Amazon sells a lot products, so there are many product categories. The question is: Which product category should you sell in? There is no clear answer.
Each category has its pros, so you will need to research to find the best one for you.
This guide will help you navigate the process. Continue reading to find out everything you need about Amazon categories if you aren’t sure which one to sell in.
Why It’s Important To Choose The Correct Amazon Category
There are no bad categories, but some are better than others. This is because:
- You will need to be approved to sell in certain categories.
- Some people sell more than others.
- Some offer higher referral fees.
Although there are many successful sellers in each category, it is easier to start your business.
Which Amazon Categories Are Gated?
We just mentioned that Amazon must approve any category with a gated status to allow you to sell in it. A category that is locked usually means that the products in it are more likely to be scammed or counterfeit.
It is not difficult to see which Amazon categories are most restricted. These are:
- Collectible Coins
- Safety for the Home and Household
- Entertainment Collectibles
- Fine Art
- Gift cards
- Jewelry
- Handmade
- Subscribe to a Box
- Any product “Made In Italy”
- Music and DVD
- Automotive & Powersports
- Sports Collectibles
- Streaming Media Players
- Video, DVD, & Blu-ray
- Watches
Gated categories don’t have to be bad, just to be clear. You will have an advantage if you are approved for one of these categories, as there are less people selling them.
The approval process is the main problem. To prove that your business is legal, you might need to submit additional documents and meet additional requirements. It could take time to go through all the hoops. It might not be worth the effort if you aren’t sure that it is worthwhile. This will allow you to get started immediately.
Amazon Ungated Categories
To be approved for any of these categories, you will need to add the item to your inventory as you would normally.
- Log in to Seller Central.
- Select “Add a product” under “Inventory”.
- Find the item that you wish to sell.
After you have found your product, click “Show Limitations.” To get approval you will see a “Request Approval” button.
A message may appear saying that Amazon isn’t accepting applications for this item. This means that you can’t sell it. If you plan to sell in a restricted category, you will need to go through this first. You might end up with inventory that you cannot sell.
Amazon Ungated Categories
You don’t want to be required to approve a product to sell, then you can choose from one of these categories. They are all unrestricted and you don’t need to get approval from Amazon in order to sell them.
Amazon has several open categories:
- Arts & Crafts
- Baby
- Beauty & Personal Care
- Books
- Computers
- Clothing & Accessories
- Electronics
- Health & Household
- Home & Kitchen
- Industrial & Scientific
- Amazon Accessories
- Luggage
- Musical Instruments
- Office Products
- Outdoors
- Personal Computers
- Pet Supplies
- Shoes, Handbags, & Sunglasses
- Software
- Sports & Outdoors
- Tools & Home Improvement
- Toys
- Video Games
Be aware that some products or subcategories may have restrictions. Even though the entire category isn’t restricted, you should still ensure that you have approval for any product you are considering selling.
What Amazon Categories Are Most Popular?
There are many options. You might be wondering which is the most popular among consumers.
We have listed the top-selling Amazon categories here. The percentage of American customers who purchased an item from that category in the 2019 calendar year determines how they rank.
- Electronics – 44%
- Clothing/Shoes/Jewelry – 43%
- Home & Kitchen – 39%
- Beauty & Personal care – 36%
- Books – 33%
- Cell Phones & Accessories – 28%
- Movies and TV – 25%
- Pet Supplies – 20%
- Sports & Outdoors – 17%
- Groceries – 15%
Should You Sell In One Of The Above Categories?
The above categories may be the most popular, but that doesn’t mean you have to sell them all. Here’s why:
- A popular item doesn’t necessarily mean that it is a top-selling one.
- You need to think about more than sales. FBA fees are not mandatory, but they can be a great way to get your products Prime shipping. Size/weight, competition, and so on.
- Gated categories are some of the most sought-after, and could hinder or stop you from selling.
When deciding whether to sell a product, you need to look beyond the category.
How Do You Choose The Right Category To Sell In?
Many sellers ask this question. It doesn’t matter what category your item is in. It doesn’t really matter how many items a category sells on average, it is what your sales average.
Make a list of the criteria you want in a product, then search for products that match those criteria. It doesn’t matter under what category a product is listed if it sells 300 units per month. If you find a profitable product, you can promote it with the right keywords.
Don’t try to find the right category. Make sure you are choosing the right product. You can also sell in multiple categories which will give you a variety in your business.
Are you looking for information about Amazon categories? These are some of the most frequent questions we get:
What’s the Amazon Product Category Tree?
Amazon’s product category tree is a list of all the categories and subcategories that are available on Amazon’s website. There are two layers of subcategories within each primary category. Additional subcategories can be found below them.
Each subcategory “branches out”, so to speak, and becomes more and more specific. It looks like a tree when all the categories are laid out, hence the name.
How To Change A Product’s Category On Amazon
This page can be used to change the product’s category. If you haven’t already signed in to Seller Central, you may be required to do so. To submit your request, enter the ASIN number of the item that you wish to update.
You can change the product category of multiple products simultaneously by using the “Add Product” tool. Then upload your inventory file with the desired changes.
What is the Referral Fee for each Category?
Amazon sellers are required to pay a referral fee for each sale. The amount is determined by the category and Amazon takes a cut.
You should choose a category that charges a lower referral fee. You may be able, however, to pay a higher fee if you have high profit margins.
Conclusion
Although some categories are more popular than others, there is no right or wrong category. Instead, you should focus on profitable products to build an Amazon business.
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