The Beginner's Guide: How to Get Approved to Sell on Walmart

Looking to expand your online sales channels? Selling on Walmart's massive marketplace could be your next big move. This guide offers a straightforward approach to navigating the application process, ensuring you meet Walmart's standards, and setting up your products for success. Our tips will help streamline your journey from application to approval.

Why Sell Your Products on Walmart?

Selling your products on Walmart opens your business to a vast customer base hungry for diverse and quality products. Walmart's marketplace not only boasts millions of daily visitors but also offers an unmatched reach that can significantly increase your brand's visibility and sales.

By joining this platform, you tap into Walmart's robust marketing and customer service framework, enhancing trust with consumers. Moreover, you benefit from their streamlined logistics and vast distribution network, ensuring your products reach customers efficiently.

What Are the Requirements to Join Walmart?

Potential sellers must have a history of marketplace or eCommerce success. Walmart carefully reviews your past sales performance to assess your ability to provide excellent customer service and fulfill orders with high efficiency.

Your business must uphold the integrity of its product catalog with UPC compliance for all listed items. This ensures that product listings are accurate, enhancing the shopping experience for customers.

All applicants must have robust fulfillment systems in place to manage orders effectively. Walmart demands a track record of timely delivery and a professional handling of returns, which is crucial for maintaining customer satisfaction and compliance with their service standards.

How to Get Approved to Sell on Walmart Step by Step?

Step 1: Research Walmart’s Standards

Start by understanding Walmart’s seller requirements. Familiarize yourself with their marketplace policies, including product quality standards, pricing strategies, and customer service expectations. It’s crucial to know these requirements inside out to ensure your business aligns with Walmart’s values and operational standards.

Step 2: Ensure Legal Compliance

Ensure that your business is legally compliant with all relevant regulations. This includes having a valid business registration, tax identification numbers, and any necessary permits or licenses. Walmart requires all these documents to be in place to consider your application.

Step 3: Optimize Your Business’s Online Presence

A strong online presence can influence Walmart’s decision. Make sure your website is professional, your social media profiles are active and engaging, and customer feedback is overwhelmingly positive. A good online reputation builds trust and shows Walmart that your business is well-regarded by customers.

Step 4: Prepare Detailed Product Catalogs

Create detailed and accurate product descriptions for all items you intend to sell on Walmart. Include high-quality images, comprehensive specifications, and any other information that can help buyers make informed decisions. Walmart favors sellers who provide thorough product data as it enhances customer experience.

Step 5: Develop a Robust Supply Chain

Walmart values efficiency and reliability in its sellers’ supply chains. Develop a logistics plan that covers product sourcing, inventory management, and order fulfillment. Demonstrate that you can handle significant volumes and fulfill orders promptly to meet Walmart’s and customers' expectations.

Step 6: Apply to Walmart’s Seller Center

Submit your application via the Walmart Seller Center. Ensure all information is accurate and complete, including your business details, tax information, and product descriptions. Take your time with this step, as any errors here can delay or negatively impact your approval process.

Step 7: Prepare for Operational Assessment

Once your application is submitted, prepare for Walmart’s operational assessment. This may include sample product reviews, additional documentation requests, and possibly a trial period to evaluate your fulfillment capabilities. Be responsive and cooperative throughout this phase.

Step 8: Launch and Optimize

Upon approval, focus on a strong launch. Utilize Walmart’s tools and platforms for sellers to promote your products effectively. Pay close attention to customer feedback and operational metrics to continually improve your offerings and maintain compliance with Walmart’s standards.

Which Products Can Be Better Approved by Walmart?

When determining which products are more likely to be approved by Walmart, consider both the broader market trends and Walmart’s specific standards.

High-Demand Products

Products that fill current inventory gaps at Walmart are more likely to be approved. These include consumables and daily necessities that meet ongoing consumer demand, such as air fresheners and masks. Similarly, smart home devices that offer enhanced living convenience are increasingly popular and likely to be considered.

Quality and Compliance

Baby's products that are non-toxic and meet strict safety standards are examples of items that Walmart may prioritize. Additionally, any health supplements that are FDA approved and clearly label all ingredients might also stand a better chance of being accepted due to their compliance with health and safety regulations.

What if Your Application Is Rejected by Walmart?

When facing a rejection from Walmart, it's essential to not view it as a setback but as an opportunity to refine and improve your approach. Here’s what you can do if your application to sell on Walmart is not initially approved:

Understand the Reasons for Rejection

Thoroughly review the feedback from Walmart. Typically, they will provide specific reasons why your application was not successful. This might relate to your pricing strategy, product categories, compliance issues, or operational capabilities. Understanding these points is crucial for addressing them effectively.

Enhance Your Business Operations

Use the feedback as a guideline to enhance your business aspects that didn’t meet Walmart’s criteria. This could involve improving product quality, updating your supply chain logistics, or ensuring better customer service practices. It might also be beneficial to enhance your online presence or customer reviews to build a stronger case for your business reliability and reputation.

Reapply with Confidence

Once improvements have been made, prepare your documents and reapply. Make sure to highlight the changes and upgrades you have implemented based on Walmart's feedback. Show a clear narrative of growth and adaptation in your new application to increase your chances of approval.

Let PrintKK Perfect Your Walmart Business

Leveraging PrintKK's comprehensive suite of services can significantly boost your chances of getting approved to sell on Walmart. Here’s how PrintKK can help perfect your business for Walmart's platform:

Streamlining Product Listings

PrintKK ensures that all your product listings are optimized for Walmart’s standards. From high-quality images to detailed descriptions, PrintKK focuses on presenting your products in the best possible light. This not only enhances visibility but also aligns with Walmart’s emphasis on customer experience, increasing your approval odds.

Compliance and Quality Control

One of the key hurdles in getting approved by Walmart involves meeting their stringent compliance standards. PrintKK aids in navigating these requirements by ensuring that all your products adhere to necessary guidelines and quality standards. This meticulous attention to compliance significantly mitigates the risk of rejection due to oversight.

Preparation for Walmart’s Operations Assessment

Walmart evaluates potential sellers based on their operational capabilities. PrintKK assists in fine-tuning your logistics, from inventory management to shipping protocols, ensuring they meet Walmart's expectations. This preparation is crucial, as demonstrating a capable and efficient supply chain is a decisive factor for approval.

Conclusion

Embarking on the journey to sell on Walmart can be transformative for your business, providing access to a massive customer base and unparalleled visibility. As you navigate the application process, remember that thorough preparation and understanding Walmart's standards are your keys to success. Stay patient, persistent, and prepared, and let this opportunity significantly elevate your business’s potential.

FAQs

Was it hard to get approval to sell at Walmart?

It’s not easy. Success largely depends on your preparation and the ability to demonstrate that your business aligns with Walmart's customer service and operational expectations.

How long does it usually take Walmart to approve a seller?

The approval process to become a Walmart Marketplace seller typically spans a few weeks. The duration depends on the completeness and accuracy of your application.

How much does it cost to sell at Walmart?

Selling on Walmart Marketplace involves no monthly fees, but sellers are subject to a referral fee on each sale, which varies by category. This fee typically ranges from 6% to 20%.

Is it profitable to sell at Walmart?

Selling on Walmart can be highly profitable due to its massive customer base and the visibility it offers.