How to Get Ungated on Amazon: A Step-by-Step Guide

You’ve done the research, found a great product, and are ready to start selling on Amazon. But when you go to list it, you’re stopped cold by a message like “Request Approval” or “Your Account Does Not Qualify.” Frustrating, right?

If you’re new to Amazon selling, getting “ungated” can seem like a mystery. But here’s the thing: it’s not as hard as it looks. You don’t need to pay someone thousands of dollars to do it for you. With the right steps, you can unlock restricted categories and brands on your own—and I’ll show you how.

In this guide, I’ll break down exactly how to get ungated on Amazon, step by step. Whether you’re eyeing lucrative categories like Grocery, Beauty, or Toys, or you just want to sell that one restricted brand, I’ve got you covered.

By the end of this post, you’ll know:

• Why Amazon gates certain products (and why it’s actually a good thing for serious sellers).
• How to check if a product or category is gated.
• The 3 main methods to get ungated—including the most common (and sometimes frustrating) invoice-based approach.
• Pro tips to avoid rejection and speed up the process.

Let’s get started by explaining exactly what “ungating” means.

What Does “Ungated” Mean on Amazon?

“Ungating” is Amazon’s approval process for selling restricted brands, categories, or products. Some approvals are instant, while others require extra steps like submitting invoices and product photos. Each category and brand has different requirements.

Sometimes, simply clicking the “Request Approval” button is enough to get ungated—this is called “auto-ungating.” We’ll cover that in more detail later.

However, most new sellers must go through the standard ungating process, which involves uploading an invoice and product images directly to Amazon. This is where many sellers get stuck, and some so-called “gurus” charge thousands to do it for you.

In this guide, I’ll break down the ungating process step by step and show you how to increase your chances of approval. But first, let’s talk about why Amazon restricts certain categories and brands in the first place..

Why Does Amazon Gate Certain Categories and Brands?

The number one reason Amazon has restrictions on certain categories or brands is to provide customers with safe and authentic products. In other words, they want to avoid new sellers coming onto their platform and selling counterfeit goods or low-quality products.

It is not uncommon to find counterfeits for brands in fashion or shoes which is why you will always find restrictions when you are trying to sell a new pair of Nikes that just released.

Likewise, categories like grocery and OTC (over-the-counter) are gated for safety reasons. From a liability standpoint, it doesn’t make sense to allow any random seller to have listings for medication and food products.

The good news is for serious Amazon sellers this provides a great opportunity. Putting in the time and effort to ungate yourself on some of these lucrative listings can immediately separate you from someone who is looking for the low-hanging fruit. This is especially important when it comes to online arbitrage, where being able to sell well-known brands like Marvel or Nike can be incredibly beneficial to your business.

Categories like beauty and grocery are some of the most lucrative on Amazon. Learning how to get ungated for these sections can be a huge boost to your business.

How to Check If a Product or Category is Gated

Before you dive into the ungating process, you need to know if the product or category you’re interested in is gated. Luckily, checking is pretty simple.

1. Log into your Seller Central account.
2. Go to “Add a Product” and type in the ASIN or product name.
3. Make sure to select “New” in the condition dropdown menu.
4. If you see a button that says “Apply to Sell”, the product or category is gated.

Click “Apply to Sell” and then “Request Approval” to see the specific requirements for ungating. Amazon will typically ask for an official invoice, though some sellers have been approved with online receipts. If you’ve been denied multiple times, consider requesting an official invoice from your supplier.

You may also need to provide product photos, shipping tracking numbers, or additional documentation. For some products, like toys, you might need to ungate both the brand and the category. Always check the top-right corner of the page for additional requirements.

Methods to Get Ungated on Amazon

When it comes to ungating there are generally three main ways it takes place. In this section, we’ll take a quick look at all three so you can easily understand the difference.

Auto Ungating: The Easiest Method

Sometimes, clicking the “Apply to Sell” button is all you need to get ungated for a product. This quick process, known as “Auto Ungating,” really is as simple as it sounds.

The more time you spend as a reliable Amazon seller, the more products Amazon will automatically ungate for you. Sellers with years of good account health often find that many brands and categories open up automatically.

For new sellers, it is important to check if a product is auto-ungated before going through all the extra steps of manual ungating.

Quiz or Questionaire: 5 Minutes or Less

The second ungating method is the rarest of the three, but also quite straightforward. When clicking “Apply to Sell” for certain products or brands you may be directed to a page with a Youtube video and questionnaire.

The instructions will tell you to simply watch the video and then answer the following multiple-choice questions. Depending on the category or brand, the video will change but it is often related to one of Amazon’s policies that applies to the product you are trying to be ungated for.

To be ungated with this method simply correctly answer the questions and you will immediately be approved.

While the brands and categories that use this ungating method may change, in the past products like pesticides or subcategories like plush toys relied on quiz-based ungating.

Standard Ungating: Invoice & Photo Method

When sellers ask about how to get ungated on Amazon, this is often the method they are referring to. It is by far the most involved method and takes the most time. Categories like beauty or grocery rely on this ungating method, as well as many of the most lucrative brands.

This method involves providing Amazon with proof that you have a valid supplier for the product or category you are trying to sell. This is done by uploading a copy of an invoice along with photos of the product, packaging, tracking info, and more.

In the next section, we will go over a step-by-step guide on how to get ungated using this method as well as tips to improve your chances of success.

How To Get Ungated on Amazon (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Have A Professional Seller Account

While the rest of these steps apply specifically to verification-based ungating, having a professional seller account applies to all three ungating methods.

A Professional Seller Account is currently $39.99 / month and includes many additional benefits besides the ability to sell restricted products. Unfortunately, there is no way around this, so if you are serious about getting ungated on Amazon you will have to upgrade to a professional account.

If you don’t have a seller account and aren’t sure where to start, check out our guide on How to Start an Amazon FBA Business: A Step-by-step Guide.

Step 2: Find a Product, Category, or Brand You Want To Sell

If you already have a Professional Seller Account, the next step is to identify restricted products or brands you want to sell. Are you looking at getting into the grocery category? Do you want to sell a certain clothing brand? Are you interested in selling Marvel products?

For specific brands generally ungating one product will ungate the entire brand for your account. For example, ungating a Nike brand sock will ungate your seller account to sell all Nike products. Likewise ungating a single Marvel figurine will unlock the entire Marvel brand for your account.

For product categories, it works a little differently. Ungating one grocery item, for example, will typically allow you to sell several additional products in that category. It will not, however, unlock the entire category.

In other categories, like beauty, ungating often works similarly to brands. Ungating one brand of face cream may result in you ungating that specific brand, but it will not ungate the entire beauty category.

While you technically could pick any product on the platform for ungating here are a couple of tips for choosing what product to use:

• Choose a Cheap SKU: For example, if you were looking to ungate Nike as a brand you would most likely want to choose a pair of Nike socks as opposed to an expensive pair of shoes.
• Find a Product that You Will Be Able to Source Easily: For the next step, you will need to find a supplier and purchase ten of the products you choose. For this reason, it is best to choose an easy-to-find, popular product

For New Sellers: Does Your Account Qualify?

If you’re new to Amazon selling, there’s something important to know: not all products or brands are available to you right away. Before diving into the ungating process, double-check if your account even qualifies to apply.

For some products or brands, Amazon has strict seller account health requirements. If you don’t meet these, you’ll see the message “Your Account Does Not Qualify” when you click the “Request Approval” button.

For example, popular brands like Nike and Adidas are often hard-gated for new sellers. This means you won’t even see the option to apply—no matter how many invoices or photos you have.

In cases like these, you’ll need to focus on building your account health first. Start by selling auto-ungated products, maintaining good metrics, and growing your sales history. Over time, more opportunities (including restricted brands and categories) will open up for you.

Step 3: Find A Reputable Supplier

After you’ve chosen a product or brand your next step is to find a supplier. There are two very important points to remember for this section:

• 1: The Supplier Must Be Able To Provide An Invoice: While some sellers have been approved with online receipts, Amazon’s official guidelines require an invoice. To avoid delays or rejections, it’s always better to have a proper invoice from your supplier. If you’ve been denied multiple times, switching to an invoice can significantly improve your chances.
• 2: The Product From Your Supplier Must Match the Amazon Listing: Double check the product name, model number, or UPC matches the Amazon listing you are applying under

While there is no exact list of acceptable suppliers here are a few common suppliers that have worked in the past.

• Frontier Coop – used to ungate the grocery or beauty categories, you must have an LLC to purchase from here
• ASOS – used to ungate beauty if you don’t have an LLC
• Target – order online, not in-store, as you need an invoice. Invoices can be printed from the Target website. Currently, it works well for ungating several categories
• Kohls – commonly used to ungate the pet category
• GNC – used to ungate the vitamin category

If you want a more in-depth guide that covers a huge selection of suppliers you can use to get ungated on Amazon I strongly recommend watching this YouTube video by the Daily Hernan channel

Step 4: Purchase at Least 10 Units of the Same ASIN

Once you’ve found a supplier that sells the exact product you want to be ungated for on Amazon, the next step is to purchase it. Amazon requires an invoice that shows a minimum purchase of 10 units. For this reason, we recommend purchasing exactly 10.

Also for stores with both physical locations and online storefronts make sure to buy online. This is because you will want to photograph and upload the shipment when it arrives, along with the shipping label that shows your address and the supplier’s information.

For suppliers, like Target, for example, purchasing online allows you to easily print your invoice. Compare this to purchasing in-store where you will be handed a receipt, which Amazon does not accept.

Step 5: Collect the Required Photos and Invoice

After you’ve purchased your products and waited for the shipment to arrive, the next step is taking verification photos to upload to Amazon. You will want to take photos of the unopened shipment, the products themselves, the shipping label, a photo with both the box and the products in view, as well as a screenshot of the tracking information for the shipment.

Photo Verification Tips:

When taking your verification photos keep in mind:

• Photos cannot be blurry or difficult to read
• Make sure there is adequate lighting
• All shipping labels should be visible (ingredients, product name, etc)
• The supplier name and contact info should be visible
• The label should be appropriate for the region you are selling in

When printing or downloading your invoice make sure that you wait until after your shipment has arrived. Your invoice must show that your order was completed and delivered in order for Amazon to ungate you.

Invoice Verification Tips:

When preparing your invoice make sure to:

• It shows a purchase of at least 10 units
• It is in a non-editable format (PDF or JPG)
• It is in the correct orientation
• It has the correct business name and address that match your Amazon seller account info
• It displays the supplier’s full business name and contact info
• It contains product identifiers (model number, product name, UPC)
• It is dated within 180 days of the upload date
• It is not an order confirmation, receipt, or packing slip
• It was issued after your purchase (it cannot be a quote or contain the words “Pro Forma”)
• The product on the invoice directly matches the product you are applying to sell

While you are allowed to hide the product pricing information all other details must be clearly visible.

Step 6: Upload the Required Information

Once you have collected all of the required photos and invoice it is time to send in your ungating request.

To begin you will need to click the “Request Approval” button listed under the product you are attempting to be ungated to sell.

Next, you will be taken to a page that lists the required documents followed by a section where you can upload your photos and invoice.

After you have uploaded all of your files there is a section for comments. We recommend including a short note stating that you are applying to be ungated for this specific ASIN and state the proof and verification you have provided.

After this, all you have to do is click submit and you are done. At this point, you just have to wait for Amazon’s response. In most cases, you will be notified within 1-2 days, with 3 days typically being the longest you will have to wait. At this point, you will be notified if Amazon has ungated your account or you will need to reapply.

If you would like to check on your ungating requests please go to the Seller Central main menu. From here click “Catalog” and then click “View Selling Applications.” This will show a complete list of all of your ungating requests along with whether Amazon ungated you for that product, denied your request, or you are still waiting for a response.

Amazon Ungating Services: Are They Worth It?

If you’ve spent time researching how to get ungated on Amazon, you’ve likely stumbled across “ungating services.” These companies claim to handle the entire process for you—for a fee. But are they worth the investment?

On one hand, ungating services can save you time. They’re familiar with Amazon’s requirements and often have connections to suppliers who can provide the right invoices. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start, they might seem like a tempting shortcut.

On the other hand, these services can cost $2,000 or more. That’s a significant expense, especially when you can often do it yourself for the cost of buying 10 units of a product (usually under 2,000 or more. That’s a significant expense, especially when you can often do it yourself for the cost of buying 10 units of a product (usually under 100). There’s also the risk of scams. Some services use questionable methods that could get your account flagged or even suspended.

For most sellers, we recommended avoiding these services. Yes, ungating can be frustrating, but the process isn’t as complicated as it seems, and there are plenty of free resources (like this guide) to help you through it. Save your money for inventory or marketing instead.

If you’re still considering a service, do your homework. Look for reviews, ask for references, and steer clear of any company that promises guaranteed approval. Amazon’s process is never 100% predictable, and no service can change that.

Tips to Get Ungated Faster

Getting ungated on Amazon doesn’t have to be a slow, frustrating process. With the right approach, you can speed things up and improve your chances of approval. Here are some proven tips to help you get ungated faster:

• Start with Auto-Ungated Products: Build your sales history by focusing on products that don’t require approval. The more sales you have, the more likely Amazon is to auto-ungate you for other categories or brands.
• Choose Profitable Products for Ungating: When buying the required 10 units, pick items you can actually sell. This way, you’re not just spending money to get ungated—you’re also setting yourself up to make a profit.
• Buy Directly from the Brand or Retailer: Amazon prefers invoices from reputable sources. Buying directly from the brand’s website or a large retailer like Target or Kohl’s can increase your chances of approval.
• Double-Check Your Documents: Make sure your invoice, photos, and shipping information are clear and complete. Blurry photos, missing details, or incorrect formats are common reasons for rejection.
• Rename Your Files Before Reapplying: If your application is denied, rename your files (e.g., “brand_invoice_newdate.pdf”) before resubmitting. This helps avoid Amazon’s automated systems flagging your application as a duplicate.
• Add Extra Documentation: Include shipping tracking numbers, delivery confirmations, and even bank transaction screenshots to strengthen your application. The more proof you provide, the better.
• Be Persistent: Rejections are normal, especially for new sellers. If you’re denied, tweak your application and try again. Many sellers get approved after a few attempts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Final Thoughts on Getting Ungated on Amazon

Ultimately, I hope this guide helped clear up the often confusing topic of how to get ungated on Amazon.

While it certainly can be frustrating at times, it is important to remember to be patient. Ungating takes time. As a new seller, you will be denied sometimes and that’s ok. Nothing is stopping you from reapplying in the future.

Despite what online gurus may say you do not need to spend thousands of dollars on their “ungating services.” By following the steps in this post you will be able to ungate yourself to sell in any category or brand that Amazon allows.

A last tip I can give you is to focus on sales first and ungating second. If you can grow your sales numbers and maintain good account health the number of products that you will be auto-ungated to sell will skyrocket.

This will save you the time and money of purchasing products and uploading the information to Amazon.

Just remember to keep moving forward and eventually, you will be able to sell in whatever category or brand you choose.

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