How to Submit Invoices for Amazon Ungating?

One of the main challenges faced by new online arbitrage sellers on Amazon is that many of the most exciting product categories are restricted, also known as "gated." While diversifying your portfolio and offering a wide range of profitable products is essential, Amazon’s rules can sometimes prevent you from selling in these categories, potentially causing missed opportunities. However, these restrictions are not permanent. Amazon provides a way for sellers to prove their eligibility and get ungated. One of the key steps in this process is submitting an invoice. In this article, we will explain what an invoice means in online arbitrage and how you can submit the right invoice for Amazon ungating. Keep reading to learn more!

What Is an Invoice?

An invoice is a business document issued by a seller to a buyer, serving as a formal request for payment for goods or services provided. It also acts as a transaction record for both parties. A typical invoice includes:

Seller’s Information: Name, business name, address, contact info (email, phone), business identification number
Buyer’s Information: Buyer’s name, address, and billing information
Invoice Number: A unique identifier for the invoice
Product Details: A list of products including descriptions, quantities, unit prices, and total amounts
Other Information: Subtotal, additional fees, payment terms, and dates (issue date and payment due date)

Which Amazon Categories Require Invoices?

Amazon offers a wide range of categories, but some require special approval to sell in. For these gated categories, you need to submit invoices to prove the legitimacy of your business. These categories include:

Automotive & Powersports
Collectible Coins
Fine Art
Fine Jewelry
Gift Cards
Grocery & Gourmet Food
Major Appliances
Sexual Wellness
Sports Collectibles
Textbook Rentals
Watches
Beauty (specific subcategories)
Clothing, Shoes & Accessories (specific subcategories)
Health & Personal Care (specific subcategories)
Music & DVD (specific subcategories)
Toys & Games (especially during the holiday season for new sellers)
Video, DVD, & Blu-ray

How to Obtain an Invoice?

Acquiring a legitimate invoice may seem complicated, but it’s quite simple if you follow the correct steps:

Source from Reputable Suppliers: Establish relationships with reliable wholesalers, distributors, or manufacturers.
Place Your Order: Once you've chosen a supplier and the products, make the purchase. Amazon has specific requirements (for example, you need to order at least 10 units of a product to receive an invoice).
Request the Invoice: When placing your order, ensure to request an official invoice. This should include necessary details like the supplier’s info, product specifics, and transaction date. Some suppliers send digital invoices, while others may provide a physical copy with the shipment.
Verify the Invoice’s Authenticity: Amazon may contact your supplier to confirm the invoice’s validity. Work only with reliable suppliers to avoid issues.

Steps for Getting Ungated on Amazon Using Invoices

Now that you know how to obtain an invoice, let’s look at how to submit it for ungating:

Step 1: Open an Account with a Distributor Establish a legitimate business relationship with an authorized distributor. Reach out to suppliers who are relevant to your desired product category or brand. They may require some business details before they approve your account.
Step 2: Order 10 Units of a Relevant Product Amazon requires that the invoice includes at least 10 units of a product within the gated category. For example, if you want to sell Nike shoes, you must order at least 10 units from an authorized Nike distributor to receive the proper invoice.
Step 3: Obtain the Invoice Once you’ve placed your order, ensure the invoice contains all necessary information, such as your details, the supplier’s details, and transaction specifics. If you receive a physical invoice, make sure to scan it to submit a digital copy.
Step 4: Submit the Invoice to Amazon Log into your Seller Central account, go to the Inventory tab, and click “Add a Product.” Search for the restricted product and click “Request Approval” or “Apply to Sell.” Upload the invoice according to Amazon’s requirements (clear, legible, and properly formatted). Wait for Amazon’s response after submission.

You can also consider using services like for Amazon ungating assistance to streamline the process.

How to Ensure Your Invoice is Accepted by Amazon

Amazon has strict guidelines for invoices, and ensuring your invoice meets their standards is essential for a successful ungating request. Here’s what you should ensure:

Recent Date: The invoice must be dated within the last 365 days to prove the transaction is current.
High Quality: The invoice should be clear and easy to read. Avoid compressing or lowering its quality when uploading.
Printed, Not Handwritten: Handwritten invoices are generally not accepted. Always request a printed version from suppliers.
Link to a Supplier’s Website: Amazon may verify the legitimacy of the supplier by checking their official website. Ensure the supplier’s URL is on the invoice.
Matching Addresses: The addresses on the invoice should match the information in your Seller Central account and the supplier’s official website.
Quantities Match Sales: Ensure that the quantities on the invoice match the products you plan to sell on Amazon. Avoid ordering large quantities just for ungating purposes.

Tips to Improve Invoice Acceptance

Here are a few tips to increase the chances of Amazon accepting your invoice:

Work with established and reputable distributors that Amazon recognizes.
Avoid using third-party invoice services that offer “ready-made” invoices for ungating.
Regular, consistent purchases from the same distributor may signal a genuine business relationship.
Maintain a good account health status on Amazon, as it may smooth the ungating process.
Stay up to date with Amazon’s rules, as the requirements for ungating may change over time.

The Consequences of Forging or Editing Invoices

Attempting to submit forged or manipulated invoices can lead to severe consequences. Amazon takes fraud seriously, and if you’re caught, your account could be suspended, preventing you from selling on the platform. Furthermore, Amazon may conduct an investigation, contacting the supplier to verify the invoice’s authenticity. Legal consequences are possible, as forging invoices is illegal, potentially exposing you to fines and legal actions. If your account is suspended, recovering it could be difficult and time-consuming, requiring extensive documentation and appeals.

Final Thoughts

Launching an online arbitrage business on Amazon is like hunting for hidden treasures—there are valuable opportunities, but you need the right tools. Getting ungated in restricted categories may seem challenging, but by following the proper steps and submitting legitimate invoices, you can unlock many profitable opportunities. Start the ungating process today by following the advice in this article!