How to Get Ungated on Amazon (And Why It’s Totally Worth It)
If you've ever tried selling on Amazon, chances are you've hit a frustrating roadblock:
“You are not authorized to sell this product.”
That message means you’re “gated” — blocked from listing a certain brand or category. While it might feel like Amazon is working against you, gating is actually a system designed to protect both customers and legitimate sellers.
Let’s break down why gating exists, how to get around it, and why it can give you a massive edge.
🚧 Why Does Amazon Gate Brands and Categories?
Amazon restricts access to certain brands, categories, and sub-categories to uphold its reputation and ensure a safe, high-quality marketplace.
Here’s what gating helps prevent:
✅ Counterfeit products from flooding the platform
✅ Unauthorized sellers damaging brand relationships
✅ Poor customer experiences caused by low-quality or misrepresented goods
✅ High-risk categories (like toys, supplements, or top electronics) being overrun
Example: If anyone could list a “Rolex” tomorrow, Amazon would be overrun with knockoffs. Gating helps stop that.
🔓 How to Get Ungated on Amazon
Getting ungated (aka approved to sell restricted brands or categories) is easier than it sounds — especially when you know what Amazon's looking for.
There are two main methods:
1️⃣ Auto-Ungate (The Easy One)
Some products will let you in with one click.
Just hit “Request Approval” on the product listing.
If your account has solid metrics (e.g. good feedback, sales history, valid business info), Amazon may approve you instantly.
🟢 Tip: Try this first. You’d be surprised how many categories and brands will open up with no extra effort.
2️⃣ Invoice-Based Ungating (The Real Deal)
If you’re not auto-approved, you’ll need to go the invoice route. Here's what to do:
✅ Order at least 10 units of the product from a reputable wholesaler or distributor
✅ Make sure the invoice shows your business details and matches your Amazon account info
✅ Submit the invoice through the "Request Approval" process
✅ (Optional but helpful) Include product photos showing your inventory, especially if Amazon asks for them
Pro Tip: Not all invoices are equal. Amazon prefers suppliers like EE Distribution, Harrison’s Direct, or regional wholesalers with a track record of working with Amazon sellers.
💡 Is Getting Ungated Worth It?
100% yes.
Most new sellers stick to open categories like homeware, books, and generic toys. These markets are overcrowded and price competitive. Gated categories — once unlocked — give you access to:
🔥 Less saturated listings
🔥 Trusted, higher-value brands
🔥 More Buy Box control and pricing power
The more you're ungated in, the more exclusive (and profitable) your Amazon selling becomes.
🧠 Final Thoughts: Gating Is a Filter, Not a Block
Amazon’s gating system isn’t a wall — it’s a filter. It’s how Amazon separates the casual sellers from the serious business-builders. If you put in the effort to get ungated, you’ll be playing in a field most sellers never reach.
In short:
🔓 Gating protects the platform. Ungating gives you an edge.
👣 What Next?
✅ Try auto-ungating every time you find a restricted product
✅ Start sourcing from real wholesalers so you can get valid invoices
✅ Track what you get approved for — your catalog will grow over time
✅ Consider ungating services (or use software that helps you track it all easily)
If you're serious about growing on Amazon, ungating is one of the best early wins you can go after.