the paperwork and follow-ups.
  • Expertise: They know Amazon’s requirements inside out.
  • Higher Success Rate: They reduce the chances of rejection.

❌ Cons:

  • Cost: These services can be pricey, often ranging from $200 to $500 per category.
  • No Guarantees: Even with a service, approval isn’t guaranteed.
  • Potential Risks: A shady service could jeopardize your account.

A Word of Caution

I’ve noticed many “ungating services” use fake orders or invoices to ungate categories. While tempting, this can get your account suspended or banned later. I always proceed with caution and stick to legitimate methods.

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