How to Sell on Walmart: A Step-by-Step Guide

Sell on Walmart online marketplace can be a lucrative opportunity for businesses looking to expand their reach and tap into a vast customer base. As the world’s largest retailer, Walmart offers sellers access to millions of customers and a trusted platform to showcase their products. This guide will walk you through the process of becoming a Walmart Marketplace seller, setting up your store, and maximizing your success on the platform.

Why Sell on Walmart?

Walmart Marketplace provides a unique opportunity for sellers to reach a diverse audience. Here are some key benefits of selling on Walmart:

• Massive Customer Base: With millions of active users, Walmart is one of the most visited e-commerce websites in the U.S.
• Brand Credibility: Associating your products with Walmart can enhance brand trust and credibility.
• Low Selling Fees: Walmart’s commission fees are generally lower compared to other major marketplaces like Amazon.
• Fast Payments: Walmart pays sellers every two weeks, ensuring a steady cash flow.

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

Before applying to sell on Walmart, you need to ensure that your business meets their criteria. Walmart is selective about who it allows on its platform to maintain product quality and customer experience. Here are some basic requirements:

• U.S. Business: You must have a U.S. Business Tax ID and be registered to sell in the United States.
• Product Compliance: Your products should comply with all applicable laws and Walmart’s policies.
• Reputation and Performance: Walmart looks for established businesses with a strong track record of customer service and fulfillment.

Step 2: Apply to Become a Walmart Marketplace Seller

The first step to becoming a seller is to complete Walmart’s Marketplace Application. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Visit Walmart Marketplace Registration: Go to the Walmart Marketplace website and click on the “Request to Sell” button.
2. Complete the Application: Fill out the application form with details about your business, including your company name, address, U.S. Business Tax ID, and product categories.
3. Submit Supporting Documents: Provide any required documents such as your W-9 form, tax information, and business licenses.
4. Approval Process: Walmart will review your application and notify you via email if you are approved. This process can take several weeks, depending on the volume of applications.

Step 3: Set Up Your Seller Account

Once your application is approved, you will receive an invitation to complete your seller profile and set up your account. Follow these steps:

1. Create a Seller Account: Use the link in your approval email to create your Walmart Seller Center account.
2. Complete Your Profile: Fill in your company details, including business name, address, tax information, and customer service contact information.
3. Add Payment Information: Enter your bank account details for receiving payments. Walmart pays sellers every two weeks, based on your sales performance.
4. Shipping and Return Policies: Set up your shipping methods, delivery timeframes, and return policies according to Walmart’s guidelines.

Step 4: List Your Products

After setting up your seller account, it’s time to list your products on Walmart Marketplace. Here’s how to do it:

1. Choose a Listing Method: You can list products manually through the Seller Center, use bulk uploads with CSV files, or integrate your existing e-commerce store through an API.
2. Create Product Listings: For each product, provide detailed information such as product name, description, price, images, and inventory levels. Make sure your product details are accurate and compelling.
3. Set Competitive Prices: Walmart’s algorithm prioritizes products with competitive pricing. Research similar products and set prices that appeal to Walmart’s value-conscious customers.
4. Optimize Product Listings: Use high-quality images and keywords in your titles and descriptions to improve visibility and attract more customers.

Step 5: Manage Orders and Fulfillment

Efficient order management and fulfillment are crucial for success on Walmart. Here are some tips to ensure smooth operations:

1. Monitor Orders Regularly: Check your Seller Center dashboard daily for new orders and updates.
2. Ship Orders Promptly: Walmart values fast shipping and expects sellers to meet their delivery timeframes. Use reliable shipping carriers and provide tracking information for every order.
3. Handle Returns and Customer Service: Respond to customer inquiries promptly and process returns according to Walmart’s return policy. Good customer service is key to maintaining high seller ratings.

Step 6: Promote Your Products

To increase sales, consider using Walmart’s advertising and promotional tools. Here are some strategies:

1. Walmart Sponsored Products: Use Walmart’s advertising platform to promote your products in search results and product pages. Sponsored Products can help increase visibility and drive traffic to your listings.
2. Rollbacks and Clearance: Offer discounts on select items by setting up Rollbacks or Clearance events. This can help attract bargain hunters and clear out old inventory.
3. Free Shipping Offers: Offer free shipping on your products to boost sales and improve your product rankings. Walmart customers appreciate free delivery, and this can give you a competitive edge.

Step 7: Monitor Performance and Optimize

Regularly review your sales performance and make adjustments to improve your results. Use the Seller Center’s analytics tools to track key metrics such as:

• Sales Volume: Monitor your sales trends to identify which products are performing well and which need improvement.
• Customer Feedback: Check customer reviews and feedback to understand what buyers like or dislike about your products and service.
• Pricing and Competitors: Keep an eye on your competitors’ prices and adjust your pricing strategy to remain competitive.

Tips for Success on Walmart Marketplace

1. Focus on Quality: Offer high-quality products with detailed descriptions and accurate images. This builds trust and reduces the risk of returns.
2. Maintain Inventory Levels: Keep your inventory updated to avoid running out of stock, which can hurt your rankings and sales.
3. Respond Quickly: Walmart values sellers who provide excellent customer service. Respond to customer inquiries and resolve issues quickly to maintain high ratings.

Conclusion

Selling on Walmart Marketplace can open up significant opportunities for your business. By following these steps and best practices, you can set up your store, manage orders efficiently, and boost your sales on one of the world’s largest e-commerce platforms. With the right approach, selling on Walmart can become a profitable extension of your business, helping you reach new customers and achieve your sales goals.