Do I Need Permission to Sell Toys on Amazon?
The e-commerce giant, Amazon, has transformed the way we shop, offering a vast marketplace for sellers to showcase their products to a global audience. Among the unending numbers of categories available, the toy sector remains one of the most fun and potentially lucrative. From timeless classics to the latest tech-driven playthings, toys capture the imagination of both young and old.
However, selling toys on Amazon isn’t as simple as listing a product and waiting for sales. There are specific guidelines, restrictions, and strategies that sellers must be aware of to succeed.
Whether you’re a seasoned seller looking to expand into the toy category or a newbie eager to dive in, understanding the intricacies of this marketplace is crucial.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of selling toys on Amazon, addressing common questions, and providing actionable steps to ensure your venture is both profitable and compliant.
How to Know if You're Eligible to Sell Toys on Amazon?
To determine your eligibility, you should consider these steps to start:
1. Check Your Performance Metrics
- Ensure your Order Defect Rate (ODR) is under 1%,
- Maintain your pre-fulfillment cancel rate below 2.5%,
- Keep your late shipment rate under 4%
2. Visit the Seller Central Dashboard
- Log into your Seller Central
- Navigate to the ‘Inventory’ tab and select ‘Add a Product.’
- Search for the toy you want to list. If you’re restricted, Amazon will notify you and might provide steps to seek approval.
- To find out how to get approval to sell toys on Amazon, click here.
3. Stay Updated with Amazon’s Guidelines
- Amazon’s policies change, especially during the holiday season. Regularly check their guidelines to stay informed.
Why am I Restricted from Selling Toys on Amazon?
Amazon places restrictions on certain categories to ensure that customers have a positive buying experience and to protect the integrity of the marketplace. Toys, especially during the holiday season, are one such category.
Here are some reasons why you might be restricted:
- Seasonal Restrictions
During Q4 (October to December), Amazon often restricts new sellers from listing toys to ensure that experienced sellers fulfill the high demand. - Quality Concerns
If you’ve had previous issues with counterfeit products or customer complaints, Amazon might restrict your selling privileges. - Brand Restrictions
Some toy brands have exclusive agreements with Amazon or have gated their brands, preventing unauthorized sellers from listing their products.
What Are Amazon Restricted Or Gated Categories?
Why are Toys Restricted on Amazon?
Amazon gated or restricted categories are those with strict selling rules that no seller is allowed to sell freely. These categories, brands, and ASINs have specific approval guidelines, and any seller who meets the standards can enjoy a vast market with less competition.
That means Amazon only has the power to draw the rules and open gates for more sellers to access the categories. The good news, however, is that Amazon does not always restrict the entire category, like in the previous gating practices.
Instead, it gates subcategories, leaving some products open, even though they might be under gated categories. This explains why there is a short list of gated categories and a long list of restricted products or subcategories.
Generally, any seller who wants to sell within a gated category must apply for Amazon to let them in. This is especially true of ungating toys, and also, getting approval to buy and sell from the big toy brands on Amazon.
To get a broader picture of ungating categories and brands, here is a big guide to read.
Why Does Amazon Gate Its Toy Categories?
Most multi-million investments are built on trust, customer satisfaction, and a healthy working environment, and Amazon is no exception. Being a huge marketplace with millions of users globally, Amazon strives to maintain a good relationship with both buyers and sellers by ensuring only high-quality products are in circulation. It achieves this by gating some categories, brands, and ASINs. Therefore, among others, here are the main reasons why Amazon gates its toy sub-categories:
Safety Foremost
Because toys cater to babies, toddlers, and young children, they need to be manufactured according to all government regulations and must be certified as saleable in the US. Also, the raw materials need to be approved, and everything must be made from non-toxic and non-dangerous parts.
To Be Able To Monitor Product Standards
One of the first missions of the company is to ensure buyers are offered both high-quality and safe products. It does this by allowing only sellers whose products have undergone stringent quality assessment steps to access highly-demanded categories.
Since the platform is home to millions of brands and buyers, there are high chances of buyers getting counterfeit products.
Hence, it is Amazon’s responsibility to block such products by setting up strict selling rules.
For the Protection of Every Brand’s Reputation
Amazon also works jointly with big brands to ensure that only authorized resellers can list products from certain brands. Therefore, to protect the brand’s reputation, Amazon asks sellers to provide legit documentation from these brands to show they are allowed to list their products.
Resellers who do not provide proof of authorization are locked out of certain categories. Many large and well-known brands require pre-approval with them directly, before even applying to Amazon.
This is true for both seasoned sellers, and individuals new to the platform.
To Enhance Customer Satisfaction
Besides ensuring buyers can get high-quality products, Amazon also restricts some categories to prevent sellers from exploiting buyers. That means only sellers with a positive track record can access the categories and reach buyers.
This enhances customer satisfaction and a positive rating. The company may also limit or dictate maximum pricing to ensure buyers are not being fleeced.
How to Find the Most Popular Ranked Toys on Amazon?
For individuals learning how to sell toys on Amazon, understanding which toys are currently popular is hugely important. With countless products vying for the top spot, discerning which toys are capturing the hearts and wallets of consumers can be the key to optimizing your inventory and sales strategy.
Amazon offers a several tools and features that sellers can leverage to gauge the popularity of toys. By harnessing these resources, sellers can not only stay ahead of market trends but also position their products effectively to maximize visibility and sales.
Here are 5 ways to get data when thinking about the most popular ranked toys on Amazon.
1. Utilizing Amazon’s Best Sellers Page
One of the most straightforward ways to identify the most popular ranked toys on Amazon is to visit the ‘Best Sellers’ page. Amazon regularly updates this page to reflect the top-selling products across various categories. To find toys specifically, navigate to the ‘Toys & Games’ category. Here, you’ll see a list of the top 100 best-selling toys, updated hourly. This list provides a snapshot of what’s trending and popular at any given time. Each product will have its rank, customer reviews, and a brief description, allowing you to quickly gauge its popularity and relevance.
2. Amazon Sales Rank
Every product on Amazon has a ‘Best Sellers Rank’ (BSR). A lower BSR indicates higher sales. Check the product details page for this rank.
3. Reading Customer Reviews and Ratings
While the Best Sellers page provides a list of the top-selling toys, diving into customer reviews and ratings can offer deeper insights. Products with a high number of positive reviews and ratings are not only popular but also likely to be of good quality. Look for toys that have a 4-star rating or higher and a significant number of reviews. Reading through the reviews can also give you an understanding of why a particular toy is popular, whether it’s due to its educational value, entertainment factor, or sheer novelty.
4. Using Amazon’s ‘Movers & Shakers’ Feature
Another valuable resource on Amazon is the ‘Movers & Shakers’ page. This page showcases products that have seen a significant spike in sales over the past 24 hours. By checking the ‘Toys & Games’ category under this feature, you can identify toys that are rapidly gaining in popularity, perhaps due to a recent advertisement, celebrity endorsement, or viral social media post. This is a great way to stay ahead of the curve and discover emerging toy trends before they become mainstream.
5. Leveraging Third-party Tools
There are several third-party tools and websites designed to track and analyze Amazon sales data. Sometimes, they provide historical price data, sales rank information, and more. By using these tools, you might get a more comprehensive view of a toy’s popularity over time, rather than just a snapshot. This can be especially useful if you’re trying to identify consistent best-sellers as opposed to fleeting trends. Remember, while these tools can provide valuable insights, always cross-reference with Amazon to ensure accuracy and relevance. Only Amazon knows for sure what is really selling.
How to Find the Top 1000 Toys on Amazon
Finding the top 1000 toys list on Amazon can be a valuable strategy for sellers. It requires a combination of browsing the Amazon website and using its filtering and sorting features.
Here’s a 15 point step-by-step guide:
1. Visit Amazon’s Best Sellers Page
Start by going to Amazon’s Best Sellers page in the Toys & Games category.
2. Filter by Category
Use the category filters on the left-hand side to narrow down the results to specific toy categories or subcategories that interest you.
3. Sort by Customer Reviews
Sort the products by customer reviews to see which toys have received high ratings and positive feedback from buyers.
4. Sort by Best Seller Rank
Sort the products by Best Seller Rank (BSR) to identify toys with the lowest BSR, indicating high sales volume.
5. Check for Amazon Choice Products
Look for products labeled as “Amazon’s Choice” as these are often popular and well-reviewed items.
6. Analyze Product Listings
Click on the listings of top-ranked toys to gather more information about each product, including pricing, features, and customer reviews.
7. Use Amazon Product Research Tools
When permitted by Amazon, use legitimate third party tools to gather data.
8. Monitor Historical Data
Examine historical sales data for toys to understand seasonal trends and anticipate which toys might become popular in the future.
9. Stay Updated with Industry News
Keep up with industry news, blogs, and forums related to toys and games. This can help you discover emerging trends and new releases.
10. Follow Social Media Influencers
Follow social media influencers, toy reviewers, and parenting bloggers who often showcase popular toys. Their recommendations can provide valuable insights.
11. Attend Toy Trade Shows and Fairs
Attend toy trade shows and fairs to network with manufacturers, distributors, and other sellers to discover new and trending toys.
12. Read Industry Publications
There are many well-known magazines that cater to the toy market. They will definitely have excellent information on the most popular toys for the current season.
13. Pagination Navigation
Scroll down to the bottom of the search results page, where you’ll find pagination controls. Typically, you’ll see options to navigate to the next page, previous page, or jump to a specific page. Click on “Next” or select a page number to view more results.
14. Amazon Search
Type 1000 toys into the search bar of amazon to see what results come up.
15. Google Trends
Use Google Trends to see the search volume for specific toys or brands. An upward trend can indicate growing interest.
Finally, in addition to seeing the products in the your searches, be sure to make note of key information like product names, ASINs, prices, and expected profit margins.
How to Pack Toys for Amazon FBA?
When using Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), it’s crucial to pack products correctly to prevent damage and ensure efficient processing.
Here’s 5 points on how to comply with Amazon guidelines and good customer service when packing toys for FBA:
1. Use Sturdy Boxes
Ensure the box is strong enough to protect the toy during transit.
2. Avoid Overpacking
Don’t cram too many toys into one box. It increases the risk of damage.
3. Label Correctly
Each box should have an Amazon shipment label and packing slip. If you’re sending multiple boxes, number them (e.g., 1 of 5, 2 of 5).
4. Secure Loose Parts
If the toy has multiple parts, wrap them individually and ensure they’re secured within the main packaging.
5. Follow Amazon’s FBA Guidelines
Amazon has specific guidelines for FBA shipments, including box dimensions and weight limits. Familiarize yourself with these to avoid unnecessary fees.
How to Create a Multipack for Toys on Amazon?
What are Multipacks on Amazon?
On Amazon, the term “multipack” typically refers to a product listing where multiple units of the same item are sold together as a single package. For example, instead of buying a single bottle of shampoo, a multi-pack might offer three bottles bundled together, often at a discounted price per unit compared to buying them individually.
The benefits of selling this way include lower handling fees for sellers, discounts for buyers, convenience for buyers, lower shipping fees for buyers, great promotional deals and exclusives for sellers, may be required for customs, and environmentally friendly with less packaging.
How to Use Multi-packs when Selling Toys on Amazon
Review these 6 points before setting up and packaging toy multipacks:
1. Ensure Multipacks Are Allowed
Not all products can be sold as multipacks. Check Amazon’s policy first.
2. Bundle Identical Products
The products in a multipack must be identical.
3. Create a New Listing
Don’t add your multipack to an existing single-item listing. Create a new one.
4. Mention It’s a Multipack
In the title, bullet points, and description, clearly state that it’s a multipack.
5. Price Accordingly
Typically, multipacks should offer some savings compared to buying the items individually.
6. Pack Securely
Ensure the multipack is securely wrapped to prevent items from separating during transit.
How to Sell Your Stuffed Toys on Amazon
Selling stuffed toys on Amazon offers a unique opportunity to tap into a vast market of consumers who are in search of quality and unique plush products. Whether you’re a seasoned toy manufacturer or a crafty individual with a penchant for creating adorable stuffed animals, Amazon provides a platform to showcase your products to millions of potential buyers.
The key to success lies in understanding the platform’s intricacies, optimizing product listings with clear descriptions and high-quality images, and ensuring that your toys meet the safety and quality standards expected by consumers. Engaging in effective marketing strategies, such as leveraging Amazon’s advertising tools or gathering positive reviews, can further enhance visibility and drive sales.
But remember, you will be required to get ungated in this toy segment. There are strict guidelines for selling stuffed toys, and you will need to comply with all policies and regulations.
It’s essential to understand that competition can be fierce, with many sellers vying for the attention of the same target audience. To stand out, focus on what makes your stuffed toys unique, be it their design, materials, or backstory, and convey this uniqueness compellingly in your product listings.
How to Sell Lego on Amazon
Getting ungated in the LEGO category on Amazon is a process that allows sellers to offer products within this specific brand. Amazon has established gating for certain brands and categories to ensure that the products sold on its platform are authentic and meet the company’s quality standards.
The ungating process is essentially Amazon’s way of vetting sellers to ensure they have the rights to sell the brand and that they can maintain the high standards expected by Amazon customers. Sellers who wish to offer LEGO products must go through this approval process to demonstrate their credibility and the authenticity of their products.
For many sellers, becoming ungated in popular brands like LEGO can open up significant opportunities for growth and profit. However, the process can be intricate and requires careful attention to detail. It often involves providing Amazon with specific documentation, such as invoices from legitimate suppliers, to prove the authenticity of the products.
Additionally, Amazon may assess a seller’s performance metrics and history to determine their eligibility. While the exact requirements can vary, the overarching goal is to ensure that only reputable sellers can offer branded products, thereby maintaining trust and quality on the platform.
How to Sell Funko Pop New on Amazon
Selling Funko Pop figures on Amazon offers a unique opportunity for collectors and entrepreneurs to tap into a passionate niche market. These vinyl figures, known for their distinctive design and representation of pop culture icons, have garnered a dedicated following.
When selling new Funko Pop figures on Amazon, it’s essential to ensure that the product is in mint condition, with its original packaging intact. Clear, high-quality photos that showcase the figure from multiple angles can help potential buyers assess the product’s condition and authenticity.
Additionally, providing a detailed description, including any limited edition or exclusive details, can further entice collectors and fans.
To succeed in selling Funko Pop figures on Amazon, understanding the platform’s rules and fees is crucial. Amazon has specific guidelines for sellers, and adhering to these can help in building a trustworthy reputation. Pricing is another critical factor. While some Funko Pop figures might fetch a high price due to their rarity or demand, it’s essential to research comparable listings and set a competitive price.
Engaging with customer inquiries promptly and ensuring timely delivery can also enhance the buying experience, leading to positive reviews and repeat business. As the Funko Pop community continues to grow, so does the potential for sellers to profit from this lively market on Amazon.
How to Sell Hasbro on Amazon
Hasbro, a famous well-known name in the world of playthings, has been a staple in children’s toy boxes for decades. These toys, ranging from board games like Monopoly to action figures from popular franchises, have not only provided entertainment but have also become collectibles for enthusiasts.
But, can anyone sell this brand of toys on Amazon? What does it take to get approved to sell Hasbro items on Amazon?
Indeed, the digital marketplace has transformed the way consumers shop, and Amazon stands at the forefront of this revolution. For Hasbro toy sellers, this platform offers a unique opportunity to showcase their products to a vast audience, leveraging the trust and credibility associated with both the Hasbro brand and Amazon’s customer-centric approach.
As the demand for toys and collectibles continues to grow, selling Hasbro toys on Amazon remains a promising avenue for both seasoned and novice sellers who take the time and effort to go through the process of ungating.
How to Sell Dr Who Toys on Amazon
Selling Dr Who toys on Amazon taps into a niche of dedicated fans and collectors who are always on the lookout for merchandise related to the iconic British sci-fi series. With its rich history spanning several decades, Doctor Who has a diverse range of characters, gadgets, and storylines, which translates into many of toy options.
From action figures of various Doctors and companions to replicas of the TARDIS and sonic screwdrivers, the potential inventory for sellers is vast. By providing detailed product descriptions, high-quality images, and competitive pricing, sellers can attract both casual buyers and hardcore Whovians.
However, while the potential for profit is significant, competition on Amazon can be fierce. But, the biggest problem for sellers is being accepted to sell the brand in the first place. Restrictions are in place to combat conterfeit items, and to maintain the integerity of the brand.
But, like other gated categories on Amazon, those individuals that are willing to put the work into their business can be approved for this category of toys and brand name.
Final Thoughts on How to Sell Toys on Amazon
Selling toys on Amazon can be a rewarding venture, but it’s essential to understand the platform’s nuances. By ensuring you’re eligible to sell, identifying top-ranked toys, packing products correctly for FBA, and effectively creating multipacks, you can optimize your toy-selling experience on Amazon.
Additionally, successfully selling toys on Amazon requires a blend of strategic planning, understanding the platform’s intricacies, and adapting to the ever-evolving consumer preferences.
By ensuring that your products are of high quality, competitively priced, and accompanied by compelling product listings, sellers can tap into Amazon’s vast customer base and maximize their sales potential. With our our big guide on how to sell toys on Amazon, you will understand everything involved.
Remember, continuous research, customer feedback, and staying updated with Amazon’s policies will be pivotal in maintaining a competitive edge in the bustling marketplace. Embrace the challenge, and with dedication and persistence, the world of online toy sales on Amazon can be a rewarding venture.
