Which Categories Should You Avoid in Amazon Wholesale
Business A Complete Guide
Introduction
When launching your Amazon wholesale
business, choosing the right category is crucial. Many beginners make
the mistake of selecting gated or high-risk categories, which can lead
to account issues, rejections, or financial losses.
In this article, we will explore:
- What gated categories are
- How to check for Amazon restrictions
- Which types of products to avoid in wholesale
- The recommended safe categories for beginners
What
Are Gated Categories on Amazon?
A gated category is one that
Amazon restricts due to brand protection, customer safety, legal compliance, or
high-quality standards.
To sell in a gated category, you
need prior approval from Amazon, which may include:
- Brand authorization letters
- Invoices from authorized distributors
- Compliance certifications
- Business documentation
Common
Gated Categories You Should Avoid as a Beginner
Amazon’s restricted/gated categories
include:
How to Check if a Category is Gated
You can check directly from Amazon:
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| Category | Risk or Reason for Gating |
|---|---|
| Jewelry | High-value, counterfeit risk |
| Watches | Authenticity issues |
| Supplements & Vitamins | Health/safety regulations |
| Grocery & Gourmet Food | Expiry tracking, certifications |
| Beauty & Personal Care | Ingredient restrictions |
| Fine Art | Authenticity, valuation |
| Music, DVDs & Collectibles | Copyright issues |
| Sports Collectibles | Brand/IP restrictions |
| Streaming Media Devices | Tech restrictions |
| Amazon Handmade | Invitation only |
| Automotive | Safety concerns |
| Pet Medications | Medical compliance |
| Coins | Valuation and regulation concerns |
⚠️ These categories require special documentation and Amazon may deny new sellers access, especially in wholesale.
- Go to Amazon Seller
Central
- Click on “Start Selling”
- Look for “Product Categories with Restrictions”
- You'll find two sections:
- Categories without restrictions
- Categories with restrictions
Visit this page regularly to stay
updated as Amazon’s policies can change.
Types
of Products to Avoid in Wholesale
Even in unrestricted categories, you
should avoid certain types of products in the wholesale model:
1.
Fragile or Breakable Products
Avoid items made of glass, ceramic,
or easily breakable material (e.g., wall mirrors, glassware).
➡️ These are prone to damage during transit, increasing
returns and negative reviews.
2.
Hazardous Items
Avoid products containing chemicals,
acids, flammable content, or sharp components. These are usually regulated
and may require hazardous goods documentation.
3.
Products with Multiple Variations
Products with many sizes, colors, or
models make inventory management difficult.
➡️ Example: Clothing in 8 sizes and 12 colors = 96 variations.
4.
Low-Quality Products
Poor quality leads to negative
reviews, returns, and account suspensions. Always choose branded or
quality-controlled products.
5.
Products with Legal or Liability Issues
Anything with a safety risk or
legal complexity, such as:
- Health-related tools
- Toys with small parts
- Electric devices with no certification
These could land you in legal trouble or account warnings.
6.
Heavy/Bulky Items
These result in high shipping and
storage fees, reducing your profit margin. Avoid large furniture or heavy
machinery parts unless you're experienced.
Recommended
Categories for Amazon Wholesale
Here are some safe and
beginner-friendly categories that are ideal for Amazon wholesale:
| Recommended Category | Why It's Safe |
|---|---|
| Baby Products | Consistent demand, fewer restrictions |
| Health & Household | High volume, standard regulations |
| Industrial & Scientific | Niche, high repeat orders |
| Pet Supplies | Fast-moving and brand-friendly |
| Office Products | Easy to store and source |
| Tools & Home Improvement | Low return rates, useful everyday items |
| Toys & Games | High volume, seasonal boosts (needs proper compliance) |
| Home & Kitchen | Everyday products with stable sales |
| Garden & Outdoor | Growing market with practical use |
✅ Tip: These categories are ideal for new private label and wholesale sellers due to lower entry barriers and steady consumer demand.
These categories allow you to sell
branded products through the wholesale model using the “Me Too” listing
strategy.
Bonus:
How to Check Fees and Profitability
Always verify product profitability
before sourcing:
- Use the Amazon FBA Revenue Calculator to check
profit after fees
- Factor in prep center costs, shipping, and
product price
- Use tools like Helium 10 or Jungle Scout
to analyze sales data
Summary
✅
What to Avoid:
- Gated categories (Jewelry, Supplements, DVDs, etc.)
- Fragile or chemical-based products
- Products with multiple variations
- Low-quality or unbranded items
- Heavy/bulky inventory
✅
What to Focus On:
- Trusted branded items in ungated categories
- Easy-to-handle, high-demand, and compliant products
- Products with low return rates and consistent sales
Final
Advice
As a new Amazon wholesale seller,
your main goal should be:
- Stay in safe, ungated categories
- Work only with authorized brands/suppliers
- Avoid complexity, focus on consistency
If you need brand approval tips,
product research help, or company formation guidance, consider joining relevant
Facebook groups or wholesale training programs.
Take calculated steps and build
long-term success — not overnight shortcuts.
