Do You Need a Manufacturer or Authorized Distributor Invoice to Sell on Amazon.com?

To be clear: We are not legal counsel. For legal issues, please consult an attorney.

Question: Do you need a manufacturer or authorized distributor invoice to sell something on Amazon.com?

Answer: It depends. For certain items, Amazon will ask for an invoice before allowing you to list the product. For others, Amazon may not require an invoice unless there is an issue.

Selling Without an Invoice:

• You can resell goods without an invoice if they are not counterfeit. If there is a claim that your goods are fake, the claimant must prove it.

Amazon's Control:

• Amazon operates a controlled marketplace and can stop you from selling for any reason or no reason. They can impose additional restrictions and remove your privileges without due process.

Preventing Counterfeit Sales:

• Amazon preemptively “gates” certain products to prevent counterfeit sales. They want to see that you are sourcing products from legitimate suppliers with good reputations.

Wholesaler Invoices:

• Some suppliers can help get you approved on Amazon for gated products or brands. However, getting ungated does not guarantee that Amazon won’t ban you from the listing later.

Brand Authorization Letter:

• Sometimes, Amazon may require a letter directly from the brand allowing you to resell their products. If this happens, you'll need to get such a letter from your supplier, but many suppliers may not be able to provide this.

Brand Complaints:

• Brands may try to have your selling privileges revoked by claiming your products are fake. This can happen even if you’ve been approved for gated products or purchased directly from the brand.

Risk of Selling on Amazon:

• Selling on Amazon carries risks, including potential suspension even with proper invoices and authorization letters. Consult with an attorney before starting your Amazon store.

Invoice Requirement:

• Not being able to provide an invoice that Amazon approves is not a crime. Most reputable sources selling branded goods are selling genuine products.

Challenges with Suppliers:

• Finding suppliers willing to provide authorized distributor invoices or brand approval letters can be difficult and may require large investments.

Brand Resistance:

• Many brands oppose Amazon sellers due to price wars and brand image erosion. They may try to prevent wholesalers from selling to Amazon sellers.

There is no way to be completely safe when selling on Amazon. Even with all the correct documentation, there is always a risk of losing your seller privileges. Be prepared for the challenges and risks involved.

Best of luck finding good products to sell. Remember, not having an invoice is not a crime!