How to Get Ungated in DVD’s on Amazon?

What Does it Mean to Get Ungated on Amazon? 

On Amazon, “getting ungated” refers to gaining approval to sell products in restricted categories. Amazon enforces restrictions on certain categories to ensure the quality and authenticity of products sold on its platform. This is particularly common in categories where counterfeiting or intellectual property concerns are prevalent, such as DVDs, beauty products, and electronics.

When a seller is “gated” in a category, they cannot list or sell products within that category until they have received approval from Amazon. Getting ungated in DVD and other gated categories often involves providing documentation to prove the authenticity and sourcing of the products, as well as demonstrating a history of good selling practices. Some sellers rather use Amazon ungating service to facilitate the process. 

Is the DVD Category Gated on Amazon?

Yes, the DVD category is gated on Amazon. This means that not just anyone can sell DVDs on the platform; sellers must go through a specific approval process to list and sell DVDs. Amazon implemented these restrictions to combat issues like counterfeit and bootleg copies, ensuring that only legitimate products are sold. 

How to Get Ungated in DvD’s on Amazon?

Expanding your selling portfolio by accessing Amazon’s restricted categories, such as DVDs, can significantly boost your sales and profitability. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to get ungated on Amazon in the DVD category:

1. Sign Up for a Professional Amazon Seller Account

A Professional Amazon Seller Account is essential. This account, which costs about $39.99 per month, records all your selling activities and helps Amazon assess your business’s compliance with their standards. If you don’t have one, you must create it to start the ungating process.

2. Analyze and Verify Your Account Health

Maintaining a healthy seller account is crucial for getting ungated in DVD. This includes:

• Timely Shipping: Ensure all orders are shipped promptly.
• Good Customer Relations: Respond to customer inquiries and resolve issues quickly.
• Competitive Pricing: Price your items competitively to attract buyers.
• Policy Compliance: Adhere strictly to Amazon’s policies to avoid violations.

You can check your account health by visiting the Account Health section in your Seller Central account and clicking on the Performance menu.

3. Check Specific Video DVD Category Ungating Guidelines

Each category on Amazon has specific ungating requirements. For getting ungated in DVD, it’s essential to review these guidelines thoroughly. Some categories may have straightforward requirements, while others might demand extensive selling experience and an established online presence.

4. Choose a Reputable Supplier

Selecting a reliable supplier is critical. Amazon requires legitimate invoices from reputable wholesalers or distributors, not retailers. Place at least three orders with each order containing at least ten units of the DVDs you intend to sell.

5. Prepare Your Documents

Before submitting your request for getting ungated in DVD, gather all necessary documents, including:

• Invoices: Ensure these are from reputable wholesalers and include your company details that match those on Amazon.
• ASINs: Write the ASINs next to the product names on the invoices.
• Business Information: Provide any additional business trading information if required.

It’s best to send these documents in PDF format to ensure they appear unaltered.

6. Request Video DVD Brand Ungating Approval

With all documents ready, follow these steps for getting ungated in DVD:

1. Upgrade to Pro-Merchant Status: If not already done, upgrade your account for $39 per month.
2. Search for the Item: Locate the item you want to list.
3. Apply to Sell: Click on the “Listing Limitations Apply” link.
4. Request Approval: Click the “Apply to Sale” button and then the “Request Approval” button.

Tips to Maximize Your Chances of Getting Approved

• Maintain Order Defect Rate Below 1%: Ensure that your orders are of high quality and shipped correctly.
• Keep Pre-Fulfillment Cancel Rate Below 2.5%: Minimize order cancellations to maintain a good account standing.
• Lower Late Shipment Rate to Below 4%: Deliver orders on time to build customer trust and avoid penalties.

How Long Does it Take to Get Ungated?

The time it takes for getting ungated in DVD on Amazon typically ranges from 1 to 3 weeks, depending on several factors. These include the completeness and accuracy of your documentation, Amazon’s workload, the specific requirements of the DVD category, and your seller account health. 

The initial review usually takes about 3 to 5 business days, with additional verification potentially adding another 5 to 10 business days. Once all requirements are met, the final decision can take an additional 3 to 5 business days. In the meantime, you can sell in ungated categories on Amazon. 

Is Selling DVD’s Still Profitable on Amazon? 

Yes, getting ungated in DVD and selling it on Amazon can still be quite profitable, though it comes with both advantages and challenges. DVDs remain a popular choice for home entertainment, with consistent daily purchases. You can also sell vinyl on Amazon, but make sure you read our guide on getting ungated in vinyl first. 

To help you decide easier, we have compiled a list of pros and cons of selling DVD on Amazon below: 

Advantages:

• Variety of Products: The category includes DVDs, Blu-rays, and more, catering to a wide audience.
• Used and New Sales: You can sell both new and used DVDs, with used copies often easier to source.
• High-Value Titles: Some rare or older DVDs, especially in new condition, can command high prices and strong demand.
• Steady Market: DVDs continue to be a staple of home entertainment, ensuring ongoing demand.

Challenges:

• Sourcing Challenges: Finding new DVDs that are profitable can be difficult due to limited availability.
• Profit Margins: Not all DVDs are profitable; many titles have low resale value, particularly common or newer releases.
• Stock Management: While used DVDs are easier to source, managing and grading them accurately can be labor-intensive.

Conclusion 

getting ungated in DVD category on Amazon can open up significant opportunities for sellers. While the process can be difficult for some sellers, requiring thorough documentation, excellent account health, and adherence to specific guidelines, the potential rewards make it worthwhile. 

By following the instructions provided in this article, sellers can successfully gain approval to list DVDs. Once ungated, sellers can tap into a vibrant market, selling both new and used DVDs to a global audience.