Amazon FBA Restricted Categories: How To Get Access In 2021
In today's digital age, businesses are constantly seeking ways to enhance their operations and stay competitive. One effective approach is through the use of outsourced fulfillment solutions. This article explores the advantages of outsourced fulfillment and provides insights into choosing the right provider. Additionally, it delves into the benefits of partnering with logistics companies and understanding their role in elevating ecommerce success. Lastly, it uncovers the concept of a Warehouse Management System (WMS) and how it can optimize order fulfillment. Join us as we delve into the world of outsourced fulfillment, logistics, and warehouse management.
Exploring Outsourced Fulfillment Solutions
Utilizing outsourced fulfillment solutions is a game-changing approach for many businesses in 2023, frequently leading to cost reductions and enhanced operational efficiency.
Advantages of Outsourced Fulfillment
Outsourced fulfillment can significantly streamline your brand's processes. It frees up time and resources, allowing your business to focus more on its core competencies. It's like having an extra set of hands that handle the heavy lifting of dealing with inventory management, packaging, and shipping orders, all while ensuring excellent customer service. Additionally, they often have established relationships with carriers, which can lead to better shipping rates and faster delivery times, further boosting your customer satisfaction.
Choosing an Outsourced Fulfillment Provider
The key to successful outsourced fulfillment begins with choosing the right provider. Consider factors like their reputation, cost-effectiveness, integration with your existing systems, and scalability. A provider like Simple Fulfillment, which specializes in eCommerce Fulfillment and FBA Prep, might fit the bill for many eCommerce brands.
Boosting Ecommerce with Logistics Companies
Harnessing the power of logistics companies can provide a competitive edge in eCommerce, enhancing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Logistics Companies: A Competitive Advantage for Ecommerce
Logistics companies handle the complicated, often time-consuming aspects of eCommerce, such as inventory management, warehousing, packing, and shipping. By doing this efficiently, they can help your business meet customer expectations for speedy and accurate delivery, freeing you up to concentrate on your brand and customer service, which gives a significant competitive advantage in today's fast-paced eCommerce landscape.
How to Leverage Logistics for Ecommerce Success
To leverage logistics for eCommerce success, consider partnering with a company that offers tailored solutions for your brand. This could mean a company that integrates seamlessly into your order management system provides real-time data analytics or offers cost-effective shipping solutions. A logistics firm should be seen as a partner, not just a service provider.
Deciding When to Engage a Logistics Company
Integrating a logistics company into your operations doesn't have to be a daunting task. It can be done strategically and at the right time to provide maximum value.
Factors to Consider When Partnering with a Logistics Company
Some factors to consider include: your order volume, current cost and efficiency of fulfillment, scalability projections, and customer service standards. If these are areas you're struggling with or could improve, it could be the right time to engage with a logistics company.
Benefits of Early Engagement with Logistics Companies
Engaging a logistics company early in your business's lifecycle could help preempt potential issues by ensuring a solid foundation for fulfillment from the start. It aids in scalability and reduces the risk of growing pains as your business expands.
Logistic Services that Elevate Your Business
The right logistic services can be a catalyst for your business's growth and success.
Types of Logistic Services
Logistic services usually fall into categories like transportation, warehousing, packaging, and inventory management. Recent trends also feature value-added services such as real-time tracking and advanced analytics.
Finding the Right Logistic Service for Your Business
Identifying the right services requires understanding your business's unique needs. Are you looking to improve your shipping speed? Or perhaps you're struggling with inventory management? Once you've identified your needs, look for a provider that excels in that field.
Understanding the Role of a Logistics Company
A logistics company is much more than a middleman for your products; it's a strategic partner that can shape your business's success.
Defining Logistics Company
A logistics company manages the flow of goods from the point of origin to the point of consumption. Simply put, they ensure your products get from A to B smoothly and efficiently.
Key Responsibilities of Logistic Companies
Key areas include transportation, warehouse management, packing, inventory management, and order fulfillment, and often include customer service aspects related to the logistics process. Due to their comprehensive responsibilities, they have immense potential to impact customer satisfaction and the operational efficiency of your business.
Unpacking the Concept of Warehouse Management System (WMS)
Effective warehouse management is key to successful order fulfillment, and that's where a Warehouse Management System (WMS) comes in.
Characteristics of an Effective WMS
An effective WMS provides real-time inventory accuracy, supports efficient pick and pack processes, integrates with your order management system, provides data for analysis and decision-making, and scales with your business growth.
Benefits of Using a WMS
Using a WMS, businesses can streamline their order fulfillment process, reducing errors and increasing efficiency. Not only does this help satisfy customer expectations of speedy and accurate order delivery, it can also help save costs related to warehousing and distribution. Ultimately, the key advantage of a WMS is that it can help businesses deliver a remarkable customer experience consistently. And there you have it! A comprehensive look at how outsourced fulfillment and logistics companies can aid in your ecommerce success. So, is it time you considered this leap?
Exploring Outsourced Fulfillment Solutions
As we move deeper into the digital age, businesses are constantly looking for ways to enhance their operations and stay competitive. One effective way is through outsourced fulfillment solutions. Let's unpack what this means and the advantages it brings to your business.
Advantages of Outsourced Fulfillment
Outsourced Fulfillment can be the secret weapon of a thriving eCommerce brand. It lets you focus on your core business while the logistics and warehouse management are being handled by professionals. They take care of the storage, picking/packing of your goods, managing inventory, and shipping orders directly to your customers. The result? Greater operational efficiency, cost savings, and satisfied customers due to timely and accurate deliveries. Now, wouldn't that be a game-changer for your business?
Choosing an Outsourced Fulfillment Provider
But the trick is to find the right outsourced fulfillment provider, isn't it? It can be like finding a needle in a haystack. The right provider should not only have a proven track record in eCommerce fulfillment but also offer scalability as your business grows and possess tech infrastructure for real-time inventory tracking. So take time, evaluate your options, and find a match that fits your business requirements like a glove.
Boosting Ecommerce with Logistics Companies
Another powerhouse to turbocharge your eCommerce operations can be partnering with logistics companies. Let's explore how they bring competitive advantages and ways to leverage these for eCommerce success.
Logistics Companies: A Competitive Advantage for E-commerce
Logistics companies can be the wind beneath your wings in the eCommerce landscape. They expedite your delivery process, enhance customer satisfaction, and create a smooth return management system. And in today's instant-gratification culture, wouldn't quick deliveries and seamless returns set your brand apart? Plus, they handle international shipping and customs, breaking geographic boundaries for your business. It's like having a magic carpet, taking your business places, don't you think?
How to Leverage Logistics for Ecommerce Success
So, how can you harness the power of logistics for eCommerce success? Partner with a logistics company that aligns with your business goals has strong links with carriers, offers customized solutions, and leverages technology for tracking and transparency. Remember, the right partnership can fuel your growth trajectory like never before!
Deciding When to Engage a Logistics Company
Now, the question is, when should you engage a logistics company? Let's delve into the factors that play major roles in this decision.
Factors to Consider When Partnering with a Logistics Company
Your business size, complexity of operations, geographic spread of customers, and growth goals are a few of the factors when deciding to engage with a logistics company. If managing logistics is taking up significant time and diverting you from core business functions, it might be time to consider a partnership. It's like passing the baton in a relay race so you can focus on sprinting forward, right?
Benefits of Early Engagement with Logistics Companies
What's the advantage of an early engagement with a logistics company? Much like early birds catching the worms, early engagement helps iron out logistical issues, implements efficient processes, and saves costs even before they escalate. Now, that sounds like a strategic move, doesn't it?
Logistic Services that Elevate Your Business
Let's now discuss different types of logistics services and find the one that’s right for your business.
Types of Logistic Services
Freight transportation, warehousing and distribution, cross-docking, order fulfillment, inventory management - There's a buffet of logistic services out there, each serving a specific need. It's like a puzzle; you need to find the pieces that fit perfectly into your business model.
Finding the Right Logistic Service for Your Business
Consider your business needs, future growth plans, and budget. Whether it's efficient warehousing, fast freight transportation, or effective inventory management, align your choice with your business goals. Think of it as hiring an employee – you'd want someone who is the right fit for your company, wouldn’t you?
Understanding the Role of a Logistics Company
Let's step back and understand what a logistics company does and the key responsibilities it shoulders.
Defining Logistics Company
A logistics company can be your master strategist for managing the flow of goods from the point of origin to the point of consumption. Its role is multi-dimensional – streamlining operations, ensuring efficient storage of goods, and overseeing timely deliveries. It's your behind-the-scenes hero enabling smooth operations, wouldn't you agree?
Key Responsibilities of Logistic Companies
From warehousing, transportation, and inventory management to order fulfillment and return logistics, the responsibilities of a logistics company are vast. It's like the backbone, supporting and enabling your business operations, enhancing customer satisfaction, and driving business growth.
Unpacking the Concept of Warehouse Management System (WMS)
Last but not least, let's discuss the Warehouse Management System (WMS), its characteristics, and benefits.
Characteristics of an Effective WMS
Think of an effective WMS as the conductor of an orchestra that manages different parts in complete harmony. It provides real-time inventory visibility, optimizes warehouse layout and processes, helps manage resources, enhances order fulfillment efficiency, and integrates with your transport systems. Now, wouldn't that be music to your ears?
Benefits of Using a WMS
An effective WMS boosts warehouse efficiency, reduces errors in order picking and shipping, helps better inventory control, and eliminates paperwork. Besides, it enhances customer service with faster deliveries and fewer order discrepancies. Now, imagine untying this bundle of benefits for your business. Exciting, isn't it? The world of eCommerce can be competitive and complex. But with the right outsourced fulfillment solutions, logistics partnerships, and technologies, you can navigate with confidence and grow your business. At Simple Fulfillment, we understand this and are committed to providing customized and scalable eCommerce fulfillment solutions to empower your brand. Navigating the world of ecommerce can be complex, but with the right outsourced fulfillment solutions, logistics partnerships, and technologies, your business can thrive. Simple Fulfillment is dedicated to providing customized and scalable ecommerce fulfillment solutions to empower your brand. By leveraging the advantages of outsourced fulfillment, logistics companies, and a Warehouse Management System, you can streamline operations, enhance customer satisfaction, and drive growth. It's time to consider making this leap and unlock the full potential of your business in the digital landscape.
Amazon is currently the most popular online platform. Finding new profitable things to sell on amazon can be challenging at times. You eliminate competition from sellers who don't want to deal with the effort of unrestricting a product by selling things that require you to be ungated.
Some markets are saturated, and you may find that one or more of your listings has attracted more competition than you anticipated. In most cases, having more sellers on a listing means lower profits for you.
You can instantly access multiple markets with significantly less competition after you learn how to un-restrict your account.
Why Amazon Gates Certain Categories
Amazon takes a customer-centric approach, with protecting consumers as its top priority. Amazon limits and verifies sellers of specific products to maintain its reputation.
This reduces the possibility of counterfeit goods being sold on their site. It benefits everyone because customers feel more comfortable buying things on Amazon without hesitation.
Consider eBay or other marketplaces: you'd typically double-check before buying an expensive item and only deal with top-rated, proven sellers.
Gated Categories in 2021
There are two main types of gated categories:
- Brand gates
- Category gates
Brand Gates
Brand gates can be challenging because brands may not want their products sold on Amazon due to:
- Frequent counterfeiting of their products
- Products being stolen from retail stores
- Not wanting perceived brand value to drop
- Brand only being available in certain countries
Ungating specific brands is often difficult, frequently requiring direct brand contact and fees. Amazon usually requires proof you have formal permission to sell their products.
Gated Product Categories
Gated categories in 2021 include:
- Automotive & Powersports
- Collectible Coins
- Entertainment Collectibles
- Fine Art
- Gift Cards
- Jewelry
- Music & DVDs
- Major Appliances
- Sports Collectibles
- Streaming Media Players
- Video, DVD & Blu-ray
- Watches
See Amazon's full list of prohibited categories.
Other Restriction Types
There are other less common restrictions:
- ASIN restrictions: Amazon restricts certain ASINs due to IP, quality, or safety concerns.
- Holiday restrictions: Additional restrictions on Toys & Games sellers during busy holiday seasons.
- Product condition restrictions: Used items prohibited for categories like Baby, Beauty, Grocery, Health, Jewelry, Toys, Watches.
How to Get Approved
The process to get approved for gated categories:
- In Seller Central, select "Add a Product" then find the gated product.
- Click "Listing limitations" link next to product.
- Click "Request Approval" button to start application.
Approval is often easy for experienced sellers meeting targets like:
- Defect rate under 1%
- Cancellation rate under 2.5%
- Late shipment rate under 4%
Amazon may request proof of your supplier, invoices showing 10+ units purchased, manufacturer approval letters, fees, etc. If denied, wait 3-6 months before reapplying.
Category Requirements
While most categories just require business docs, invoices, etc., some have additional requirements like:
- Fine Art: Established professional website
- Fine Jewelry: $5,000 fee, product testing
- Wine: Winery/importer/wholesaler registration
- Watches: List with UPCs, pre-owned accuracy/water resistance testing
- Collectible Coins: Memberships (PNG, ICTA, etc.), 70%+ graded coins
Avoid Violations
Avoid "grey hat" techniques to get around restrictions. Violations can lead to:
- Listings deleted/canceled
- Additional selling restrictions
- Limits on new listings
- Seller account suspension
Focus on properly ungating your account to access more buyers globally. Simpl Fulfillment handles FBA prep so you can grow your business! Get in touch to learn more.
Next article: 3 Critical Steps to Successful Amazon FBA Product Research
Commonly Asked Questions
What are the main gated categories on Amazon?
The main gated categories on Amazon include Automotive & Power Sports, Collectible Coins, Entertainment Collectibles, Fine Art, Gift Cards, Jewelry, Major Appliances, Music & DVDs, Sports Collectibles, Streaming Media Players, Video Games, and Watches.
Why does Amazon gate these categories?
Amazon gates certain categories to protect customers from potential counterfeit goods, ensure product quality, and manage customer expectations around restricted items.
How can I get approved to sell in a gated category?
To get approved in a gated category, you'll need to request approval in Seller Central and provide invoices showing your supply chain, get brand authorization, pay fees in some cases, and meet Amazon's seller performance targets.
What happens if I break Amazon’s rules?
If you break Amazon's rules, they may delete your listings, restrict what you can sell, remove your ability to add new products, or suspend your Seller account entirely.
What are subcategory restrictions?
Subcategory restrictions only gate certain subcategories within a larger main category. For example, Amazon may gate learning games and building blocks within the wider Toys category.
What is auto-approval?
Auto-approval is when Amazon automatically approves your request to sell in a gated category, usually after you've been selling for 6+ months and have over $100k in sales.