Amazon is one of the largest e-commerce platforms in the world, offering a vast array of products for consumers to choose from.
However, some categories on Amazon are considered “gated”, meaning that sellers need to apply for permission to sell within those categories.
Gardening is one of those gated categories, which can be a challenge for sellers looking to offer their gardening products on the platform.
In this article, we will discuss why some gardening categories are gated, what subcategories are available for gardening products, and how to ungate gardening on Amazon.
Why Ungate Gardening on Amazon?
Ungating gardening on Amazon can bring several benefits to sellers, including:
- Access to a wider customer base: Gardening is a popular hobby and many people purchase gardening products online. By ungating the gardening category, sellers can reach a new customer base and increase sales.
- Improved product visibility: Gated categories often have less competition, making it easier for sellers to get their products noticed.
- Increased credibility: Amazon trusts sellers who have been approved to sell in gated categories, which can increase a seller’s credibility and help build trust with customers.
Gated Subcategories for Gardening Products
There are several subcategories for gardening products on Amazon, and each subcategory has different requirements for sellers to meet to be approved to sell within that category. Some of the subcategories for gardening products include:
Seeds and Planting:
- Seeds
- Live Plants
- Planting Accessories
- Plant Care
- Garden Décor
Gardening Tools:
- Hand Tools
- Power Tools
- Watering Equipment
- Outdoor Décor
Lawn & Garden:
- Outdoor Power Equipment
- Patio, Lawn & Garden Furniture
- Garden Structures
- Pest Control
There will be certain sub-categories that are more strict than others. For example, live plants are always a risk when selling. Another area is the birdseed placed in bird feeders. And finally, any types of tools that are electrical would need vetting first.
Steps to Ungate Gardening
If you’re interested in selling gardening products on Amazon, the first step is to apply to ungate the category. Here are the steps you need to follow to ungate gardening on Amazon:
1. Apply for Authorization:
The first step is to apply for authorization to sell in the gated categories. Amazon requires sellers to provide information about their business, including the products they plan to sell, the source of the products, and the company’s history.
2. Provide Information about the Products:
Amazon also requires sellers to provide information about the products they plan to sell, including the product name, description, and brand. This information is used to verify that the products are not counterfeit, expired, or otherwise unsafe.
3. Complete the Amazon Brand Registry:
The Amazon Brand Registry is a program that allows sellers to protect their brand on Amazon and maintain control over their product listings. To be eligible for the Amazon Brand Registry, sellers must provide information about their brand, including the company name, address, and website.
4. Provide Documentation:
Amazon may require additional documentation, such as invoices or product labels, to verify the authenticity of the products. This documentation should be uploaded to Amazon’s seller central account.
5. Wait for Approval:
Once the seller has completed all the necessary steps, they should wait for approval from Amazon. This process can take up to several weeks, so sellers should be patient and not send follow-up emails or phone calls.
6. List Products:
Once you are approved, you can start listing and selling your gardening products on Amazon.
Requirements for Selling Seeds
Seeds can include vegetable seeds, fruit seeds, and even wildlife food seeds.
Seeds are a popular product in the gardening category, but they are also one of the most regulated products due to the potential for plant disease and invasive species. To sell seeds on Amazon, you must provide additional documentation and meet additional requirements, including:
- a) Registering your business with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
- b) Providing a seed seller permit from your state agriculture department.
- c) Providing seed health certificates from a USDA-approved seed analyst.
These requirements are in place to ensure that all seeds sold on Amazon are safe and of high quality.
Fertilizers and Pesticides
In addition to seeds, there are other products in the gardening category that are gated, such as pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.
To sell these products, sellers must provide additional documentation, such as a license to sell pesticides, proof of training for handling pesticides, and product registration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Selling gardening products on Amazon can be a lucrative business, but it requires careful attention to regulations and product requirements. By following the steps outlined above, sellers can become approved to sell gardening products on Amazon to reach an even larger and varied customer pool.
Tips to Succeed Selling Gardening on Amazon
Research The Competition
Research the competition in the gardening category to understand what products are popular and what customers are looking for. This information can help you make informed decisions about which products to sell and how to price them. In fact, try using the Best Rank Tool to augment your research and knowledge of the Amazon marketplace.
Create High-Quality Product Listings
This is a must if you want to be taken seriously as a seller, and also to avoid complaints when customers receive their orders.
Your product listings should be accurate, informative, and appealing to customers. Use high-quality images and detailed product descriptions to showcase your products and make them stand out from the competition.
Offer Excellent Customer Service
Respond to customer inquiries and resolve any issues promptly and professionally. This will help you to gain repeat customers, but the positive trust will also improve your Amazon seller stats, and ultimately, improve your reputation as an honest and caring seller.
Monitor Your Sales And Feedback
Regularly monitor your sales. Review and understand what your customers are saying about you in the way of feedback. Be proactive and use that information to better the experience for new customers.
Be sure to respond to customer complaints and make them right. Make changes as necessary to improve your sales and customer satisfaction.
Comply With Amazon’s Policies
It is important to comply with Amazon’s policies, including their restrictions on counterfeit products, hazardous materials, and restricted products. Failure to comply with Amazon’s policies can result in your account being suspended or permanently closed.
Don’t take unnecessary chances after you have gone through the work and time to get ungated in gardening.
Final Notes on Ungating Gardening on Amazon
If you really love gardening, and know a lot about the topic, you may find that ungating gardening on Amazon is a new opportunity for you to make a little extra each month.
By following the steps outlined in this article, you can successfully ungate the gardening category and start selling your gardening products on Amazon.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that ungating a category is just the first step. To be successful on Amazon, and grow your little enterprise into a booming business, you need follow patterns of successful sellers which is to create appealing product listings, offer competitive prices, and provide above-average customer service. You have to better than the existing sellers!