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Writer's pictureBrian Cummings

Understanding Top Amazon Product Categories and Subcategories

Updated: Feb 27


understand the top amazon product categories and sub-categories and choose the right product to sell

Are you a new seller looking to optimize your product listings and increase your sales? Choosing the right categories and subcategories for your products is crucial to your success on the platform.

With over 33 main categories and more than 25,000 subcategories, it can be overwhelming to navigate the world of Amazon categories and subcategories. But fear not, because we're here to help!


In this article, we will explore the most popular categories to choose from on Amazon, as well as restricted and specialized categories that require approval. Additionally, we'll provide you with valuable resources to assist you in finding the most suitable category for your products.

So, if you're ready to boost your Amazon sales and reach a wider audience, let's dive into the world of Amazon categories and subcategories together!


Did you choose a restricted category? Here's our guide to ungating products and getting approved.


Ready to take the next step? Discover our services and pricing options now.


How to Choose the Right Amazon Product Categories for Your Amazon Business


When choosing the right Amazon category for your products, it's important to understand Amazon's category structure and how it can help you organize your product information.

Additionally, researching popular and profitable categories can give you insights into high-demand products.


Identifying niche categories can also be beneficial for finding less competitive markets.

Finally, analyzing competition and demand, as well as considering product restrictions and requirements, will help you make an informed decision about the best category for your products.


Understanding Amazon's category structure


Navigating Amazon's category structure can feel like exploring a vast retail universe. There are over 25,000 subcategories waiting to be discovered. The category structure on Amazon is organized hierarchically. Main categories branch out into more specific subcategories. This structure helps customers find products more easily and allows sellers to classify their products accurately. By understanding the category structure, sellers can ensure their products are listed in the most relevant subcategories. This increases their visibility and chances of attracting potential buyers. There are sellers in every category, but they have varying levels of success!


Researching popular and profitable categories


Discovering popular and profitable categories is key to your success as a seller. It allows you to tap into high-demand markets and maximize your potential for sales and profit. Researching these categories is crucial; you'll want to find the best product that lies within niches with high average revenue, net margin, and visibility scores.


Consistent and trending sales are also desirable indicators for a profitable category.


Selling shoes? Here's how to sell shoes on Amazon - a beginner's guide. And here's how to sell clothes on Amazon - also a beginner's guide.


Identifying niche categories


Uncover hidden opportunities and stand out from the competition by identifying niche categories that cater to your unique products and target audience. Find less competitive categories to sell in - the less competition you have means the higher the likelihood that you'll do well.


By specializing in a specific category, you can attract customers who are specifically looking for your type of product, increasing your chances of making sales and achieving success on Amazon.


Analyzing competition and demand


When analyzing competition and demand, you'll want to assess the market and identify areas where your unique products can thrive and attract customers.


Start by researching your competitors and understanding their pricing, product offerings, and customer reviews.


Look for gaps in the market where there is high demand but limited competition. Analyze these product opportunities because that's where you're likely to find Amazon customers who are a captive market for the correct product.


This will allow you to position your products effectively and stand out from the competition, increasing your chances of success on Amazon.


Considering product restrictions and requirements


Consider the product restrictions and requirements to ensure a smooth selling experience on Amazon.


Certain brands, categories and sub-categories may require approval before selling, so it's important to check if your product falls into one of these gated categories.


Additionally, be aware of any specific requirements for listing products, such as condition guidelines, product identifiers, and style guides.


By understanding and adhering to these restrictions and requirements, you can avoid potential issues and maximize your success as an Amazon seller.


Looking for a list of all categories and subcategories on Amazon?


Several great companies have put together resources for you. Check out some of these category lists to help you sort through the 25,000 categories on Amazon:



If you're looking for product research ideas, you might also want to search for the "Google Shopping Taxonomy" - a list of the 6000 categories on Google Shopping.


Top Amazon Product Categories


If you're looking to sell on Amazon, it's important to know the most popular categories that consistently generate high sales. Although there's large risk when you try to sell in a popular category, there's also a high rate of return; if you penetrate the market demand, your product sales will be pretty high.


Here are some of the top categories.


Electronics


The Electronics category on Amazon offers a wide range of products, from cutting-edge gadgets to everyday essentials, making it a popular destination for tech-savvy shoppers. Whether you're looking for the latest smartphones, laptops, headphones, or home entertainment systems, you'll find them all in this category.


Clothing, Shoes, and Jewelry


The Clothing, Shoes, and Jewelry category on Amazon offers a wide range of options to suit every taste and occasion. Whether you're looking for trendy clothing, stylish shoes, or stunning jewelry pieces, you'll find it all in this category.


Home and Kitchen


Now let's explore the Home and Kitchen category, where you'll find a wide range of products for everyday living. From kitchen appliances and cookware to home decor and organization solutions, this category offers plenty of opportunities for sellers.


With the right product selection and a focus on quality, you can tap into the high demand for functional and stylish items that enhance customers' homes.


Beauty and Personal Care


Get ready to explore the lucrative world of Beauty and Personal Care, where you can find a treasure trove of products that cater to people's desire to look and feel their best.


From skincare to haircare, makeup to personal hygiene, this category offers a wide range of options for customers.


With the right research and strategy, you can tap into a market that's constantly growing and evolving, providing endless opportunities for success on Amazon.


Books


Explore the vast world of literature and unlock the potential of the Books category, where you'll discover a realm of captivating stories and knowledge waiting to be shared with readers around the globe.


With countless genres and authors to choose from, the Books category offers something for every reader's taste. Whether you're searching for thrilling mysteries, heartwarming romances, thought-provoking non-fiction, or educational textbooks, this category has it all.


Restricted and Specialized Amazon Categories


The following categories require approval from Amazon before you can start to sell.


Collectibles


Collectibles, such as rare coins, vintage stamps, and limited edition sports memorabilia, are highly sought after by collectors on Amazon. These unique and specialized items can command high prices and attract dedicated buyers.


As a seller, tapping into the collectibles category can be a lucrative opportunity. However, it's important to research and understand the market value, authenticity, and condition of the collectibles you plan to sell.


Providing detailed descriptions and high-quality images is crucial to attract potential buyers.


Gift cards


Selling gift cards on Amazon can be a profitable venture for sellers looking to tap into the growing demand for convenient and versatile gifting options. With Amazon's wide customer base and reputation for reliability, selling gift cards can provide a lucrative opportunity.


Whether it's digital gift cards for online purchases or physical gift cards for in-store shopping, Amazon offers a platform for sellers to reach a large audience and capitalize on the popularity of gift-giving.


Automotive and Powersports


Rev up your selling potential by exploring the exciting world of automotive and powersports on the Amazon marketplace!


This category offers a wide range of products, from car parts and accessories to motorcycles, ATVs, and more.


With millions of customers searching for automotive and powersports products, you have the opportunity to tap into a highly lucrative market.


So gear up and start selling in the automotive and powersports category today!


Comics, Manga, and Graphic Novels


Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of comics, manga, and graphic novels, where captivating stories and stunning artwork come together to transport readers to fantastical realms.


Explore a wide range of genres, from superhero adventures to sci-fi epics and fantasy tales.


Discover iconic characters and follow their thrilling journeys through visually stunning pages.

Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the medium, Comics, Manga, and Graphic Novels on Amazon offer endless entertainment and imaginative storytelling.


Low-content books


Now, let's dive into the world of low-content books. These unique books, such as coloring books, journals, and planners, offer a creative outlet for customers. With their blank or lightly designed pages, they allow individuals to personalize and express themselves.


Low-content books have gained popularity on Amazon due to their versatility and potential for customization. So, if you're looking for a profitable niche, consider exploring the world of low-content books on Amazon.


How to Find a Category to Sell In


When selecting the best category for your products on Amazon, there are a few tips to keep in mind.


First, consider the relevance of the category to your product and its target audience.


Next, utilize tools and resources available to research and analyze the profitability and competition within different categories.


Lastly, choosing the right category can significantly impact your sales and visibility on Amazon, so make sure to select a category that aligns with your product and can help attract your target customers.


Tips for selecting the best category for your products


Discovering the perfect category for your products is an essential step in maximizing your success on Amazon. To select the best category, consider the individual criteria and sales potential of your product.


Use tools like AMZScout Product Database and its filters to find profitable niches with high average revenue and net margin. Analyze trends and ensure consistent sales.


Remember that popularity of a category doesn't guarantee success, so focus on finding profitable products within the right category.


Have you ever heard of the BTG (Browse Tree Guide)?


In essence, a BTG (Browse Tree Guide) is a structured set of guidelines, designed to help sellers assign their products to specific online categories. The contents of a BTG table can vary depending on the location.


The BTG is a powerful tool for optimizing product listings within various categories. In this context, "browse" refers to what Amazon calls a “department.” These departments are visible on the left side of the webpage. You can either select a specific product category directly or enter a unique keyword or phrase into the search box and press enter.


A BTG document is your key to understanding which sub-category, also referred to as a “node,” is the most appropriate for your item to be placed in.


You can access the full list of different product categories on Seller Central.


Increasing sales and visibility with the right category choice


By choosing the right category for your products, you can increase sales and boost your visibility on the platform. This gives you the opportunity to reach a wider audience and maximize your earning potential. When you select a category that aligns with your product, you increase the chances of your listing being seen by relevant customers who are actively searching for that type of item. This can lead to higher conversion rates and, ultimately, more sales for your business.


Conclusion: Pros and Cons of Popular Product Categories and Subcategories


In conclusion, choosing the right Amazon category for your products is essential for success as a seller on the platform. By accurately classifying your products and adhering to category guidelines, you can effectively organize your listings and help customers find what they're looking for.


It's important to consider the most popular categories on Amazon, as well as any restrictions or special requirements that may apply. Utilizing resources and tools can assist in finding profitable products and minimizing competition.


Remember to stay informed about category fees to determine the rate for referral fees and FBA fees.


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