An Expert’s Perspective: How to Start Selling on Walmart Marketplace
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The shift from conventional shopping at brick-and-mortar stores to shopping online from the comfort of your space has been pivotal. These online stores, like Walmart marketplace, offer a mammoth of opportunities for sellers to reach billions of consumers and turn them into loyal customers. Platforms like Walmart equip Walmart sellers with a host of benefits, ranging from low-cost listings to trustworthy sales.
Walmart marketplace has emerged as one of the fastest-growing marketplaces for seasoned sellers, thanks to the ever-increasing number of consumers on the platform. According to recent statistics, Walmart receives about 497 million monthly online visits in 2024 alone. This means your store on Walmart has the potential to reach millions of shoppers each month, growing your business.
But, as a seller, where do you start?
Well, we are here with a no-frills, expert guide on how to get started on Walmart Marketplace without the hassle. We conducted detailed sessions with our esteemed Walmart sellers to uncover the hurdles and pain points they faced when starting their journey on Walmart. Below, we present solutions to overcome these challenges without breaking a sweat.
Let’s go!
Question 1:
For someone new, how does one get started with a seller account on Walmart Marketplace? What does the application process look like?
Getting started on Walmart might seem daunting, but the actual process is simpler than you might think. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the entire process:
- Check Your Eligibility: Before you apply, ensure your business meets Walmart’s requirements. Walmart prefers sellers with a proven track record of eCommerce success, competitive pricing, and a commitment to high-quality customer service.
- Create an Account: Visit the Walmart Marketplace application page and fill out the registration form. You’ll need to provide basic business information, including your legal business name, tax ID, and W-9 or W-8BEN-E form.
- Submit Documentation: During the application, you’ll be asked to upload required documents, such as proof of your business’s existence and your tax identification details. Be thorough to avoid delays.
- Wait for Approval: Once submitted, Walmart reviews your application. This can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. Make sure your application is accurate and complete for a faster response.
- Set Up Your Account: After approval, you’ll receive an email with onboarding instructions. This includes signing Walmart’s Retailer Agreement and setting up your Seller Center account.
- Complete Onboarding: Use the Seller Center to add your products, set pricing, and configure shipping options. Walmart also offers onboarding resources and training to help you get started.
Expert Advice: Compile the following information before you navigate to the application page of Walmart Marketplace to make the entire process smoother and faster.
Do you feel ready to become a Walmart seller? Visit the Walmart Marketplace signup page, fill out your details, and create your Walmart account. And if you think this will take just a few minutes, you are absolutely right.
Question 2:
What follows after creating an account on Walmart Marketplace then?
Once you have invested a couple of minutes in creating your seller account on the Walmart marketplace, you will have to start onboarding. The onboarding process is divided into three key stages: Business Verification, Payments, and Shipping. Here’s what you need to know:
- Business Verification: Walmart reviews and verifies your business to ensure legitimacy. Submit your details and ensure your tax information matches IRS records for quick verification.
- Payments: Next, you’ll set up your payments. Walmart will need your bank account information to process payouts from sales. Set up your payment method by providing bank account details for payouts. Walmart doesn’t charge setup, subscription, or monthly fees.
- Shipping: Configure shipping preferences, including carriers, delivery options, and rates. Choose between self-fulfillment or Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS), and clearly define your shipping policies to avoid issues.
Once these three steps are completed, you’re officially set up to become a Walmart seller, ready to list your products and start selling on Walmart Marketplace!
Question 3:
The Walmart Seller application process may seem simple, but it can come with its own set of challenges. What are some of the most common obstacles new sellers face when applying for a Walmart Marketplace account?
Although the process of becoming a Walmart seller is designed to be user-friendly, new sellers often encounter a few stumbling blocks. Here are some of the most frequent issues:
- Documentation Issues: One of the biggest hurdles is providing the correct and complete documentation. Sellers often face delays if they submit incomplete or incorrect documents, so it’s important to double-check everything before submitting.
- Account Verification Delays: After submitting your application, Walmart’s review process can sometimes take longer than expected, especially if there are discrepancies in your application or documentation. New sellers eager to get started can find this frustrating. To minimize delays, ensure that all the information you provide is accurate and up-to-date.
- Payment Setup Confusion: Setting up payment details can be tricky for new sellers, particularly when it comes to linking your bank account for payouts. It’s crucial to provide accurate bank account information to avoid any issues with receiving payments.
- Shipping Configuration Complexity: Setting up shipping preferences and choosing between Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM) or Walmart’s Fulfillment Services (WFS) can be overwhelming. Sellers often struggle to determine the best shipping strategy for their business.
- Eligibility Confusion: Walmart’s eligibility criteria may confuse some new sellers. Walmart prefers sellers with a proven eCommerce track record, competitive pricing, and high-quality customer service. If your business doesn’t meet these expectations, it could delay or even prevent your approval. Be sure to review Walmart’s seller requirements before applying.
Question 4:
No one wants to get stuck in the application limbo. What are your top tips to ensure a smooth and successful application process for Walmart Marketplace, and how can sellers increase their chances of approval?
Absolutely! To ensure a smooth and successful application process for Walmart Marketplace, there are a few key tips that can significantly increase your chances of approval. Here’s how you can set yourself up for success:
- Ensure All Documentation is Accurate and Complete: Before submitting your application, double-check that all the required documents are accurate and up to date. The more thorough and precise you are with your documentation, the faster Walmart can process your Walmart seller application.
- Prepare for the Verification Process: Walmart’s verification process is thorough, and they will cross-check everything you submit. Be ready to provide additional information if needed.
- Set Up Payment Details Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to set up your payment details. Ensure your bank account information is correct, and choose a payment method that works best for you.
- Choose Your Shipping Method Carefully: Deciding between Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM) and Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) can be tricky, but it’s an important decision. If you plan to handle fulfillment yourself, make sure you clearly outline your shipping options, rates, and delivery times. If you opt for WFS, understand their fees and service requirements. This decision impacts your seller profile, so take the time to configure your shipping preferences properly.
- Review Walmart’s Seller Requirements: To avoid wasting time, make sure you meet Walmart’s eligibility criteria before you even start the application process. If you’re new to selling online, be transparent about your experience and demonstrate how your business can meet Walmart’s standards.
Question 5:
Walmart’s seller application process can be tricky, but what role does CedCommerce play as a trusted partner in helping sellers fast-track their account approval and get their business up and running smoothly?
As a trusted Walmart partner with over 8 years of experience working closely with the marketplace, CedCommerce plays a pivotal role in helping sellers fast-track their account approval and integration process. Their strong partnership with Walmart has provided them with an in-depth understanding of their marketplace, enabling them to guide sellers seamlessly through each step.
From the very beginning of the Walmart seller application process, CedCommerce’s dedicated support team is there to assist at every juncture, ensuring that all documentation is accurate and complete. This team has the expertise to resolve issues quickly and efficiently, minimizing any delays that might occur during the approval process.
Additionally, because of their long-standing relationship with Walmart, CedCommerce can expedite the entire account approval process. This means less waiting time for sellers, allowing them to get their stores live faster and start selling without unnecessary delays.
Beyond the Walmart seller application process, CedCommerce also supports Walmart sellers by integrating their Walmart store into other platforms. The experienced team of CedCommerce provides smooth and effective integration solutions, helping Walmart sellers manage their listings, orders, and inventory across multiple eCommerce platforms. With CedCommerce by your side, you get not only assistance in speeding up your approval but also long-term support for your growth on Walmart Marketplace.
Question 6:
Besides fast-tracking the approval process, what additional benefits can sellers enjoy when they apply through CedCommerce? How do these advantages set them up for success on Walmart Marketplace?
When sellers apply through CedCommerce, they unlock a host of exclusive advantages that go beyond just a faster approval process. Being an industry leader with years of experience in eCommerce integration, CedCommerce offers a comprehensive support system that facilitates sellers at every stage of their journey on Walmart Marketplace.
- Tailored Guidance: With a deep partnership with Walmart, CedCommerce provides customized advice to help sellers optimize their store setup, from meeting Walmart’s requirements to boosting their store’s visibility.
- Expert Integration: CedCommerce ensures seamless integration with multiple platforms, making inventory and order management effortless, so sellers can expand their reach without operational headaches.
- End-to-End Support: CedCommerce’s dedicated support team offers real-time, actionable solutions at every step, helping you overcome challenges quickly and stay ahead of the curve.
- Data-Driven Insights: CedCommerce provides sellers with actionable data on pricing, product listings, and inventory, ensuring they always make decisions aligned with market trends.
- Exclusive Perks: As a trusted Walmart partner, CedCommerce gives you access to early updates, co-marketing opportunities, and resources that aren’t available to all sellers.
As eCommerce continues to dominate, marketplaces like Walmart are becoming the go-to destinations for savvy consumers seeking convenience and variety. As consumers become savvier and accustomed to convenience, they’ll continue to flock to marketplaces, presenting an immense opportunity for sellers. With CedCommerce by your side, you gain more than just access to this thriving platform. You get a strategic partner committed to optimizing your success at every step. Whether it’s through seamless integration, expert guidance, or actionable insights, CedCommerce ensures your store stands out and thrives in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
The future of eCommerce is here, and it’s time to take advantage of the unparalleled opportunities Walmart Marketplace offers.