So, if you’re a seller who’s interested in selling topical products on Amazon. There are just two things you need to do. Your first step is to read this article and the second is to execute it.
Understand how Amazon works
Before we get started on ways to get approval for a topical product, it is important to understand that Amazon has gated a few categories and subcategories in the first place. This will help you, as a seller, to better understand how Amazon works. The main reason for Amazon to have gated or restricted categories is to maintain its space as an authentic one – one that doesn’t sell counterfeited products. Pirated products in several categories like beauty and accessories are extremely common these days.
By placing restrictions in some categories they reduce the risk of counterfeited products being sold. Amazon wants assurance that you’re a legitimate buyer before the allow you to sell into these somewhat risky categories.
Defining the term topical
Topical is anything that goes directly on to the skin. This includes ointments, creams, serums, and even cosmetics are also considered topical products.
Steps to follow for topical approval on Amazon
If you’re a seller interested in selling topical products on Amazon, then these are the steps required to get approval from Amazon.
Get a seller account
First thing first, to be able to sell topical products on Amazon, get an Amazon seller account. In case that you are already selling on Amazon with an individual account, you can quickly upgrade to a professional seller account from seller central, Amazon. For this, Amazon will charge you a subscription fee of 39.99$ per month.
Safety Data Sheets
Amazon is all about protecting their clients, this is one of the main reasons why they have topical approval. Something that shows your product and manufacturer is reputable is something called a product SDS or “safety data sheet”. This is a full list of all the uses, interactions and safety information on your product. This is a must have, amazon will almost always require this.
Get the Right Numbers
You need to have good performance metrics to get topical product approval from Amazon. For this purpose, focus on the following:
- Try to achieve an order defect rate of less than 1%.
- Try retaining a pre-fulfillment cancellation rate of less than 2.5%
- Lastly, try establishing a late shipment rate of less than 4%.
Quality Listings
Your listing must be of high quality to better your chances of topical approval. Amazon maintains this as required for high-quality listing
- Convincing price
- Quality product image
- Informative product description
Invoices are Important
Make sure that the invoice you’re providing is a commercial one. Also, the company information on your invoice must match the company information in your Amazon seller account. This is how they can trace the origin of the product.
Source from Reputable Suppliers
You should try to source your products for a gated category from a local supplier. If possible, try buying directly from the manufacturer. This will tell Amazon that there’s a slim chance of you running out of your product once you get your approval.
There might be some further regulatory requirements that you will be required to fulfill to get topical approval from Amazon. For some topical products, your eligibility might also include product condition requirements and shelf-life requirements.
So, make sure that all areas are covered before you start applying for topical approval from Amazon.
