Step-by-Step Guide to Start Selling on Walmart
Step 1. Eligibility and Application
Eligibility Requirements
Before you begin, ensure that you meet Walmart’s eligibility criteria:
- A U.S. Business Tax ID (SSN not accepted).
- An EIN Verification Letter from the Department of Treasury.
- A W-9 or W-8 and a completed Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification.
- A valid U.S. business address.
- Product and price information.
Application Process
To apply:
- Visit the Walmart Marketplace application page.
- Complete the online application form, providing detailed business information and verifying your identity.
- Submit your application and wait for approval, which typically takes a few weeks.
Step 2. Account Setup
Registration
Once approved, you’ll receive an email invitation to set up your seller account:
- Follow the link in the email to create your account.
- Provide your business information, including your business name, address, and tax details.
- Set up your payment method.
Walmart Seller Center
The Walmart Seller Center is your central hub for managing your seller account:
- Log in to the Walmart Seller Center.
- Familiarize yourself with the dashboard, where you’ll manage your products, orders, and performance.
Step 3. Product Listing
Prepare Your Listings
Gather the necessary information for your products:
- Product Title
- Description
- Images (high-quality, clear, and compliant with Walmart’s guidelines)
- Price
- Inventory levels
- Shipping details
Upload Products
You can upload products individually or in bulk:
- Individual Upload: Use the Add New Item feature in the Seller Center to manually add each product.
- Bulk Upload: Use Walmart’s Excel templates to upload multiple products at once. Download the template, fill in your product information, and upload the file.
Step 4. Optimize Your Listings
Keyword Research
Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or Walmart’s search bar to identify relevant keywords for your products. Incorporate these keywords naturally into your product titles and descriptions.
Competitive Pricing
Research competitors’ prices and set competitive prices for your products. Walmart’s algorithm favors lower prices, so consider offering promotions or discounts.
High-Quality Images
Ensure your images are high-resolution and showcase your product from multiple angles. Follow Walmart’s image guidelines to avoid any issues.
Step 5. Order Fulfillment
Shipping Options
Decide on your shipping methods:
- Seller Fulfilled: You handle the storage, packaging, and shipping.
- Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS): Walmart stores, picks, packs, and ships your products for you.
Shipping Performance
Maintain a high level of shipping performance to meet Walmart’s standards. This includes timely shipping, accurate tracking information, and good packaging.
Step 6. Customer Service
Handling Inquiries
Provide excellent customer service by responding to customer inquiries promptly. Use the Seller Center to manage messages and resolve issues.
Returns and Refunds
Establish a clear return and refund policy that aligns with Walmart’s guidelines. Handle returns and refunds efficiently to maintain customer satisfaction.
Step 7. Monitoring Performance
Seller Scorecard
Regularly check your Seller Scorecard in the Seller Center. This scorecard tracks your performance metrics, including order defect rate, on-time shipping rate, and customer reviews.
Continuous Improvement
Use the insights from your Seller Scorecard to identify areas for improvement. Aim to maintain high performance to benefit from better visibility and higher sales.
Step 8. Marketing and Promotions
Sponsored Products
Consider using Walmart’s Sponsored Products to increase your product visibility. These are pay-per-click ads that appear in search results and product pages.
Promotions and Discounts
Run promotions and offer discounts to attract more customers. Use Walmart’s promotional tools to create special offers and deals.
Step 9. Staying Compliant
Policy Adherence
Familiarize yourself with Walmart’s marketplace policies and ensure you adhere to them. Non-compliance can result in penalties or account suspension.
Quality Assurance
Regularly review your product listings for accuracy and update them as needed. Ensure your products meet quality standards and customer expectations.
Selling on Walmart’s marketplace can be a profitable venture if approached strategically. By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll be well-equipped to set up your seller account, list your products effectively, fulfill orders efficiently, and provide excellent customer service. Stay committed to continuous improvement and keep abreast of Walmart’s policies and guidelines to ensure long-term success on the platform.
