How do I change my Amazon category (browse node)?
Category moves happen through a browse tree guide submission and a case with Seller Support. Include the current node, the requested node, and evidence the new node fits. Category changes can improve BSR and PPC targeting but they also reset organic ranking history, so time them carefully.
When to move
Wrong node from a launch mistake. Amazon reclassified the ASIN into a mismatched node. New sub-category is a better fit for actual buyer intent.
What to expect
PPC ACoS often changes because the category-targeted ads reindex. BSR resets and re-computes. Reviews stay with the ASIN. Timeline is 3 to 10 business days if the case is clean.
Frequently asked questions
Does a category move affect reviews?
No. Reviews are tied to the ASIN, not the node.
Can I move any ASIN to any node?
No. It must be a plausible fit. Amazon rejects obviously wrong moves.
Do referral fees change with the node?
Yes, if the new node has a different referral fee percentage.
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How should I structure Amazon variations (color, size, pack size)?
Group by attributes that shoppers actually compare in one purchase decision. Color and size for apparel: yes. Pack size and scent for consumables: usually yes. Unrelated products or wildly different price points: no. Bad variation grouping suppresses the parent and burns review equity.
What are Amazon's main image requirements?
Main image must be a pure white background (RGB 255,255,255), product filling 85% of the frame, no text, no logos, no props, no lifestyle context. At least 1000 px on the longest side to enable zoom, 1600 to 2000 px recommended. Violations can suppress the listing without warning.
What is the right way to use Amazon backend keywords?
Fill the 250-byte search terms field with lowercase, comma-free tokens. No duplicates, no brand names you do not own, no misspellings Amazon already corrects, no competitor names. Include synonyms, use-cases, and Spanish or French translations if you sell in bilingual marketplaces.
What is the difference between suppressed and stranded inventory on Amazon?
Suppressed listings are missing required attributes or violate a policy, so they do not show on Amazon. Stranded inventory is FBA stock without an active listing (usually because the listing was suppressed or deleted). Suppression usually causes stranding, but not always.
What words are restricted on Amazon listings?
Amazon restricts medical claims (cure, treat, prevent), superlative claims without proof (best, #1), guarantee language (lifetime guarantee), and category-specific restricted terms (FDA claims on supplements, EPA claims on cleaning products). Using them can suppress the listing or trigger account review.