Getting started on Walmart: a step-by-step guide
Walmart Marketplace is rapidly evolving into a powerhouse for ecommerce sellers, offering access to over 420 million products and a growing base of more than 200,000 active sellers. This platform blends Walmart’s extensive offline retail presence with a dynamic online marketplace, creating unique opportunities for ecommerce managers, marketing leads, and founders aiming to scale their marketplace growth. Understanding how to navigate Walmart’s marketplace effectively is crucial for capitalising on this growth and positioning your brand for success. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to get started on Walmart, providing strategic insights and practical advice to help you thrive in this competitive environment.
Understanding Walmart Marketplace and Its Growth Potential
Walmart Marketplace has experienced unprecedented growth, driven by a surge in seller acquisition and a strategic push to position itself as a modern ecommerce destination. This growth is not just about numbers but also about the quality of opportunities available to sellers who can leverage Walmart’s omnichannel capabilities.
The marketplace’s expansion reflects Walmart’s broader strategy to blend online and offline retail experiences. With 95% of products on Walmart.com coming from marketplace sellers, Walmart offers a vast audience and infrastructure that sellers can tap into. The platform’s rapid seller growth—adding 44,000 sellers in just five months in 2025—indicates a thriving ecosystem ripe for new entrants.
Why Walmart Marketplace Is a Smart Choice for Sellers
Walmart’s marketplace is attractive for several reasons:
Massive Customer Base: Walmart’s 4,600 U.S. stores and online presence provide sellers access to millions of customers nationwide.
Omnichannel Fulfillment: Sellers can utilise Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) to expedite delivery and improve customer satisfaction.
Competitive Growth: The marketplace has seen over 30% sales growth each quarter, signalling strong consumer demand.
International Seller Inclusion: Since opening to international sellers in 2021, Walmart has attracted a diverse seller base, particularly from China, enhancing product variety and competition.
These factors combine to create a fertile ground for ecommerce growth, making Walmart Marketplace an essential channel for sellers looking to expand their reach.15.
Step 1: Setting Up Your Walmart Seller Account
Starting on Walmart Marketplace begins with creating a seller account. This foundational step requires careful attention to detail to ensure your application is approved and your storefront is optimised for success.
Before applying, prepare the following:
Business Information: Legal business name, address, and tax identification.
Product Categories: Walmart restricts some categories; ensure your products fit approved categories.
Payment Details: Bank account information for receiving payments.
Walmart Seller Agreement: Review and accept Walmart’s terms and conditions.
The Application Process
Walmart’s application process involves:
Online Application Submission: Fill out the application form on Walmart’s seller portal.
Verification: Walmart reviews your business credentials and product offerings.
Approval: Once approved, you receive access to the Seller Center to manage listings.
Approval can take several weeks, so plan accordingly and ensure all documentation is accurate to avoid delays.
Optimising Your Seller Profile
Once approved, optimise your profile by:
Adding a professional logo and banner.
Writing a clear business description.
Setting competitive shipping and return policies.
A strong profile builds trust and enhances buyer confidence.1.
Step 2: Listing Your Products Effectively
Product listings are the cornerstone of your Walmart Marketplace success. They must be detailed, accurate, and optimised for search both within Walmart and on external search engines.
Crafting High-Quality Listings
Each product listing should include:
Clear Titles: Incorporate primary keywords naturally; keep titles concise but descriptive.
Detailed Descriptions: Use bullet points to highlight features and benefits; include secondary keywords.
High-Resolution Images: Use multiple images showing different angles and product usage.
Competitive Pricing: Research competitor prices and Walmart’s pricing policies to stay attractive.
Inventory Management: Keep stock levels updated to avoid cancellations or poor customer experiences.
Leveraging Walmart’s Listing Tools
Walmart provides tools such as bulk upload templates and the Item Setup Guide to streamline listing creation, especially for sellers with large catalogues.
Properly optimised listings improve visibility and conversion rates, helping you stand out in a crowded marketplace.17.
Step 3: Utilising Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) for Growth
Fulfilment is a critical factor in ecommerce success. Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) offers sellers a way to outsource storage, packing, and shipping, ensuring fast delivery and enhanced customer satisfaction.
Benefits of Using WFS
WFS provides:
Two-Day Shipping: Items fulfilled by Walmart are tagged with “arriving in 2 days,” increasing visibility and buyer trust.
Increased Conversion: Products with WFS fulfilment often see higher sales due to faster delivery and Walmart’s guarantee.
Operational Efficiency: Sellers can focus on marketing and product development while Walmart handles logistics.
MIKO: Experienced a 1573% lift in gross merchandise volume (GMV) on WFS-fulfilled items, with 82% of their sales driven by Walmart-fulfilled products.
SJM Marketplace Ventures: Achieved a 9.43x year-over-year increase in WFS assortment, boosting efficiency and customer reach.
These examples highlight how WFS can be a strategic lever for scaling your Walmart business.3.
Step 4: Optimising Your Walmart Marketing and Advertising
To maximise sales, sellers must actively market their products within Walmart’s ecosystem and beyond. Walmart offers advertising solutions tailored to drive traffic and conversions.
Walmart Advertising Options
Sponsored Products: Pay-per-click ads that promote individual listings in search results.
Sponsored Brands: Ads that feature your brand and multiple products, enhancing brand awareness.
Display Ads: Targeted ads appearing on Walmart.com and partner sites.
Strategic Marketing Tips
Use data analytics to identify high-performing products and optimise ad spend.
Leverage Walmart’s promotional events, such as Rollbacks and seasonal sales.
Maintain competitive pricing and stock to support advertising efforts.
Step 5: Monitoring Performance and Scaling Your Business
Continuous monitoring and optimisation are key to long-term success on Walmart Marketplace. The Seller Center provides detailed analytics on sales, traffic, and customer feedback.
Key Performance Metrics to Track
Sales Volume and Revenue: Track daily and monthly sales trends.
Conversion Rates: Monitor how often product views convert to purchases.
Customer Reviews: Address negative feedback promptly to maintain high ratings.
Inventory Turnover: Ensure stock levels align with demand to avoid stockouts or excess inventory.
Scaling Strategies
Expand product assortment based on market demand.
Explore international selling opportunities as Walmart continues to open its marketplace globally.
Consider integrating with third-party tools for inventory management and advertising optimisation.
Conclusion: Partnering for Marketplace Success
Walmart Marketplace offers a compelling opportunity for ecommerce sellers to access a vast customer base and leverage powerful fulfilment and marketing tools. However, success requires a strategic approach, from setting up your seller account to optimising listings, fulfilment, and advertising.
As an experienced partner, Incubate can help you navigate this complex landscape, providing performance-focused support to accelerate your marketplace growth. Whether you are just starting or looking to scale, our expertise ensures you make the most of Walmart’s dynamic ecosystem.
Ready to scale your marketplace growth with a partner who gets it? Book your consultation now.