Skill: leooooooow/category-gating-guide (version 1.1.0)

--- name: "Category Gating Guide" description: "Navigate Amazon category approval and gating requirements with step-by-step ungating procedures, required documentation checklists, and common rejection solutions." --- # Category Gating Guide Help Amazon sellers understand gated categories, prepare ungating applications, resolve rejections, and maintain compliance after approval. ## Quick Reference Use this table to evaluate an ungating application before submission. | Decision Area | Strong | Acceptable | Weak | |---|---|---|---| | **Supplier invoices** | Authorized distributor invoices dated within 180 days, 10+ units per ASIN, matching seller legal name | Manufacturer invoices with minor formatting gaps, 5-9 units | Retail receipts, invoices older than 365 days, mismatched entity names | | **Product images** | Professional white-background photos showing all label sides, UPC visible, lot numbers legible | Clear phone photos with readable labels on plain background | Blurry images, lifestyle shots, missing label sides, cropped UPC codes | | **Brand authorization** | Letter on brand letterhead with seller entity name, date, authorized product list, and contact info | Email chain from brand rep confirming authorization with verifiable contact | Verbal agreement, forwarded email without original sender visible | | **Safety documentation** | Valid COA or test report from ISO 17025 accredited lab, referencing exact ASIN or UPC | Test report from recognized lab with minor reference gaps | Self-certified documentation, expired test reports, reports for different SKUs | | **Appeal letter tone** | Professional, concise, addresses specific rejection reason, includes corrective action plan | Polite and relevant but lacks specific corrective steps | Emotional, blames Amazon, generic template language, no corrective plan | | **Account health metrics** | ODR below 0.5%, valid tracking rate above 97%, late shipment rate below 2% | ODR below 1%, valid tracking rate above 95%, late shipment rate below 4% | ODR above 1%, any policy violations in past 90 days, active warnings | ## Solves This skill addresses the following seller problems: 1. **Determining gating status** -- Identifying whether a specific category, subcategory, or brand requires approval before listing and selling. 2. **Preparing ungating applications** -- Assembling the correct documents, formatting invoices, and capturing product images that meet Amazon's verification standards. 3. **Handling application rejections** -- Diagnosing why an ungating request was denied and building a targeted appeal with corrective documentation. 4. **Navigating brand-specific gates** -- Understanding additional requirements for brand-gated products beyond standard category approval. 5. **Managing multi-category expansions** -- Planning a sequenced approach to unlock multiple gated categories efficiently without triggering review flags. 6. **Maintaining post-approval compliance** -- Keeping documentation current and account health metrics within thresholds to avoid re-gating or suspension. 7. **Evaluating supplier suitability** -- Assessing whether a supplier relationship will produce documentation that satisfies Amazon's ungating verification team. ## Workflow Follow these steps when preparing and submitting an ungating application. ### Step 1: Identify the Gate Type Determine what level of gating applies to the product or category. Amazon uses several gate types, each with different requirements. - **Category gate**: Entire category requires approval (e.g., Grocery & Gourmet Food, Topicals). - **Subcategory gate**: Only specific subcategories within a broader open category are restricted (e.g., Sports Collectibles within Sports & Outdoors). - **Brand gate**: The brand itself is restricted regardless of category (e.g., certain luxury or high-counterfeit-risk brands). - **ASIN-level gate**: Individual product listings are locked, often due to counterfeit complaints or safety concerns. - **Condition gate**: Selling in a specific condition (Used, Refurbished) requires separate approval even if New is open. Check the gate by attempting to list a product in Seller Central under "Add a Product." If gated, the listing page will display "Apply to sell" or "Approval required." ### Step 2: Review Account Eligibility Confirm your account meets baseline requirements before applying. Applications are auto-rejected when thresholds are not met: Professional plan required, ODR below 1%, valid tracking above 95%, late shipment below 4%, no active policy violations, and ideally 3+ months of sales history. Resolve any issues before applying -- poor account health wastes attempts and can trigger additional scrutiny. ### Step 3: Source Compliant Documentation Gather documents based on the gate type from Step 1. Most categories require: (1) supplier invoices showing your legal business name, supplier contact info, 10+ units per ASIN, dated within 180 days; (2) white-background product photos of all label sides, UPC barcodes, and lot/expiration markings; (3) brand authorization letter for brand gates; (4) safety certifications (COA, CPSC, FDA) for topicals, supplements, and children's products. Format invoices as PDF with selectable text. See `references/ungating-requirements-guide.md` for category-specific requirements. ### Step 4: Prepare the Application Package Organize documentation for submission: convert invoices to searchable PDF, rename files clearly (`Invoice_SupplierName_Date.pdf`, `ProductPhoto_ASIN_Front.jpg`), verify all documents against `assets/quality-checklist.md`, and cross-reference invoice product descriptions against ASIN catalog listings. Prepare 6 product images per ASIN. Redact pricing only if contractually required. ### Step 5: Submit Through Seller Central Go to Seller Central > Inventory > Add a Product, search for the target ASIN, and click "Apply to sell." Upload invoices and product images when prompted. Some categories auto-approve within minutes; others require manual review (1-5 business days). Do not submit multiple applications for the same category while one is pending. ### Step 6: Handle Rejections If the application is denied, Amazon typically provides a rejection reason. Common reasons and responses: - **"Invoice does not meet requirements"**: Verify the invoice shows 10+ units, is dated within 180 days, and shows your legal business name. Obtain a corrected invoice from your supplier if needed. - **"Images do not meet requirements"**: Retake photos on a white background with better lighting. Ensure all label text is legible and the UPC barcode is fully visible. - **"Unable to verify supplier"**: Amazon may contact your supplier directly. Confirm the supplier's phone number and website are current and that they will confirm the business relationship if contacted. Write an appeal letter following the guidance in `references/appeal-letter-guide.md`. Submit the appeal through the same Seller Central application pathway with corrected documentation attached. ### Step 7: Post-Approval Maintenance After approval, maintain compliance: keep account health within thresholds, retain all ungating documentation for 24+ months, monitor for IP complaints on approved ASINs, refresh supplier invoices periodically (Amazon may audit), and verify new ASINs within the category do not carry additional brand-level gates. ## Examples ### Example 1: Ungating in Grocery & Gourmet Food **Scenario**: A seller with 8 months of account history and strong metrics wants to sell organic snack bars in the Grocery & Gourmet Food category. **Step 1 -- Gate identification**: The seller searches for the target ASIN (B07XXXXXXXXXXX) in Add a Product and sees "Approval required." This is a category-level gate for Grocery & Gourmet Food. **Step 2 -- Account check**: ODR is 0.3%, valid tracking at 98.2%, late shipment at 1.1%. No open violations. Account qualifies. **Step 3 -- Documentation sourcing**: The seller contacts KeHE Distributors (an Amazon-recognized wholesale distributor) and places an order for 30 units across 3 ASINs (10 each). The invoice is issued on company letterhead with: - Seller's LLC name: "GreenShelf Commerce LLC" - Distributor name, address, phone: KeHE Distributors, (303) 555-0142 - Line items: "Nature's Path Organic Chewy Granola Bar, Dark Chocolate Chip, 7oz, 10-pack" x 10 units - Invoice date: March 15, 2026 - Invoice number: KH-2026-048291 The seller photographs each product showing the front label, nutrition facts panel, ingredients list, UPC barcode, lot number (LOT: 2026FEB14A), and best-by date (Best By: 2027-02-14). **Step 4 -- Package preparation**: Invoice saved as `Invoice_KeHE_20260315.pdf`. Six product photos taken per ASIN on white poster board with ring light. All photos verified against the quality checklist. Invoice cross-referenced against ASIN listing title -- product name matches. **Step 5 -- Submission**: Application submitted through Add a Product > Apply to sell. Invoice and 6 images uploaded. Automated approval received within 4 hours. **Step 6 -- Result**: Approved on first attempt. No rejection to handle. **Step 7 -- Maintenance**: Seller bookmarks the Grocery category policy page, sets a calendar reminder to refresh invoices every 150 days, and monitors account health weekly. --- ### Example 2: Rejected Application for Topicals -- Appeal Process **Scenario**: A seller applies to sell a popular skincare serum in the Topicals subcategory and receives a rejection. **Step 1 -- Gate identification**: Topicals is a subcategory gate under Beauty & Personal Care. Additional requirements apply because products are applied to skin. **Step 2 -- Account check**: ODR 0.7%, valid tracking 96.1%, late shipment 2.8%. Metrics are acceptable but not strong. **Step 3 -- Initial documentation**: The seller obtained invoices from a smaller distributor, "Pacific Wellness Supply," for 10 units of the target serum. Invoice shows the seller's DBA name rather than the legal LLC name registered in Seller Central. Product photos were taken on a kitchen counter. **Step 5 -- First submission**: Application submitted with the invoice and 4 product photos. Rejected within 48 hours. **Rejection reason**: "The invoice provided does not meet our requirements. The name on the invoice does not match the name on your seller account." **Step 6 -- Diagnosis and appeal**: *Root cause analysis*: 1. Invoice shows "Pacific Wellness DBA SkinPro Seller" but Seller Central shows "SkinPro Commerce LLC" 2. Photos have a patterned background, two images are slightly blurry 3. Only 4 photos submitted; no image of ingredients panel or lot number *Corrective actions*: 1. Contacted Pacific Wellness Supply and requested a revised invoice issued to "SkinPro Commerce LLC" -- the exact legal name in Seller Central 2. Retook all product photos on white background with proper lighting -- captured 6 images including front label, back label, ingredients panel, directions panel, UPC barcode, and lot/expiration markings 3. Also obtained a Certificate of Analysis (COA) from the manufacturer showing the product was tested for heavy metals and microbial contamination *Appeal letter* (following `references/appeal-letter-guide.md`): The seller writes a concise appeal acknowledging the name mismatch, listing all three corrective actions, and itemizing the attached files (revised invoice, 6 product photos, COA). **Result**: Appeal submitted with corrected documentation. Manual review completed in 3 business days. Application approved. **Step 7 -- Maintenance**: Seller updates their supplier contact file, retains all documentation including the rejected application for reference, and enrolls in Amazon Brand Registry for additional listing protections. ## Common Mistakes 1. **Using a DBA name instead of legal entity name on invoices** -- Amazon matches the invoice name against the legal entity registered in Seller Central. A DBA, trade name, or personal name will trigger a rejection even if the business is legitimate. 2. **Submitting retail receipts as invoices** -- Amazon requires wholesale or distributor invoices. Receipts from Amazon, Walmart, Target, or other retailers are not accepted, even if they show the correct products and quantities. 3. **Photographing products on cluttered or colored backgrounds** -- Product images must be on a white or neutral background. Kitchen counters, carpets, bedsheets, and wood tables cause rejections because label text becomes difficult to verify. 4. **Applying with fewer than 10 units on the invoice** -- The minimum quantity threshold is typically 10 units per ASIN. Invoices showing 1-9 units are frequently rejected. Some categories require higher minimums. 5. **Submitting invoices older than 180 days** -- Amazon wants evidence of a current supplier relationship. Invoices older than 6 months suggest the seller may no longer have access to authentic product supply chains. 6. **Resubmitting the same documents after rejection without changes** -- Submitting identical documents that were already rejected will result in another rejection. Each resubmission must address the specific reason cited in the denial notice. 7. **Applying for multiple gated categories simultaneously** -- Submitting several ungating applications at once can trigger fraud review flags. Apply for one category at a time, wait for resolution, then proceed to the next. 8. **Editing invoices digitally to correct information** -- Amazon's verification team checks for document manipulation. If an invoice has incorrect details, request a corrected invoice from the supplier rather than editing the PDF. Visible editing artifacts result in immediate rejection and potential account investigation. 9. **Ignoring the specific rejection reason** -- Amazon provides targeted feedback in rejection notices. Generic appeals that do not address the stated reason are almost always denied. Read the rejection carefully and respond to each point. 10. **Neglecting account health before applying** -- An ODR above 1% or active policy warnings can cause automatic denial regardless of documentation quality. ## Resources | Resource | Description | |---|---| | `references/output-template.md` | Structured template for organizing ungating application documentation | | `references/ungating-requirements-guide.md` | Detailed requirements by category including document types, quantities, and special certifications | | `references/appeal-letter-guide.md` | Templates and guidance for writing effective rejection appeal letters | | `assets/quality-checklist.md` | 38-item quality checklist for verifying documents and images before submission |

path: output-template.md
content: # Category Ungating Application -- Output Template

Organize all documentation for a category ungating application using this template.

## Application Summary

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| **Seller Legal Name** | [Exact name from Seller Central registration] |
| **Seller Central Account ID** | [Merchant token or account number] |
| **Target Category** | [Category or subcategory name] |
| **Gate Type** | [Category / Subcategory / Brand / ASIN / Condition] |
| **Target ASINs** | [List each ASIN with product title] |
| **Application Date** | [YYYY-MM-DD] |
| **Application Type** | [Initial / Appeal / Resubmission] |

---

## Account Health Snapshot

Capture these metrics from Seller Central > Performance > Account Health at the time of application.

| Metric | Current Value | Threshold | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Order Defect Rate (ODR) | [X.XX%] | Below 1% | [Pass/Fail] |
| Valid Tracking Rate | [XX.X%] | Above 95% | [Pass/Fail] |
| Late Shipment Rate | [X.X%] | Below 4% | [Pass/Fail] |
| Policy Violations (past 90 days) | [Count] | 0 | [Pass/Fail] |
| A-to-Z Claims Under Investigation | [Count] | 0 | [Pass/Fail] |
| Account Age | [X months] | 3+ months | [Pass/Fail] |
| Seller Plan | [Professional/Individual] | Professional | [Pass/Fail] |

**Overall eligibility**: [Ready to apply / Resolve issues first]

---

## Invoice Documentation

Complete one entry per invoice submitted.

### Invoice 1

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| **Supplier Name** | [Full legal name of supplier] |
| **Supplier Address** | [Complete address] |
| **Supplier Phone** | [Verifiable phone number] |
| **Supplier Website** | [URL] |
| **Invoice Number** | [Unique invoice ID] |
| **Invoice Date** | [YYYY-MM-DD] |
| **Days Since Issue** | [Number -- must be under 180] |
| **Buyer Name on Invoice** | [Must match Seller Central legal name] |
| **File Name** | [Invoice_SupplierName_Date.pdf] |

**Line Items**:

| Product Description | ASIN Match | Quantity | Unit Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| [Description from invoice] | [ASIN] | [10+ required] | [Amount] |
| [Description from invoice] | [ASIN] | [10+ required] | [Amount] |

**Invoice verification checklist**:
- [ ] Buyer name matches Seller Central legal entity exactly
- [ ] Invoice date is within 180 days
- [ ] Minimum 10 units per ASIN
- [ ] Supplier contact information is complete and verifiable
- [ ] Document is PDF format with selectable text
- [ ] No visible editing artifacts or modifications
- [ ] Product descriptions are identifiable against ASIN listings

[Repeat the Invoice 1 structure for additional invoices]

---

## Product Image Documentation

Complete one entry per ASIN. Capture 6 images: front label, back label, ingredients/materials panel, UPC barcode, lot/batch number, and packaging.

| Image | File Name | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Front label | `ProductPhoto_[ASIN]_Front.jpg` | [Ready/Retake] |
| Back label | `ProductPhoto_[ASIN]_Back.jpg` | [Ready/Retake] |
| Ingredients | `ProductPhoto_[ASIN]_Ingredients.jpg` | [Ready/Retake] |
| UPC barcode | `ProductPhoto_[ASIN]_UPC.jpg` | [Ready/Retake] |
| Lot/Batch | `ProductPhoto_[ASIN]_Lot.jpg` | [Ready/Retake] |
| Packaging | `ProductPhoto_[ASIN]_Package.jpg` | [Ready/Retake] |

---

## Supporting Documents (if applicable)

| Document Type | File Name | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Brand authorization letter | [BrandAuth_BrandName_Date.pdf] | [Ready/N-A] |
| Safety certification (COA, CPC) | [Filename.pdf] | [Ready/N-A] |

---

## Rejection History (for appeals)

| Attempt | Date | Rejection Reason | Corrective Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | [YYYY-MM-DD] | [Exact reason] | [Changes made] |

---

## Submission Checklist

- [ ] All invoices verified (name match, date, quantity, format)
- [ ] All product images on white background, text legible, barcode visible
- [ ] Supporting documents attached (if applicable)
- [ ] Account health metrics all pass thresholds
- [ ] No other ungating applications currently pending
- [ ] All documents reviewed against `assets/quality-checklist.md`


path: ungating-requirements-guide.md
content: # Ungating Requirements Guide

Category-specific documentation requirements, supplier invoice formatting standards, and approval criteria for Amazon's major gated categories.

---

## Universal Requirements

These requirements apply to all gated category applications regardless of the specific category.

### Seller Account Prerequisites

- **Professional selling plan**: Individual accounts cannot apply for gated categories
- **Account standing**: No active suspensions, warnings, or policy violations
- **Order Defect Rate**: Below 1% (below 0.5% strongly recommended)
- **Valid tracking rate**: Above 95%
- **Late shipment rate**: Below 4%
- **Account age**: Minimum 3 months with sales history preferred; some categories require 6+ months

### Invoice Formatting Standards

1. **Format**: PDF only with selectable text (apply OCR if scanned)
2. **Buyer name**: Must exactly match the legal entity in Seller Central (not DBA or personal name)
3. **Supplier info**: Full legal name, address, phone, and website
4. **Date**: Within 180 days of submission (within 90 days is strongest)
5. **Products**: Descriptions specific enough to match the ASIN catalog (brand, name, size, UPC)
6. **Quantity**: Minimum 10 units per ASIN
7. **Integrity**: Unaltered originals only -- editing artifacts cause rejection and investigation

### Product Photography Standards

White background, even lighting, minimum 1000x1000px resolution, product filling 80%+ of frame, all label text legible at 100% zoom, no props or watermarks. Capture front, back, and all regulatory panels.

---

## Category-Specific Requirements

### Grocery & Gourmet Food

**Gate type**: Category-level

**Required documents**:
- Wholesale invoices from recognized food distributors (e.g., KeHE, UNFI, DPI Specialty Foods)
- Minimum 10 units per ASIN
- Product images showing: front label, nutrition facts panel, ingredients list, UPC barcode, lot number, best-by or expiration date

**Special requirements**:
- Products must have a remaining shelf life of at least 90 days at time of FBA inbound shipment
- Expiration dates must be visible and legible in photographs
- No home-prepared, repackaged, or unlabeled food items
- FDA facility registration may be requested for certain food subcategories

**Approval timeline**: Often auto-approved within hours if documentation is clean. Manual review may take 1-3 business days.

---

### Topicals (Beauty & Personal Care subcategory)

**Gate type**: Subcategory-level

**Required documents**:
- Wholesale invoices showing exact product variants (size, formula)
- Product images of all label panels including drug facts (if OTC), ingredients, directions for use, and manufacturer information
- Certificate of Analysis (COA) from the product manufacturer or an ISO 17025 accredited lab

**Special requirements**:
- Products classified as OTC drugs (sunscreens, acne treatments, anti-dandruff shampoos) require FDA drug listing numbers
- COA must reference the specific product by name or UPC and test for relevant safety parameters (heavy metals, microbial limits)
- No products with unapproved drug claims
- Packaging must be tamper-evident

**Approval timeline**: Manual review, typically 2-5 business days.

---

### Toys & Games (Holiday season gating)

**Gate type**: Seasonal category-level (typically enforced October through January)

**Required documents**:
- Wholesale invoices from recognized toy distributors
- Minimum 10 units per ASIN
- CPC (Children's Product Certificate) for products intended for children 12 and under
- CPSIA test reports from a CPSC-accepted laboratory

**Special requirements**:
- Sellers must meet elevated performance thresholds during the holiday gate period: ODR below 0.5%, late shipment below 2%
- Account must have been active and selling for at least 90 days prior to the gating period
- Prior year holiday selling history is strongly favorable
- Products must comply with ASTM F963 toy safety standard

**Approval timeline**: Applications should be submitted well before October. During the gating period, review times increase to 3-7 business days.

---

### Watches

**Gate type**: Category-level

**Required documents**:
- Invoices from authorized watch distributors or directly from the brand/manufacturer
- Minimum 10 units per ASIN
- Brand authorization letter (required for most recognizable watch brands)
- Product images showing the watch face, case back with serial number, and branded packaging

**Special requirements**:
- High-counterfeit-risk category; Amazon's verification is more rigorous
- Suppliers must be verifiable through public directories or brand websites
- Serial numbers in photographs may be cross-referenced against manufacturer databases
- Luxury brands (Rolex, Omega, TAG Heuer) may have additional brand-registry-level gates

**Approval timeline**: Manual review, 3-7 business days. Luxury brands may take longer.

---

### Dietary Supplements

**Gate type**: Subcategory-level under Health & Household

**Required documents**:
- Wholesale invoices from supplement distributors or manufacturers
- Product images including supplement facts panel, ingredient list, manufacturer information, and lot/expiration markings
- COA from an ISO 17025 accredited or FDA-registered testing laboratory
- GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certification for the manufacturing facility

**Special requirements**:
- Products must comply with DSHEA (Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act)
- No products with drug claims or unapproved ingredients
- Labels must include the required FDA disclaimer: "These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA..."
- Products manufactured in facilities not following GMP regulations will be rejected

**Approval timeline**: Manual review, 3-7 business days.

---

## Supplier Verification

Amazon may independently verify suppliers. Ensure the phone number on the invoice reaches the supplier's business, their website is active, and information is consistent across the invoice, website, and public directories. Only manufacturers, authorized distributors, and licensed wholesalers are accepted -- retail stores, Amazon sellers, and eBay sellers are not valid suppliers.


path: appeal-letter-guide.md
content: # Appeal Letter Guide

Templates and guidance for writing effective ungating appeal letters when an initial category application is rejected by Amazon.

---

## Appeal Letter Principles

Every successful appeal letter follows these principles:

1. **Acknowledge the rejection reason explicitly.** Restate the specific reason Amazon gave. This demonstrates you read and understood their feedback.
2. **Take responsibility without excuses.** Do not blame Amazon, the system, or circumstances. Simply state what went wrong and what you did to fix it.
3. **Describe corrective actions with specifics.** Vague promises to "do better" are ignored. Name the exact documents you corrected, photos you retook, or suppliers you contacted.
4. **List attached documentation clearly.** The reviewer should be able to cross-reference your letter against the uploaded files without guessing.
5. **Keep it concise.** Three to five paragraphs maximum. Reviewers process hundreds of appeals. Shorter letters with clear structure get better results.
6. **Use professional, neutral tone.** No frustration, urgency, or emotional language. Write as though you are submitting a business report.

---

## Appeal Letter Structure

Every appeal letter should contain five elements in this order:

1. **Subject line**: `[Category] Category Application Appeal -- [Your Legal Business Name]`
2. **Identification**: State your legal business name and the application date.
3. **Acknowledgment**: Restate the exact rejection reason Amazon provided.
4. **Corrective actions**: Numbered list of specific changes made (not vague promises).
5. **Documentation list**: Name every attached file so the reviewer can cross-reference.

Keep the letter to 3-5 short paragraphs. Close with a single professional sentence.

---

## Templates by Rejection Reason

### Template A: Invoice Name Mismatch

Use when the rejection states the invoice name does not match the seller account.

> Dear Amazon Seller Performance Team,
>
> I am writing to appeal the rejection of my [Category] category application. I understand the invoice previously submitted displayed an incorrect business name that did not match my Seller Central account registration.
>
> The original invoice was issued to "[incorrect name]" rather than my registered legal entity name "[correct legal name]." I have contacted my supplier, [Supplier Name], and obtained a corrected invoice issued to "[correct legal name]," which matches my Seller Central registration exactly.
>
> Corrective actions taken:
> 1. Requested and received a revised invoice from [Supplier Name] with the correct legal entity name.
> 2. Verified that all other invoice details (product descriptions, quantities, dates) remain accurate.
> 3. Confirmed with [Supplier Name] that they are available to verify the business relationship if contacted by Amazon.
>
> Attached documentation:
> - Revised invoice: [filename.pdf]
> - [Any additional supporting documents]
>
> Thank you for reviewing my corrected application.
>
> [Your Legal Business Name]

### Template B: Missing Safety or Compliance Documentation

Use when the rejection cites missing COA, CPSC certificate, or other regulatory documents.

> Dear Amazon Seller Performance Team,
>
> I am writing to appeal the rejection of my [Category] category application. I understand that required safety/compliance documentation was missing from my original submission.
>
> I have obtained the necessary [document type -- e.g., "Certificate of Analysis," "Children's Product Certificate," "CPSIA test report"] to demonstrate product compliance.
>
> Corrective actions taken:
> 1. Obtained a [document type] from [Lab/Certifying Body Name], an [accreditation -- e.g., "ISO 17025 accredited" or "CPSC-accepted"] testing facility.
> 2. The report (reference number: [report ID]) specifically covers the product identified by ASIN [ASIN] / UPC [UPC] and tests for [relevant parameters -- e.g., "heavy metals, microbial contamination" or "lead content, phthalates, ASTM F963 compliance"].
> 3. Report is dated [date] and valid for [duration if applicable].
>
> Attached documentation:
> - [Document type]: [filename.pdf]
> - Supplier invoice: [filename.pdf]
> - Product photographs: [count] images per ASIN
>
> Thank you for your consideration.
>
> [Your Legal Business Name]

---

## After Submitting the Appeal

- **Wait for a response.** Manual reviews take 1-7 business days. Do not resubmit during this period.
- **Monitor Seller Central notifications.** The response will appear in your Performance Notifications.
- **If rejected again**, carefully read the new rejection reason. It may differ from the first. Repeat the diagnosis and correction cycle.
- **Maximum attempts**: There is no hard limit on appeals, but repeated rejections for the same reason signal a fundamental issue with your supplier, documentation, or account health that must be resolved before further attempts.
- **Escalation path**: If you believe a rejection is in error after multiple well-documented appeals, open a case through Seller Support referencing your appeal history. Include case IDs from previous submissions.


path: quality-checklist.md
content: # Quality Checklist

Pre-submission verification checklist for ungating applications. Complete all applicable sections.

## A. Account Readiness (5 items)

- [ ] 1. Professional seller account active
- [ ] 2. ODR below 1%, valid tracking above 95%, late shipment below 4%
- [ ] 3. No active policy violations or IP complaints (past 90 days)
- [ ] 4. No other ungating applications currently pending
- [ ] 5. Account age meets category minimum (typically 3+ months)

## B. Invoice Content (7 items)

- [ ] 6. Buyer name matches Seller Central legal entity exactly
- [ ] 7. Invoice dated within 180 days of submission
- [ ] 8. Minimum 10 units per ASIN shown
- [ ] 9. Supplier name, address, and phone number included
- [ ] 10. Supplier phone is verifiable (connects to their business)
- [ ] 11. Product descriptions match target ASINs (brand, name, size)
- [ ] 12. Unique invoice number visible

## C. Invoice Format (5 items)

- [ ] 13. Saved as PDF with selectable text
- [ ] 14. No editing artifacts or signs of modification
- [ ] 15. All text legible, not cut off by margins
- [ ] 16. File named: `Invoice_SupplierName_YYYYMMDD.pdf`
- [ ] 17. If redacted, only pricing obscured (descriptions and dates visible)

## D. Product Photography (8 items)

- [ ] 18. White or light neutral background
- [ ] 19. Even, diffused lighting without shadows or glare
- [ ] 20. Resolution at least 1000x1000px, product fills 80%+ of frame
- [ ] 21. Front label captured, all text legible
- [ ] 22. Back label captured, all text legible
- [ ] 23. Ingredients/materials panel fully visible
- [ ] 24. UPC/EAN barcode fully visible and scannable
- [ ] 25. Lot number and expiration date legible

## E. Brand and Safety Documents (6 items)

- [ ] 26. Brand auth letter on official letterhead (if brand-gated)
- [ ] 27. Letter names seller's legal entity and lists authorized products
- [ ] 28. Letter signed, dated, with verifiable brand contact info
- [ ] 29. Safety certs reference specific product by name, ASIN, or UPC
- [ ] 30. Test reports from ISO 17025 or CPSC-accepted lab
- [ ] 31. All certifications are current (not expired)

## F. ASIN Verification (4 items)

- [ ] 32. Invoice descriptions mappable to target ASIN catalog listings
- [ ] 33. Target ASIN is active and not suppressed
- [ ] 34. No additional brand-level gates on target ASIN
- [ ] 35. Product condition matches the condition gate applied for

## G. Appeal Items (3 items)

- [ ] 36. Appeal letter addresses the specific rejection reason
- [ ] 37. Corrected documents differ from previously rejected ones
- [ ] 38. All corrective actions in the letter supported by attached docs

---

**Ready**: All applicable items checked. **Review**: 1-2 gaps. **Not ready**: 3+ gaps -- resolve before submitting. Mark non-applicable items N/A.


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