Frequently Asked Questions (With Answers) About Walmart Marketplace

Friday, August 16, 2019Eric Zegarski

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) & Answers About Walmart Marketplace 

Adding marketplaces such as Amazon and Walmart to your eCommerce channels is a great way to grow your multi or omni-channel strategy. Selling on these marketplaces allows you to strategically position your products in front of audiences who are actively searching for products like yours. Only second to Amazon, millions of people shop on Walmart Marketplace daily. However, a lot of online merchants are not too familiar with Walmart Marketplace. Below you’ll find some frequently asked questions about Walmart Marketplace. We also touch base on how integrating your Walmart Marketplace account with your ERP can streamline your eCommerce operations. Learn more about how Walmart Marketplace is a great channel to grow your multi or omni-channel strategy here.  
 

Getting Started With Walmart Marketplace  

Q: Why should I join Walmart Marketplace?  

With Walmart Marketplace, your products will be accessible to over 100 million users who visit Walmart.com monthly. As a Marketplace vendor, you remain in control of your business. This means you will have control over your inventory, retail pricing, fulfillment and customer care. Walmart is actively looking to build relationships with brands that provide first-class products.  

Q:  How does my business get started with Walmart marketplace?  

Walmart makes it easy to join their Marketplace. The application process takes approximately 10 – 15 minutes. To ensure the application goes smoothly, you should have the following handy before you begin:  

• US Business Tax ID (SSN not accepted) 
• W9 or W8 and EIN Verification Letter from the Department of Treasury that verifies your US business address or place of physical operations 
• US Business address 
• Planned integration method for your product catalog (bulk upload, API, solution provider) 
• Primary product categories, catalog size and related information (e.g. total SKUs you will be selling on Walmart.com initially with verified UPC information, and used vs. refurbished etc.) 

Q: I’m a Drop Ship Vendor (DSV), can I sell on Marketplace?  

Yes, you can sell as a DSV and a Marketplace vendor. That caveat is that any items you offer must be sold as either a DSV or as a seller. You cannot sell the same item as a DSV and a seller.  
 

Adding Your Items to Walmart Marketplace  

 
Q: What type of items can I sell on Walmart Marketplace? 

Walmart allows for a variety of different products to be sold on their Marketplace. However, as much as Walmart likes to be a one stop shop for almost anything, they do have a list of prohibited products.  

Q: How do I add and manage my listings, and are there SKU minimums?  
Q: Will my listing differ from products Walmart themselves offer?  

No, your listing will look identical to other items sold on Walmart Marketplace. However, your listing will contain additional information such as your company information, return policy, and contact information.

 

Shipping and Fulfilling Orders  

Q: How do I check for orders and process them?  

Your orders will be populated in the Seller Center portal. Your account administrator can also set up notifications for you in Seller Center. Alternatively, using Walmart’s API you can have them prepopulated in your ERP, more on that later.  

Q: What are Walmart’s shipping requirements?  

You’re in control as to what carrier you use. Shipping price and methods are set up when you build your profile in Seller Center. Walmart has 5 shipping options you can choose from. However, when it comes to packaging, your items bust be shipped in non-branded packaging and not include and materials that are not from Walmart.  

Q: How do I handle returns and customer service?  

As a Walmart Marketplace merchant, you set up your return policy in Seller Center. Your customer service information, including email address, hours of operation, and contact phone number are displayed in your item listings. When it comes to refunding customers, you will manage refunds through Seller Center or the API.  

Q: Does Walmart offer fulfillment services for Marketplace sellers?  

At this point and time, Walmart doesn’t currently fulfill orders for merchants. However, they have a partnership with a 3PL who can help you fulfill orders. Deliverr has a special pre-approved Free-2-Day Shipping program for merchants selling on Walmart Marketplace.  
 

Getting Paid From Walmart  

Q: Are there and fees to pay and what’s the commission structure?  

Walmart does not charge any of its merchants set-up fees, or a monthly subscription. However, they do have a referral commission structure. Walmart simply deducts a percentage from each sale. These percentages are based off what category your product falls into. Learn more about their referral commission structure here.  

Q: How do I receive payments and are there associated credit card fees?  

Payments are automatically deposited in your bank account every two weeks. The credit card processing fees are already incorporated into Walmart’s commission structure.  
 

Integration Supercharges Your Walmart Marketplace Account  

With and integration solution from eBridge via our cloud-based iPaaS (integration Platform as a Service) orders from Walmart Marketplace flow directly into your ERP. This eliminates the need for manual order entry. This limits the risk of error due to manual entry. Furthermore, you’ll be able to track your inventory almost instantaneously and fulfill your orders faster.  

eBridge has a pre-built Walmart Marketplace connector. As a result, we can connect your Walmart Marketplace store in a timely manner. Furthermore, our cloud-based platform is hosted on Microsoft Azure. This ensures a guaranteed 99.99% uptime and leading world-class security.  

If you’re looking for more information about selling on other marketplaces such as Amazon, we have an Amazon seller guide. In addition, if you’re already an Amazon vendor, you’ll be pleased to know that we have a pre-built Amazon connector too.  

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