Embarking on your journey to become a Walmart seller can stir up a flurry of questions. It’s a vast marketplace, teeming with opportunities and complexities alike.
As you prepare to list your products, navigate Walmart’s unique policies, or perhaps, utilize their fulfillment services, you may find yourself immersed in a sea of queries. And that’s where we come in.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ve distilled our expert knowledge into clear, concise responses to a broad spectrum of questions you might have about selling on Walmart.
Consider this your ultimate handbook, your single go-to resource for all things related to Walmart selling.
Walmart Selling Questions & Answers
Q: How do I start selling on Walmart?
A: You can start selling on Walmart by applying to be a seller on Walmart’s online marketplace. If accepted, you can set up your store, list your products, and begin selling.
Here is a comprehensive post on Walmart selling and dropshipping to get all the information you need on Walmart selling
Q: Does it cost anything to sell on Walmart?
A: Unlike some other online marketplaces, Walmart does not charge a subscription or listing fee. However, they do charge a referral fee that varies based on the category of the item sold.
Q: What are the requirements to sell on Walmart?
A: To sell on Walmart, you need a US business tax ID, W9 or W8, and an EIN verification letter from the Department of Treasury that verifies your US business address.
Check our blog post on how to sell on Walmart to get more in-depth information on the requirements for selling on Walmart.
Q: Can international sellers sell on Walmart?
A: Yes, but international sellers must have a US tax ID and a US business address.
Q: Can I sell used products on Walmart?
A: Currently, Walmart only allows the sale of new products on its marketplace. You cannot sell used or vintage products on the platform.
Q: How do I get paid when I sell on Walmart?
A: Walmart pays its sellers every two weeks via Hyperwallet by PayPal.
If you are an international seller, you will be able to use other means to collect payments such as Payoneer and PingPong.
Q: How can I promote my products on Walmart?
A: You can promote your products on Walmart through Walmart Sponsored Products, which allows you to advertise your products with cost-per-click bidding.
We have an article – understanding Walmart sponsored ads. Read to know what Walmart sponsored ads are all about and how you can use them to boost your visibility.
Q: How do I manage inventory on Walmart?
A: You can manage inventory manually through the Walmart seller center or by using third-party inventory management tools integrated with Walmart’s API.
Q: How does Walmart handle customer service?
A: As a Walmart seller, you’re responsible for providing customer service for your products. This includes answering customer queries, resolving disputes, and managing returns.
Q: Can I sell on Walmart and Amazon at the same time?
A: Yes, you can sell on both platforms simultaneously. However, you’ll need to manage inventories separately to avoid overselling.
You can use the Ecom Circles automated dropshipping software to operate both an Amazon store and Walmart store without worrying about inventory management. It allows you to manage both stores on one platform.
Q: How do I optimize my product listings on Walmart?
A: Optimize your Walmart listings with high-quality images, detailed and accurate descriptions, and relevant keywords to increase your products’ visibility.
If you want to know more about Walmart product listing optimization, our article on how to optimize Walmart product listings is worth your attention.
Q: What are the best practices for selling on Walmart?How to G
A: Best practices include regularly updating inventory, providing excellent customer service, promptly handling returns, optimizing product listings, and using Walmart’s analytics tools to track performance.
Q: How do I handle negative reviews on Walmart?
A: Respond promptly and professionally to negative reviews, offering solutions to the customer’s issue. If the review violates Walmart’s guidelines, you can request its removal.
If you want more information on how to get positive Walmart reviews via effective customer service, read our article – How to Get Walmart Reviews and Boost Your Sales
Q: How can I become a top seller on Walmart?
A: Achieving a high order defect rate (ODR), maintaining positive customer reviews, and following Walmart’s best practices can help you become a top seller.
Q: How do I set prices for my products on Walmart?
A: You can set prices manually or use a repricing tool. Remember to consider all your costs, including shipping and Walmart’s referral fee, when setting prices.
Q: Can I sell handmade items on Walmart?
A: Yes, handmade items can be sold on Walmart, provided they meet Walmart’s product listing guidelines.
Q: How can I improve my performance as a Walmart seller?
A: Regularly review your performance metrics in Walmart’s Seller Center, and take action based on these insights. Optimize listings, ensure quick order fulfillment, and maintain high customer service standards
Q: How can I compete with other sellers on Walmart Marketplace?
A: Competing effectively requires a combination of competitive pricing, high-quality product listings, excellent customer service, and effective use of Walmart’s promotional tools like Sponsored Products.
Q: How does the Walmart buy box work?
A: Like Amazon, Walmart uses a buy-box system. The buy box is given to the seller that Walmart’s algorithm determines offers the best value to the customer based on factors like price, seller rating, and fulfillment method.
If you want to read the Walmart buy box, read this – 5 Ways to Win the Walmart Buy Box
Q: What types of products can’t I sell on Walmart?
A: Walmart has a list of prohibited items that cannot be sold on their marketplace. This includes items like firearms, certain health products, and anything offensive or illegal.
Q: Can I sell groceries on Walmart?
A: Yes, sellers can sell groceries on Walmart, but they need to be approved for this category and must adhere to Walmart’s food safety standards.
Q: What happens if my seller performance drops on Walmart?
A: If your performance metrics drop significantly, Walmart may suspend or deactivate your seller account. It’s important to consistently meet Walmart’s seller performance standards.
Q: Can I sell refurbished items on Walmart?
A: Yes, but you need to list the item as refurbished, follow all guidelines for refurbished items, and provide a warranty for the customer.
Q: What do I do if I think a customer’s review is unfair?
A: You can contact Walmart’s Seller Help to report the review. If it violates Walmart’s guidelines, it may be removed.
Q: Can I run sales or promotions on my Walmart products?
A: Yes, Walmart allows sellers to run sales and promotions. You can manage these through the Promotions tool in Seller Center.
Q: How can I improve my search ranking on Walmart?
A: Improve your search ranking by optimizing your product listings with relevant keywords, maintaining high seller performance metrics, and utilizing Walmart’s Sponsored Products.
Walmart WFS Questions & Answers
Q: What is Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS)?
A: WFS is Walmart’s storage, packing, and shipping service for sellers, similar to Amazon’s FBA. Sellers ship their products to a Walmart fulfillment center, and Walmart takes care of storage and delivery to customers.
Q: How do I join WFS?
A: You need to be a Walmart Marketplace seller first. Then, you can apply to join WFS through the Seller Center.
Check out our guide on how to apply for WFS to get started with the program.
Q: How much does WFS cost?
A: WFS charges for storage and fulfillment. Storage fees depend on the size and weight of the item and the time of year, while fulfillment fees depend on the item’s size, weight, and category.
Q: Does WFS handle returns?
A: Yes, WFS manages returns and customer service related to orders it fulfills.
Q: How does WFS affect my seller rating?
A: Orders fulfilled by WFS are more likely to have on-time delivery and accurate tracking, which can improve your seller rating.
Q: How do I send inventory to WFS?
A: After you’ve been approved for WFS, you can create a shipment in the Seller Center, prepare your items according to WFS guidelines, and ship them to the designated fulfillment center.
Q: Can WFS fulfill orders from other platforms?
A: Currently, WFS only fulfills orders from the Walmart Marketplace.
Q: What types of products can I fulfill with WFS?
A: WFS can fulfill most product categories sold on Walmart, but there are some restrictions such as HAZMAT products and items with IP claims. You should check the WFS product eligibility guidelines.
Q: What happens if my inventory doesn’t sell?
A: If your inventory doesn’t sell, you will continue to be charged storage fees. If you want to remove unsold inventory, you can request a removal order in the Seller Center.
Q: How do I get paid with WFS?
A: Payments for WFS sales are made through via Hyperwallet by PayPal, Payoneer, and PingPong, just like regular Walmart Marketplace sales.
Q: Does WFS provide customer service?
A: Yes, WFS provides customer service for all orders it fulfills.
Q: Can I use WFS if I’m an international seller?
A: Yes, international sellers can use WFS, but they must comply with all US import laws and regulations.
Q: What is the benefit of using WFS over self-fulfillment?
A: Using WFS can save you time and effort by handling storage, packing, shipping, returns, and customer service for you. It can also improve your seller performance ratings and increase your visibility on Walmart.
Q: What happens if a customer returns a product fulfilled by WFS?
A: WFS handles the return process. Once the product is returned, it will be evaluated. If it’s in sellable condition, it will be returned to your inventory.
Q: Can I use WFS for oversized or heavy items?
A: WFS has size and weight restrictions for items. For example, the maximum unit weight cannot exceed 150 lbs to qualify for WFS.
You should check the WFS guidelines on heavy and oversized items to see if your item qualifies.
Q: Can I fulfill some orders myself and use WFS for others?
A: Yes, you can choose which items you want to fulfill through WFS and which you want to fulfill yourself.
Q: How do I manage inventory with WFS?
A: You can manage your inventory using the WFS dashboard in the Seller Center.
Q: Can I use my own packaging for WFS?
A: No, all items fulfilled by WFS are packed in Walmart-branded packaging.
Q: Can WFS fulfill orders during peak periods like Black Friday?
A: Yes, WFS is designed to handle high order volumes, but it’s always a good idea to send in inventory well in advance of peak periods.
Q: What happens if my product is damaged in a WFS warehouse?
A: If your product is damaged in a WFS warehouse, you will be reimbursed based on Walmart’s FBA lost and damaged inventory reimbursement policy.
Walmart Selling Fees Questions & Answers
Q: What are the referral fees for selling on Walmart?
A: Referral fees on Walmart vary by category and can range from 6% to 20% of the item’s price.
Q: Are there any monthly subscription fees for selling on Walmart?
A: No, unlike some other marketplaces, Walmart does not charge a monthly subscription fee to sellers.
Q: What are the fees for using Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS)?
A: WFS charges two main types of fees: storage fees (based on the size and weight of the product) and fulfillment fees (based on the product’s size, weight, and category).
Q: Does Walmart charge a fee for returns?
A: If a return is processed through Walmart’s returns platform, there is no return fee. However, if you use WFS, they handle returns as part of their service.
Q: Does Walmart charge for shipping?
A: As a seller, you are responsible for the cost of shipping. However, if you use WFS, the cost of shipping is included in their service fees.
Q: Are there any fees for listing products on Walmart?
A: No, Walmart does not charge any fees for listing products on its marketplace.
Q: Does Walmart charge a fee for customer service?
A: No, Walmart does not charge a fee for customer service. If you use WFS, customer service is included as part of their service.
Q: Are there any hidden fees when selling on Walmart?
A: Walmart’s fee structure is transparent. However, it’s essential to understand all the fees associated with selling on Walmart, including commission fees and potential WFS fees.
To know more about Walmart seller fees, check out our Comprehensive breakdown on the topic.
Q: How often will I have to pay the selling fees on Walmart?
A: Walmart deducts the selling fees at the time of sale. The balance after the deduction of fees is remitted to the seller’s payment account.
Q: How does Walmart’s referral fee compare to other marketplaces like Amazon?
A: While the referral rates for Walmart and Amazon can be similar depending on the category, Walmart does not charge a subscription fee, which can make it a more affordable option for some sellers.
Q: Can I dispute the fees charged by Walmart if I believe there has been an error?
A: Yes, if you believe there has been an error in the fees charged by Walmart, you can raise a dispute through the Walmart Seller Center. Be prepared to provide supporting evidence for your claim.
Walmart Returns Questions & Answers
Q: What is Walmart’s return policy for Marketplace items?
A: Walmart requires Marketplace sellers to follow a minimum standard return policy, which allows customers to return items within 30 days of delivery.
Q: How do I handle returns as a Walmart seller?
A: You can handle returns yourself or use Walmart’s return services. You’ll need to have a clear return policy that complies with Walmart’s return policy requirements.
Read our Walmart returns guide to learn how to effectively handle returns.
Q: Who is responsible for the cost of return shipping on Walmart Marketplace?
A: If a customer is returning an item due to a seller’s fault (e.g., wrong item, damaged item, etc.), then the seller is responsible for the cost of return shipping.
Q: Can I set my own return policy as a seller on Walmart?
A: While you can offer a more lenient return policy, you must at least comply with Walmart’s minimum return policy of 30 days.
Q: How are returns handled when using Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS)?
A: WFS handles the entire return process for you, including customer service, receiving returned items, and refunding customers.
Q: What happens if a customer returns a damaged or used item?
A: If you receive a return that’s been damaged or used, you should report this to Walmart’s Marketplace customer service.
Q: Can I dispute a return if I believe it was unjustified?
A: Yes, you can dispute a return through the Walmart Seller Center if you believe the return was unjustified.
Q: Are there any fees associated with returns on Walmart?
A: If a return is processed through Walmart’s returns platform, there is no return fee. However, if you use WFS, they handle returns as part of their service.
Q: How do I process a return as a seller on Walmart?
A: Returns are processed through the Walmart Seller Center. You’ll receive a return request notification, and then you can choose to approve or dispute the return.
Q: What happens if a returned item gets lost in transit?
A: If a return is lost in transit, you should contact Walmart’s Marketplace customer service for support.
Q: How does a return affect my seller rating on Walmart?
A: A high return rate can negatively impact your seller rating on Walmart. Providing accurate product descriptions and excellent customer service can help minimize returns.
