How To Ungate Your Amazon Account To Sell in Netherlands
Ungating refers to Amazon’s approval process that allows its community of retailers to list and sell inventory in gated categories. These restricted categories are vital to Amazon’s business model which prioritizes customer protection, brand value, and marketplace integrity.
Whether you are a Netherlands-based Amazon FBA seller looking to expand your inventory, or a startup looking to cash in on its vast marketplace, ungating its restricted categories can open up floodgates to wider profit margins.
For starters, sellers with access to gated (restricted) categories get to choose from a wide range of inventory, and secondly, they enjoy more profits as a consequence of offering more product listings in less competitive marketplaces.
However, getting ungated, for most sellers, may be easier said than done. That is down to Amazon’s tedious standards that require fulfillment of safety guidelines to the latter.
Are you looking to break into Amazon’s restricted categories? While the process can be tedious and frustrating, using an ungating service for Netherlands can make it fairly simple.
There are two ways how to get ungated in Netherlands for Amazon.nl. You can either do the heavy lifting by yourself or enlist the services of a third-party ungating company that will do all the legwork in terms of requisite documentation, invoices, necessary files, etc.
Selling on Amazon in Netherlands
Amazon Netherlands, often referred to as Amazon.nl, provides a dynamic marketplace for businesses and individual sellers to reach a wide Dutch audience. As one of the leading e-commerce platforms in the Netherlands, Amazon.nl offers a vast array of product categories and has become a favored destination for Dutch online shoppers.
Selling on Amazon Netherlands grants merchants access to robust selling tools, the Prime program, and the opportunity to tap into Amazon’s vast logistics network through services like Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA).
By ensuring a seamless shopping experience and reliable customer service, the platform helps both established brands and new entrants effectively cater to the demands of the local market.
Therefore, here’s a brief but important overview of the seller guidelines:
- List your products on the Netherlands version of the marketplace (amazon.nl)
- Select a Plan between Individual and Professional. The former charges €0.99 per sale, while the latter has a monthly fee of €39. Your sales volume will dictate the best choice.
- To start, you’ll need a business email, chargeable credit card, valid identification, and company details, including VAT registration.
- For those selling in Europe, it’s crucial to be aware of VAT regulations and registration requirements.
- Next, once all the legalities are in order, create a listing.
- The products you sell will require identifiers like UPC, ISBN, or EAN
- Choose a fulfillment method – either ship independently or utilize Netherlands Amazon’s Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA). Opting for FBA lets sellers use Amazon’s storage and shipping infrastructure. Amazon also manages customer interactions, including returns.
- Be sure to maintain proper standards in all areas of sales. Amazon expects Netherlands sellers to uphold certain performance standards, emphasizing metrics such as order defect rate and timely shipments.
- Understanding customer feedback will help metrics. Customer reviews play a pivotal role on Amazon. Sellers should be proactive and ethical in seeking feedback.
- Grow your business with promotion. Amazon can help with this. They provide advertising tools like Sponsored Products and Amazon Stores to boost product visibility.
- Try out special offers to help with sales. Sellers can entice customers with discounts or free shipping offers.
The guidelines can differ from one product to another or a category to the other. Despite the slight differences, these rules represent Amazon’s standards in Netherlands that new sellers have to fulfill to be approved to list and sell.
Amazon Seller Netherlands
Amazon.nl was primarily a book-selling site for many years, but in March 2020, Amazon expanded it to a full-fledged marketplace, allowing third-party sellers to list a broader range of products.
But, in order to sell successfully, there are some facts an Amazon Netherlands seller should be aware of.
- Amazon.nl expanded from books to include millions of products across more than 20 product categories in 2020. This opened up a new market for third-party sellers wanting to target Dutch consumers.
- Site Competition: Before Amazon’s expansion, other platforms like Bol.com dominated the e-commerce landscape in the Netherlands. However, with Amazon’s strong brand recognition and extensive logistics network, it quickly became a formidable competitor.
- European Fulfillment Network (EFN): For sellers active in Amazon’s European marketplaces, they can fulfill orders across EU countries using the European Fulfillment Network. This means a seller on Amazon.de (Germany) can also easily sell and ship products to customers in the Netherlands.
- Pan-European FBA: Sellers can also use the Pan-European FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) to store inventory in Amazon’s fulfillment centers across Europe. This reduces shipping times and costs as products are stored closer to customers.
- Language: While English is widely spoken in the Netherlands, listing products in Dutch can enhance the customer experience. Amazon provides tools and services to help sellers localize their listings.
- Regulations and VAT: Sellers targeting the Dutch market must be aware of local regulations, consumer rights, and VAT (Value Added Tax) requirements. The Netherlands, like other EU countries, has specific rules regarding product compliance, returns, and taxes.
- Opportunities: The Netherlands has a high internet penetration rate, with a significant portion of the population accustomed to online shopping. This presents a lucrative opportunity for sellers offering unique products, competitive prices, and efficient delivery services.
If you are looking to break into Netherlands Amazon’s more restrictive categories to unlock more profits, no time is as opportune as now.
Amazon Prime Netherlands
Amazon has made significant inroads into various markets around the world. One of its most popular services, Amazon Prime, has been tailored to meet the needs of different regions. In this section, we’ll explore the evolution, features, and impact of Amazon Prime in the Netherlands.
Introduction to Amazon Prime in the Netherlands
Amazon Prime made its debut in the Netherlands in 2017, offering Dutch customers a suite of benefits that have been tailored to the local market. Since its launch, the service has seen a steady increase in subscribers, reflecting the growing demand for online shopping and streaming services in the country.
Key Features of Netherlands Amazon Prime
1. Prime Delivery
One of the primary attractions of Amazon Prime is the expedited shipping options. Dutch Prime members enjoy unlimited free delivery on eligible items, often within one day.
This streaming service offers a vast selection of movies, TV shows, and original content. Over the years, Amazon has also invested in Dutch productions, catering to local tastes and preferences. 3. Prime Reading:
Members have access to a rotating selection of eBooks, magazines, and comics. This feature has been particularly popular among the Dutch, given the country’s high literacy rate and love for reading. 4. Amazon Music:
While it’s a separate subscription in some regions, in the Netherlands, Prime members often get access to a vast library of songs, playlists, and radio stations.
Indeed, with the significant shift in consumer shopping behavior, the convenience of next-day delivery, and the vast selection of products on Amazon, it makes sense for sellers to crack this Dutch marketplace and seek Amazon ungating.
More consumers are now inclined to shop online, knowing they can rely on quick and efficient delivery from Amazon Prime Netherlands.
Amazon Central Netherlands
Amazon Seller Central is the web interface used by brands and merchants to market and sell their products directly to Amazon’s customers. In the Netherlands, as in other countries, Seller Central offers a platform for local businesses to tap into a vast customer base, both domestically and internationally.
Let’s look at the pros and cons of Amazon Central Netherlands.
Pros:
1. Global Reach:
Through Amazon Seller Central, Dutch businesses can sell not only to local customers but also to consumers across Europe and beyond.
2. Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA):
This feature allows sellers to store their products in Amazon’s fulfillment centers. Amazon takes care of storage, packaging, and shipping, making it easier for sellers to manage their business.
3. Advertising and Promotions:
Sellers can use Amazon’s advertising tools to boost their product visibility, driving more sales.
4. Detailed Analytics:
The platform provides comprehensive insights into sales, customer behavior, and other vital metrics, helping businesses strategize effectively.
5.Success Stories:
Several Dutch businesses have leveraged Amazon Seller Central to great success. From local brands expanding their reach to entrepreneurs starting from scratch on the platform, the Netherlands has witnessed a surge in e-commerce success stories, thanks in part to Amazon’s infrastructure.
Continued Growth:
With the continued growth of e-commerce and the increasing trust in online shopping among the Dutch population, the potential for Amazon Seller Central in the Netherlands looks promising. As Amazon continues to invest in its Dutch operations, sellers can expect enhanced tools, better integration with local systems, and more opportunities for growth.
Cons:
1. Adapting to Local Tastes:
While Amazon provides a global platform, understanding and catering to local preferences is crucial. Dutch entrepreneurs use Seller Central’s analytics to gauge local demand and adjust their offerings accordingly.
2. Language and Customer Service:
Although many residents understand English, listings are to be written in Dutch. By providing customer service in Dutch and ensuring product listings are in the local language enhances trust and boosts sales.
3. Competition:
The vastness of Amazon means that there’s intense competition. Dutch sellers not only compete with local businesses but also with international brands.
4. Regulations and Compliance:
Sellers need to be aware of Dutch regulations concerning product standards, consumer rights, and taxes.
5. Cultural Nuances:
While the Netherlands is a small country, there are regional differences in preferences and buying behaviors that sellers need to be aware of.
Despite the cons of the system, Amazon Seller Central has provided Dutch entrepreneurs with a robust platform to showcase their products to a global audience. Indeed, challenges exist, but the potential rewards, in terms of sales, brand visibility, and growth, are immense. As the Dutch e-commerce landscape evolves, Amazon Seller Central will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping its future.
What Are Amazon Restricted Or Gated Categories?
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.
Also, enlisting the services of third-party ungating companies is another way on how to get ungated in Netherlands for Amazon.nl.
To get a broader picture of ungating categories and brands, here is a big guide to read.
Why Does Amazon Gate Its 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 categories:
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. That is why ungating service for Netherlands requires sellers to show authorization and necessary documentation from agencies that oversee all safety standards concerning ingredients or raw materials, packaging, product labeling, and expiry dates.
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.
Categories And Products That Require Amazon Approval in Netherlands
As stated earlier, Amazon has a long list of gated products and a short list of restricted categories. That is because one category can have more subcategories, which can add up to tens of products.
Therefore, when applying for approval, sellers need to consider three ungating levels; category, brand, and product ungating. They should also differentiate between category and product unlocking.
General Guidelines to Get Ungated on Amazon Netherlands
Whether you are a new reseller or an established FBA seller, utilizing the vast market space offered by Amazon should never be a challenge again.
Two of the most common questions new sellers seek answers to are; can you do Amazon FBA from Netherlands? And is FBA profitable in Netherlands?
The answer to both is yes. You can create an account, get ungated, scale your business, and enjoy the benefits that come with Fulfillment by Amazon such as storage spaces, returns, and world-class customer service. Amazon’s mission is to see its users grow, and thus, increase sales and profitability. And this does not matter if you are listing your products in a locked or unrestricted category.
As a result, if you want to expand your selling portfolio by accessing restricted categories, here are the general guidelines to get ungated on Amazon:
Sign Up for A Professional Amazon Seller Account
Professional Amazon Seller Account is the backbone of any seller as it records all the activities conducted by the seller on the platform. It is through this account that Amazon can tell your business position and determine whether you meet all the quality standards or not.
Analyze And Verify Your Account Health
Creating a professional Seller Account is not enough. You still need to maintain its health to maximize your chances of getting approved. Maintaining a healthy account includes meeting your customers’ expectations and adhering to Amazon’s business code. That means you should have a timely shipping record, good customer relations, competitive pricing, and avoid violating Amazon’s policies. To check your account health, go to the Account Health section on the Seller Central Account and click on the Performance menu.
Check Specific Category Ungating Guidelines
Each category has specific ungating instructions, and you need to check them before requesting approval. Some categories are complicated, while others have simple instructions that even new sellers can unlock easily. For example, some categories like CA Grocery & Gourmet ungating service may require sellers to have at least three years of selling experience and running websites.
Choose A Reputable Supplier
Getting a reliable supplier is also a vital step, especially as your demand curve grows. Amazon will also ask you to provide legitimate invoices from trusted suppliers whose products fall under gated categories. After choosing a supplier, you need to place at least three orders, with each order having at least ten pieces of the restricted product. Retailers are not considered suppliers. You cannot go down to your local store and purchase a bunch of items for resale. The products need to come from verified wholesalers and distributors.
Prepare All Documents
Before submitting your approval request, you need to prepare your documents, which include recent purchase invoices from reputable wholesalers. These scanned copies of individual invoices should have all the ASINs written next to the product name. Price and other confidential information should be locked for wholesaler privacy.
Request Approval
With all the documents and other requirements ready, you can proceed to request approval from Amazon.
Final Thoughts on Ungating Service for Netherlands
Ungating on Amazon in the Netherlands underscores the platform’s commitment to maintaining a high-quality marketplace for its users.
By ensuring sellers meet specific criteria to access restricted categories, Amazon bolsters consumer trust and ensures a consistent shopping experience. For sellers in the Netherlands, successfully navigating the ungating process signifies not just compliance but a dedication to excellence.
As the Dutch e-commerce sector continues to grow, the benefits of ungating will become increasingly evident, offering sellers a competitive edge and the opportunity to tap into niche markets. In essence, the process, while rigorous, paves the way for enhanced business opportunities in a thriving digital marketplace.
