Do you want to start an online shop on the Walmart Marketplace but don’t know the requirements?
Like you, many people envision setting up shop on the platform.
Luckily, applying as a seller at Walmart Marketplace only takes moments, given that you have the information, documents, and requirements ready.
So read on, and we’ll show you how to sell on Walmart and what you need to set up your account.
Why You Should Consider Selling on Walmart
Walmart Marketplace is one of the leading platforms where businesses can sell their products online.
Here are some key advantages the marketplace offers.
- Fewer business costs: Unlike other online marketplaces, Walmart doesn’t have a monthly or yearly subscription fee. The platform will only charge you a referral fee each time you make a sale.
- Secure and efficient transaction process: Walmart Marketplace offers an efficient and secure checkout process for its users. As such, your customer base will feel safe when conducting transactions, leading to more sales.
- Less competition: Compared to Amazon, Walmart has fewer sellers, meaning there is less competition for your online store. Aside from that, they are selective about which businesses they allow to sell on the platform.
- Advanced tools: Once Walmart approves your seller account, you get access to innovative listing and analytics tools to manage your shop.
Problems With Selling on Walmart
Naturally, selling at Walmart has its downsides.
Here are some of the things you should consider before setting up a shop on the marketplace.
- Varied referral fees: Although Walmart only charges referral fees to marketplace sellers when they make a sale, the fee percentage varies between 6 and 20% depending on the product. As such, you may have fewer profits on some items.
- Lower Pricing: Walmart Marketplace ensures that its sellers follow their price parity rules on the app. While it’s beneficial for the customers to get the lowest competitive pricing possible, you may get fewer profits from your products.
- Strict seller requirements: Before adding your products to the Walmart Marketplace, you need their approval and review process as a seller. You’ll need to pass all their strict seller requirements to become eligible for an account.
What You’ll Need to Sell on Walmart
Before selling items on the Walmart Marketplace, you need to set up your account and pass all the requirements from the platform.
Here are the things you need to prepare for a faster application process.
- Business Tax IDs: Before setting up your account, you need to prepare a Business Tax ID or your Business Identification number to verify your business. If you’re in the US, you must know how to find your company’s EIN. You can get your tax ID in the US by applying on the IRS website.
- Business and warehouse address: Note the places where you operate your business in the US.
- W8 or W9 Forms: You also need documents that verify your business name and corporate address. W8 is for non-US businesses, and W9 is for businesses that pay taxes in the country.
- EIN Verification letter: You also need an EIN Verification letter to verify your business and place of operation in the US.
- Product Information: Walmart will ask for the primary product categories and other information about the item you want to sell on their platform. You also need to identify your planned product catalog size.
- History of online business success: Before you can sell on Walmart, they need to know if you have a proven track record of a successful marketplace or e-commerce business. Prepare links to your existing online stores and products as proof.
What to Sell on Walmart
Like Amazon, you can sell all kinds of items at the Walmart Marketplace as long as you don’t violate their policies.
If you don’t know where to start, here are a few items you can sell well on the platform.
Beauty and Personal Care Products
Cosmetics, skin-care products, perfumes, and similar items are more popular than ever.
This is because many people know the value of maintaining good hygiene and physical appearance.
Why This Product Sells Well
Beauty products always appear on the top-selling items list in Walmart, which means you can sell them well if you have items from known brands.
Home Products
Items such as decorations, bedroom products, cleaning supplies, and other items improve the quality of life at home. These products provide convenience for the user.
Why This Product Sells Well
People tend to look for products that can improve their homes. Home products are always in demand, especially unique or affordable ones.
Pet Products
Being a pet owner is not just about feeding your pet good food. There are times when you want to have toys and accessories for your pet to enjoy.
Why This Product Sells Well
Many owners look for pet supplies, including food, accessories, and toys, on online platforms. You can sell these items well on Walmart Marketplace after checking the competition on the platform.
Electronics
Electronics like phones, laptops, computers, and other similar items are a popular product listing. Accessories such as headphones, speakers, and chargers also fall under this category.
Why This Product Sells Well
Many people look for new or affordable electronics to replace the ones they have. And people also want accessories to accompany their existing phones or computer.
How To Sell on Walmart: Step-By-Step Instructions
If you’re ready to expand your shop to the Walmart Marketplace, it’s time to set up an account and upload your items for sale.
Step 1: Send an Application to Walmart Marketplace
The first thing you need to do is visit the Walmart Seller Center website and submit an application.
You need to fill up and complete the application form to continue the registration process.
The platform will ask for business details and documents that support it. If you have your Business ID, W9 or W8 form (for international sellers), EIN letter, and other information ready, it won’t take you an hour to finish your application.
After submitting your application, Walmart will review and verify its contents for approval.
The approval process may take some time,e depending on your business and the information you included in the application.
Step 2: Finish Your Registration
Once Walmart Marketplace approves your application, you’ll receive an email with a link to set up your partner profile on the app.
1. Add Account Details
After opening the link, Walmart will ask you to add a password for your account. Your account’s username or email address depends on the information on your previous application.
You’ll need these login credentials to sign in to the Seller Center and Walmart Marketplace.
2. Review the Retailer Agreement
After adding your account details, you’ll read a retailer agreement you must sign and approve. Check the document for the conditions and terms you must follow when selling on the platform.
3. Company Registration
Add your company details, such as the name you want to display on the market and your business address.
4. Tax Forms
Continue and fill up the W-9 form with your details. The platform requires you to add your name, address, TIN, and other standard information.
5. Payment information
Add your payment processor option to the platform. You get to choose where you’ll receive payments for your product sales.
6. Shipping information
You’ll also need to fill up your shipping information, including the shipping rates, method, and places where you can send your products.
Step 3: Complete Partner Profile
After setting up your account, you can now access the Walmart Marketplace Seller Center, where you’ll need to set up your Partner Profile.
Click the gear icon at the top right of the Seller Center and navigate to Settings > Partner Profile.
Fill the required sections until the Readiness For Launch Meter reaches 100%.
Step 4: Item Setup and Testing
Once you complete your Partner Profile, it’s time to upload your products and test them on your account.
Add Your Products
There are three ways to set up your products on the Walmart Marketplace.
You can work with solution providers, use the Walmart API for direct integration, or add items directly from the Seller Center.
In any case, make sure to add real products to your store and fill up the necessary details, such as product titles, product descriptions, product images, and item costs (or sales price).
Conduct Test Orders
After adding your items to the Walmart Marketplace, it’s time to publish and test orders for your products to ensure everything is working well.
You can find the Publish Item and Purchase Items options on the Seller Marketplace. Try ordering one of your items and see if everything looks right.
Also, check the order cancellation, refund, and shipping features for any issues.
Step 5: Launch Your Account
You can now start going live on the Walmart Marketplace.
Walmart will review your profile and the products you sell, and if there’s no problem, they’ll be available on the market as soon as possible.
Things to Consider When Selling on Walmart
Before setting up shop at the Walmart Marketplace, it’s best to know a few more details about the platform.
Here are some things you should know as an aspiring seller in the marketplace.
1. Item Ratings
Walmart values customer reviews on products. Items with many positive ratings will appear on search results more frequently. As such, you need to sell high-quality products to get good reviews.
2. Prohibited Products
The Walmart Marketplace has a list of prohibited products that violate its policies. Uploading an illegal item to your store can lead to suspension or account deletion.
3. Walmart Fulfillment Services
Like Amazon, Walmart offers reliable fulfillment services to fill orders for their sellers. When you avail of WFS for your seller account, Walmart can handle shipping, packaging, and customer services for your products.
4. Product Search Rankings
Search rankings highly affect the conversion rate of items in the Walmart Marketplace. Having one of your products at the top of the search results can lead to more sales and potential customers.
While it’s difficult to rank high in search results, you can try selling items in niches with less competition among sellers.
Learning the basics of e-commerce SEO and the relevant keywords is one of the best ways to market your small business.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Walmart’s Payment Schedule?
Walmart uses a bi-weekly payment schedule for their sellers. So you’ll receive the payments directly to your bank account every two weeks.
Does Walmart Add Prices to Products You Sell on the Platform?
No, the cost you set for an item is the price the customer sees. However, Walmart will charge you between 6 to 20% on each of your sales, depending on the product.
Can You Sell Products on Walmart and Other Online Marketplaces at the Same Time?
Yes, Walmart doesn’t restrict its users when it comes to selling on other online platforms. In fact, it’s easier to become a seller in Walmart Marketplace if you already have a successful online business.
Similar Tutorials to Check Out
If you don’t think that Walmart is the right platform to sell your products, there are other online platforms that you can check.
Here are a few examples to help you out
- How to Sell on eBay: Complete step-by-step guide for beginners looking to sell used items and collectibles.
- How to Sell on Craigslist: Few tips on how to sell items quickly on the platform.
- How to Sell on Amazon: How to start as a third-party seller on one of the most popular online marketplaces in the world.
Wrapping Up
Walmart is one of the best online marketplaces where you can expand your business.
Although the platform is strict in its application process, you won’t have any problems and delays if you have the necessary documents ready.
We would like to hear your thoughts regarding the Walmart Marketplace in the comments section below.
If you like this article, don’t forget to share it with your friends and fellow online sellers.
So my question is where do you get the products? Are there item you can sell without permission from the maker? You pick what Walmart already sells or ? I understand it clearly if you have your own brand otherwise I’m confused,.