How to Sell on Walmart: A Comprehensive Guide for New Sellers
Selling on Walmart’s marketplace offers a significant opportunity for businesses to expand their reach and increase sales. As one of the largest retailers in the world, Walmart has a vast customer base, and its marketplace allows third-party sellers to tap into this potential. If you’ve ever wondered how to effectively sell with Walmart, this guide will walk you through the essential steps and tips to get started successfully.
Why Sell on Walmart?
Walmart is known for its brick-and-mortar stores, but its eCommerce platform is growing rapidly, making it an attractive option for online sellers. With millions of daily visitors, sellers can expose their products to a vast and diverse audience. Additionally, the competition on Walmart is less saturated compared to other platforms like Amazon, which means sellers have the potential to stand out more easily. Moreover, Walmart’s trusted brand name gives your listings an air of credibility that may help convert shoppers into buyers.
How to Get Started Selling on Walmart
To sell on Walmart, sellers must first apply and be approved. The approval process is stringent, as Walmart prioritizes quality and customer satisfaction. Below are the main steps you need to follow:
1. Apply for a Walmart Seller Account
Before anything else, you’ll need to apply for a Walmart Marketplace account. This process is straightforward but selective, as Walmart ensures that only legitimate and reliable businesses sell on their platform. You’ll need to provide:
- Basic business information (name, address, tax ID, etc.)
- Product categories and types you plan to sell
- Previous selling experience (such as on Amazon or eBay)
Once Walmart approves your application, you can proceed to set up your account.
2. Set Up Your Seller Account
After approval, you can set up your seller account. Here, you’ll need to provide details about your business, including shipping methods, return policies, and tax information. It’s essential to carefully set up these details to ensure that customers have all the information they need when purchasing from you.
Additionally, you’ll need to select a shipping plan. Walmart offers two main options: Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) and self-fulfillment. WFS is akin to Amazon’s Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) service, where Walmart stores and ships your products, while self-fulfillment means you handle logistics on your own.
3. Create Product Listings
Creating optimized product listings is crucial for success on Walmart. Your product titles, descriptions, and images should be clear, informative, and enticing. When crafting your listings:
- Use high-quality images with multiple angles to showcase your products.
- Write detailed product descriptions with important features, specifications, and benefits.
- Incorporate relevant keywords to make your listings searchable.
- Set competitive pricing that aligns with Walmart’s low-price strategy.
Remember, the better your listings, the more likely customers will find your products and make a purchase.
4. Managing Orders and Inventory
Once your listings are live, customers can start purchasing your products. Walmart’s Seller Center allows you to manage your orders, inventory, and customer service. Keeping your inventory updated is essential to avoid stockouts and ensure timely deliveries. Walmart penalizes sellers who fail to fulfill orders promptly, so it’s important to keep track of your stock and shipping times.
You can also set up notifications for low inventory levels to restock before running out. Efficient order management leads to positive reviews, which can boost your product rankings and visibility on Walmart’s marketplace.
Tips for Success on Walmart’s Marketplace
Selling on Walmart can be rewarding, but it requires strategy and effort. Here are some tips to help you succeed:
1. Price Competitively
Walmart is known for its low prices, so ensure your products are priced competitively. You can use Walmart’s repricing tools to adjust your prices automatically based on competitors’ listings, ensuring your offers remain attractive to buyers.
2. Monitor Seller Performance
Walmart places a high priority on seller performance, including metrics like on-time delivery rates and customer satisfaction. Regularly review your performance in Walmart’s Seller Center to identify areas for improvement. Poor performance can result in penalties or suspension from the platform.
3. Use Walmart’s Advertising Tools
Like other marketplaces, Walmart offers advertising options to increase product visibility. You can invest in Sponsored Products or Walmart Performance Ads to ensure your listings appear at the top of search results. These ads can drive traffic to your products, especially when you’re just starting out.
4. Offer Fast Shipping
Walmart customers expect fast and reliable shipping, so offering quick delivery options can help boost your sales. If you’re handling fulfillment yourself, ensure you have an efficient shipping process. Alternatively, consider enrolling in Walmart Fulfillment Services to leverage their logistics network for faster delivery times.
Conclusion
Selling with Walmart can open new doors for online sellers by offering access to a large customer base and leveraging Walmart’s trusted brand. By following the steps above and focusing on competitive pricing, product optimization, and excellent customer service, you can build a successful presence on Walmart’s marketplace.