🔒 Brand Gating + Amazon’s Escalating Verification Madness: What Sellers Should Know in 2025

If you’re selling on Amazon in 2025, you’ve probably noticed something: getting approved for anything feels like trying to get into a secret club.

From listing restrictions to never-ending document requests, Amazon sellers are finding themselves stuck in what we like to call:
👉 Verification Madness.

So, what’s going on—and more importantly, how can you stay ahead of it?

 

What Is Brand Gating?

Brand gating is Amazon’s way of controlling who gets to sell certain brands on its platform. The goal is to crack down on counterfeits and unauthorized sellers—but for legit businesses, it can be a frustrating hurdle.

To get ungated, Amazon may ask for:

  • Invoices from authorized distributors

  • A letter of authorization from the brand

  • Proof of inventory—like photos of the actual items

  • Consistent business documentation

Sounds easy, right? Not quite.


Why Is It Getting Harder in 2025?

Let’s just say… Amazon isn’t playing around anymore.

Between pressure from big brands, stricter global regulations, and AI bots scanning accounts 24/7, sellers are getting flagged more often—even when they’re doing everything right.

Here’s what’s causing the chaos:

  • ❗ Brands are cracking down on unauthorized resellers

  • 🤖 Amazon’s automated systems are flagging accounts (sometimes incorrectly)

  • 📑 Sellers are being re-verified even after years of selling

  • 🚫 Invoices that used to work are suddenly being rejected

The end result? More delays, more confusion, and more hoops to jump through.


How It’s Affecting FBA, FBM & Wholesale Sellers

If you’re doing wholesale, FBA, or FBM, these verification issues can really slow you down.

  • You finally land a great deal with a distributor… but can’t get ungated in time to sell it.

  • Your shipment sits in limbo because Amazon needs “proof” it’s real.

  • You submit a perfect invoice—but it gets rejected with no explanation.

Sound familiar?


How Proven Prep Can Help (Even If We Don’t Do Ungating)

At Proven Prep, we don’t offer official ungating services—but we’re here to support you however we can.

Need product photos for documentation? We’ve got you.
Need a copy of your invoice or packing slip from a recent shipment? Just ask.
Need help organizing your items so you’re not scrambling during verification? That’s our thing.

Our job is to make sure your inventory is clean, labeled, and ready to go—so when Amazon finally says “yes,” your product can hit the ground running.


Tips to Survive Amazon’s Verification Overload

Here’s how to keep your business moving:

💡 Only source from trusted distributors – If the invoice isn’t clean, Amazon won’t accept it.
💡 Keep your info consistent – Your business name, address, bank account, and utility bills should all match.
💡 Be ready for photo proof – If Amazon asks for item photos, we can take them for you.
💡 Don’t be afraid to escalate – Sometimes it takes a few tries (and a few follow-ups) to get the green light.


Final Thoughts

Brand gating and Amazon’s verification policies aren’t going away anytime soon—but they don’t have to hold you back. With the right prep, organization, and support, you can keep your momentum and grow smarter this year.

Need help with prepping your inventory, bundling products, or staying ready for anything Amazon throws at you?

👉 Let’s talk.
📆 Book a call here
https://calendly.com/kylecurtis2/30min
https://calendly.com/rrachcruz/client-onboarding-call

or email us at [email protected]

We’ve got your back—so you can focus on growing your business.

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