How to Sell on Walmart: A Complete Guide for New Sellers

Walmart Marketplace is one of the fastest-growing e-commerce platforms, providing businesses with an opportunity to reach millions of customers. By selling on Walmart, you can leverage the brand’s immense popularity, trust, and infrastructure to grow your business. This guide will take you through everything you need to know to start selling on Walmart, from setting up your account to optimizing your listings for maximum visibility and sales.

Why Sell on Walmart Marketplace?

Selling on Walmart offers numerous benefits that can help you expand your business. Here’s why you should consider joining the platform:

• Large Customer Base: Walmart.com attracts millions of visitors every month, providing a vast audience for your products.
• Lower Fees: Walmart charges lower referral fees compared to other platforms like Amazon, which can result in higher profit margins for sellers.
• High Brand Trust: As one of the most trusted retailers, listing your products on Walmart can enhance your brand’s credibility and trustworthiness.
• No Monthly Fees: Unlike some marketplaces, Walmart does not charge any monthly subscription fees, making it a cost-effective option for sellers.

Step 1: Check Eligibility Requirements

Before you begin, ensure that your business meets Walmart’s eligibility requirements. The platform is selective about its sellers, so review the following criteria:

1. U.S. Business: You must have a registered U.S. business entity with a valid Tax ID (EIN).
2. Track Record: Walmart prefers experienced sellers with a proven track record of customer service, fulfillment, and high-quality products.
3. Product Compliance: Your products must comply with all applicable laws, safety regulations, and Walmart’s policies.

If your business meets these criteria, you can proceed to apply for a Walmart Marketplace account.

Step 2: Apply to Sell on Walmart Marketplace

To become a Walmart seller, you need to fill out an online application. Follow these steps:

1. Go to Walmart Marketplace: Visit the Walmart Marketplace application page and click on the “Request to Sell” button.
2. Complete the Application Form: Provide detailed information about your business, including your company name, U.S. Business Tax ID, products, and e-commerce experience.
3. Submit Required Documents: Upload any necessary documentation, such as your W-9 form and business licenses.
4. Approval Process: Walmart will review your application and notify you via email if you are approved. This process typically takes a few weeks, depending on the volume of applications.

Step 3: Set Up Your Seller Account

Once approved, you will receive an invitation to complete your seller profile and set up your Walmart Seller Center account.

1. Create Your Account: Click on the link in your approval email to access the Walmart Seller Center and create your account.
2. Complete Your Profile: Fill out your business information, including your company’s legal name, address, and tax details.
3. Add Payment Information: Provide your bank account details for receiving payments. Walmart pays sellers every two weeks based on your sales performance.
4. Set Up Shipping & Returns: Define your shipping methods, delivery timeframes, and return policies according to Walmart’s standards.

Step 4: List Your Products

After setting up your account, it’s time to list your products on Walmart Marketplace. Follow these steps to get started:

1. Choose a Listing Method: You can list products manually through the Seller Center, use bulk uploads with a CSV file, or integrate your e-commerce store through an API.
2. Create Product Listings: For each product, provide detailed information, including the product name, description, images, price, and inventory levels. Ensure that your descriptions are clear and engaging to attract potential buyers.
3. Optimize Your Listings: Use relevant keywords in your product titles and descriptions to improve your visibility in Walmart’s search results. Include high-quality images to showcase your products effectively.
4. Set Competitive Prices: Research your competitors and set prices that appeal to Walmart’s value-conscious customers. Walmart’s pricing algorithm favors competitively priced products.

Step 5: Manage Orders and Fulfillment

Efficient order management and timely fulfillment are key to succeeding on Walmart. Here’s how to handle your orders effectively:

1. Monitor Orders Regularly: Check your Seller Center dashboard daily for new orders and updates.
2. Ship Orders Promptly: Use reliable shipping carriers to ensure fast and accurate delivery. Walmart expects sellers to meet strict delivery timeframes.
3. Provide Tracking Information: Always provide tracking details for your shipments. This helps build customer trust and reduces the risk of disputes.
4. Handle Returns and Customer Service: Respond to customer inquiries promptly and process returns according to Walmart’s return policy. High-quality customer service is essential for maintaining a good seller rating.

Step 6: Promote Your Products

To increase your visibility and sales, consider using Walmart’s promotional tools and advertising options:

1. Walmart Sponsored Products: Use Walmart’s pay-per-click (PPC) advertising platform to promote your products in search results and product pages. Sponsored Products can help you reach more customers and boost your sales.
2. Free Shipping Offers: Offering free shipping can make your products more attractive to customers. Walmart prioritizes items with free shipping in search results.
3. Join Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS): Consider using Walmart’s fulfillment service to store and ship your products. This can improve your delivery times and make your products eligible for Walmart’s Free 2-Day Shipping program.

Step 7: Monitor Performance and Optimize

Regularly review your sales performance and make adjustments to optimize your results. Here are some key metrics to monitor:

• Sales Performance: Track your sales volume and trends to identify which products are performing well and which need improvement.
• Pricing and Competition: Monitor your competitors’ prices and adjust your pricing strategy to stay competitive.
• Customer Feedback: Pay attention to customer reviews and feedback. Address any issues promptly to maintain high ratings and avoid negative reviews.

Tips for Success on Walmart Marketplace

1. Maintain High-Quality Listings: Ensure your product listings are detailed, accurate, and appealing. High-quality images and informative descriptions are crucial for attracting buyers.
2. Keep Inventory Updated: Avoid running out of stock, as this can negatively impact your seller rating and visibility. Use inventory management tools to monitor stock levels and restock when needed.
3. Focus on Customer Service: Providing excellent customer service is key to building a positive reputation on Walmart. Respond to inquiries and resolve issues quickly and professionally.

Conclusion

Selling on Walmart Marketplace can be a rewarding opportunity for businesses looking to expand their online presence. By following these steps and best practices, you can successfully set up your store, manage your operations, and grow your sales on one of the world’s largest e-commerce platforms. With dedication and the right strategies, you can leverage Walmart’s vast customer base to achieve significant growth and success.