What Are Gated Products?

Simply put, gated products are like the VIP section of online selling. Not everyone can sell them right off the bat. Platforms like Amazon put restrictions (or “gates”) on some items to keep things legit and protect both brands and customers. There are three different types of gating and restrictions on Amazon: Gated categories, gated brands and restricted products.

Some gated categories or items as of 2025 include:

• Brands like Burberry or Chanel
• Apple products
• Health and beauty items, like skincare and supplements
• Categories like Health and Personal Care, Baby Products or Animal Related Products.

Why Are Products Gated?

Amazon and other platforms use gating to:

• Protect big-name brands from counterfeit products.
• Make sure sellers meet certain standards (like food safety for groceries).
• Keep some categories from getting too crowded.
• Deliver a top-notch experience to customers.

What Are Ungated Products?

Ungated products, on the other hand, are fair game for pretty much anyone. These are in categories with fewer restrictions, making them perfect for beginners who are just getting started in online arbitrage.

Some examples of ungated categories include:

• Books
• Home & Kitchen
• Sports & Outdoors
• Office Supplies

Because you don’t need special approval, ungated products are a great way to dip your toes into the world of online arbitrage.

How to Get Ungated

If you want to step up your game and sell gated products, here’s how you can do it:

1. Request Approval:From your Seller Central page, click on ‘Catalog‘ and select ‘Add Products’. Search for the item by ASIN, barcode, part number, or name. Click on ‘Show Limitations’ in the results. Click on ‘Apply to sell’ to begin the application. (If the ‘Apply to sell’ button isn’t showing, then Amazon are most likely not accepting any new sellers in this category.)
2. Submit Documentation: You will then be asked to upload various documents such as invoices, product photos, or compliance documents. Some applications might be auto-approved, so no documents are required. Pro-tip: Keep your seller account in top shape with great reviews, low return rates and reliable shipping. A good track record makes it easier to get approved.

Selling Gated vs. Ungated: The Pros and Cons

Gated Products

Pros:

• Less competition because not everyone can sell them.
• Higher profit margins.
• Access to premium brands and hot categories.

Cons:

• Getting approval can be a hassle.
• You might need to invest more upfront for bulk purchases.
• There’s a chance your documentation won’t get approved.

Ungated Products

Pros:

• Super easy to start selling.
• No need to jump through hoops to get approved.
• Tons of products to choose from.

Cons:

• Loads of competition, which can lead to price wars.
• Margins might be smaller.
• Some categories can get oversaturated.

Tips for Navigating Gated and Ungated Products

1. Start Simple: Begin with ungated products to learn the ropes and build your confidence.
2. Use Sourcing Tools: Tools like SellerAmp SAS are lifesavers for figuring out what’s profitable and what’s not.
3. Expand Strategically: Once you’ve nailed the basics, start applying to get ungated in categories with higher profit potential.
4. Play by the Rules: Always make sure your invoices and paperwork are legit. Stick to reliable suppliers to avoid headaches.

So, that’s the basics! For a deeper dive into gated products, getting approved and sourcing auto-ungated products, take a look at our SellerAmp YouTube channel HERE, where our Arbitrage experts use their first hand knowledge to guide you through real-time examples.