Hello and welcome to the Listings Lounge once again. We've noticed a persistent stream of questions about how to apply for selling rights across various brands, categories, and products. To address these common inquiries, I've provided additional information below detailing both the application process and the appeal procedures for those looking to sell within specific brands, categories, and product lines.
Brand Approvals:
Typically, sellers submit a single brand selling application, with the review team requesting additional information if needed. If the application is rejected, the team usually asks for new or supplementary documentation on the same application. Repeatedly submitting new applications for the same brand may trigger automatic rejections from the system.
To appeal a rejection, follow Amazon's Responsible Sourcing documentation request requirements:
1. Submit copies of invoices, receipts or other similar documents from the manufacturer or brand that shows where your products are made.
These documents should:
- Reflect your product's sales volume across all Amazon marketplaces in the past year
- Demonstrate the complete supply chain of your product
- Include contact information for suppliers and original manufacturers (Amazon may verify these)
2. Provide documentation that traces your products back to the original manufacturer, even if you're not purchasing directly from them. This may require obtaining additional invoices or supply chain documents from your supplier.
3. You may redact pricing information, but ensure the rest of the document is visible for proper review. For clarity, you can highlight or circle the relevant ASIN(s).
4. If you're sourcing directly from the brand or their manufacturer, including a letter of authorization (LOA) can significantly strengthen your appeal.
Remember to submit all documentation within the same application to avoid potential automatic rejections.
Category Approvals:
The Overview of Categories page provides an overview of the product categories in which you can sell, including which product conditions (New, Used, Refurbished, and Collectible), and if approval is required or not. It's important to note that even if a particular category doesn't require Amazon's approval for selling, certain specific products within that category might still need approval before you can list them. Therefore, it's advisable to check both the category requirements and individual product restrictions when planning your product listings.
Product Approvals:
In some cases, you might gain approval for a category, sub-category, or brand, but still face restrictions on specific products or ASINs within those approved areas. This is because Amazon implements additional approval processes for certain items, extending beyond just category or brand approvals. These product-specific approvals are in place to maintain customer trust and ensure a high-quality shopping experience on the platform.
While we can't provide further details about the product review process at this time, we recommend the following steps:
1. Regularly check the "Products that require approval" help page for any updates.
2. If you're interested in selling a particular item, try reapplying through the 'Add a product' section in Seller Central after some time has passed.
3. Keep in mind that product-level approvals may be necessary even if you have category or brand approval.
Restricted Products:
Amazon implements approval requirements for numerous categories, brands, and products, with policies and restrictions subject to change. As our product catalog expands, we continually assess which items should be restricted based on various factors.
If you're a supplier on Amazon, it's crucial to thoroughly review the Restricted Products help pages before listing any item. Please note that the examples provided in these pages are not exhaustive and serve only as an informational guide. We strongly recommend consulting with your legal advisor if you have questions about laws and regulations pertaining to your products. Even for items listed as "Examples of Permitted Listings," all products and listings must comply with applicable laws.
For certain restricted items, Amazon requires sellers to submit an application through Seller Central for review. If approved, you'll be allowed to list the product. However, it's important to understand that we may not accept applications for every product that has selling restrictions.
This dynamic approach to product restrictions helps us maintain a safe and trustworthy marketplace. We appreciate your cooperation in adhering to these guidelines and staying informed about potential changes that may affect your product listings.
We'd appreciate your feedback on the approval process for brands, categories, and products:
1. What are your experiences with these approval procedures?
2. Have you successfully obtained any selling approvals?
3. If you have, what strategies or approaches proved effective for you?
Your insights could be valuable to other sellers navigating similar processes. Feel free to share both positive experiences and any challenges you've faced. This information helps us understand the seller community's perspective and potentially identify areas for improvement in the approval system.
Regards,
-Manny
Resources:
Categories and products that require approval
Invoice requirements for when you apply to sell
Guidelines to source products to sell on Amazon
Restricted products
