In the ecommerce world, staying ahead of the competition means adapting to new technologies and services that can help streamline your business. One such service that can greatly benefit your online business is Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS). WFS can optimize your operations, increase customer satisfaction, and propel your sales to new heights.
By utilizing Walmart Fulfillment Services, Walmart marketplace sellers have access to Walmart’s extensive logistics network, allowing them to scale their business and offer fast, reliable shipping to their customers.
WFS has substantial infrastructure and years of experience managing complex supply chains. This allows you to focus on growing your product offerings and expanding your customer base. At the same time, Walmart handles inventory, shipping, and returns.
Signing up for WFS is an investment in your business that can bring tangible benefits. With Walmart’s extensive reach, competitive shipping rates, and seamless inventory management tools, you can ensure a top-notch customer experience.
As you look ahead, it’s clear that leveraging Walmart Fulfillment Services can be a game-changing decision for your ecommerce business venture.
How Walmart’s Fulfillment Service Works: A Perfect Partnership
To start using WFS, apply to become a seller on Walmart Marketplace. After approval, enroll in the WFS program and prepare to send your products to Walmart’s fulfillment centers. The process is a breeze, and soon your products will be ready for quick and efficient shipping.
The Expected Benefits
Here are three benefits you can expect from using the WFS program:
Quality shipping: By choosing WFS, your products become part of Walmart’s renowned supply chain. This means fast, reliable shipping for your customers, earning you fantastic reviews and repeat business. Plus, you’ll benefit from Walmart’s customer service, handling returns and exchanges on your behalf.
Economical fulfillment costs on your business: With WFS, you can benefit from Walmart’s competitive shipping rates and services, freeing up resources to invest in other aspects of your business.
No Inventory Minimums or Maximums: WFS offers the freedom to scale your business without the constraints of inventory minimums or maximums. This means you can test new products or expand your product line without worry.
Eligibility And Requirements For Walmart Fulfillment Services
To use Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS), you must first be an approved seller on the Walmart Marketplace. Their marketplace is selective, but once you are approved, you can apply for WFS. Keep in mind that certain categories and products have specific eligibility requirements.
Restrictions And Product Eligibility For Sale Through WFS
Not all products can be sold through WFS due to size, weight, and safety constraints. To be eligible:
Your product’s max weight must be no heavier than 150 lbs
Product dimensions should not exceed 108″ in length or 165″ in girth or length
Products cannot be in restricted categories (e.g., perishable goods, hazardous materials, or regulated products)
Before using WFS, you will need to go through an onboarding process, which includes the following:
Agreeing to the WFS terms and conditions
Completing the WFS setup wizard to configure your account
Providing product and inventory details, such as SKUs, barcodes, and inventory quantity
This process may be time-consuming, but it will ensure a smooth transition to using WFS for your business.
Easy Two-Day Shipping with WFS
Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) offers you the opportunity to provide your customers with fast, two-day shipping. By partnering with their extensive network of fulfillment centers, you can store your inventory close to your customers, resulting in faster delivery times.
Customers value fast shipping, and offering this service helps to boost your sales and build customer loyalty. With WFS handling the shipping, you can focus on growing your business.
How WFS Enables and Offers Fast Shipping
WFS uses advanced technology and smart inventory distribution to enable fast shipping for your products. They analyze shipping data and determine the most efficient routes, ensuring customers receive their orders on time.
Additionally, Walmart fulfillment centers allow your inventory to be stored in multiple locations. This helps to minimize shipping distances, reducing shipping times significantly.
Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) offers a competitive pricing structure to consider when selling on Walmart Marketplace. It’s important to understand that the fees associated with WFS consist of two primary components: monthly storage fees and fulfillment fees.
The storage fees are determined by the size and weight of your product. In contrast, the fulfillment fees are calculated based on the product’s dimensions, shipping destination, and shipping method.
The Not-So-Straightforward Selling Fee Structure
The fees charged by Walmart Fulfillment Services are not as straightforward as they may seem, so comparing them to traditional third-party fulfillment services and methods can be challenging.
However, it is still possible for you to understand the costs associated with WFS once you become familiar with the selling fee structure.
Storage Fees: The fees for storing your products in Walmart’s warehouses are based on the volume of storage space used.
Fulfillment Fees: These fees cover picking, packing, and shipping your products, including the shipping label.
Subscription Fees: Depending on your seller plan, there may be a monthly subscription fee to consider.
Using the WFS Calculator to Estimate Storage and Fulfillment Fees
One helpful tool for understanding the fees associated with Walmart Fulfillment Services is the WFS calculator. You can use the calculator to estimate your products’ storage and fulfillment fees based on their size and weight and the number of items you plan to sell.
For an accurate estimate, simply input your product dimensions (length, width, and height), weight, and quantity you want in-store. The calculator will then provide you with an estimated cost, allowing you to make more informed decisions about selling on Walmart Marketplace using WFS.
Product Requirements and Recurring Monthly Fees for Sellers
Your products must meet specific requirements for a smooth Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) experience. This includes having accurate product information, adhering to Walmart’s Prohibited Products policy, and maintaining a secure packaging and labeling system.
By complying with these requirements, you’ll avoid potential delays or issues in the WFS process.
Selling Fees Explained
You’ll encounter various fees for selling your products on Walmart’s platform. These include referral fees, which are a percentage of the item price, and fulfillment fees, which cover the cost of picking, packing, and shipping your products. To help you better understand these fees, visit Walmart’s fee schedule for a detailed breakdown.
Recurring Monthly Fees and Their Impact on Your Bottom Line
When using WFS, it’s essential to consider the recurring monthly fees and their potential impact on your bottom line. These fees include storage costs for your inventory and subscription fees for account management features like the Pro Seller package. To optimize your WFS investment, it’s essential to monitor and manage these costs regularly.
Key Differences Between Amazon FBA and WFS
Amazon FBA and WFS serve the same purpose: to help sellers ease their fulfillment process so they can focus on other tasks at hand. When comparing Amazon FBA and Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS), there are a few key differences you can expect:
Fees: Both services charge fees to sellers, but the fee structures differ. Amazon FBA fees vary depending on the size and weight of the products being stored and shipped, as well as the distance between the fulfillment center and the customer. WFS fees are generally lower than Amazon FBA fees. Still, they charge a subscription fee and additional fees for special services.
Customer Base: Amazon is the largest online retailer in the world, with a massive customer base. Walmart’s customer base is also significant but not as large as Amazon’s.
Returns: Both services handle returns on behalf of the seller, but the return policies and procedures differ between the two services.
Product Restrictions: Amazon has more product restrictions than Walmart, and sellers must follow Amazon’s guidelines to be eligible for FBA. Walmart has fewer restrictions, but they still have guidelines that sellers need to follow.
Why Walmart Fulfillment Services may be Seen as Less Reputable than Amazon
Walmart’s eCommerce reputation may be perceived as inferior to Amazon’s due to a smaller customer base and a less established fulfillment center and network of ecommerce sellers. Despite Walmart’s efforts to grow its online presence, Amazon retains most of the online retail market.
Additionally, more stringent seller requirements for WFS can contribute to the perception of it being less reputable. However, these requirements can also result in a higher quality experience for Walmart customers, potentially offsetting this perception over time.
Is Walmart Fulfillment Service Right for Your Business?
Choosing the right fulfillment service can be daunting for any business owner. This section will help you understand whether Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) fits your needs and goals perfectly.
Evaluating if WFS Aligns With Your Business Goals
Start by assessing your product line and target audience. If you primarily sell through Walmart or see the potential for growth on their platform, WFS might be worth considering.
Ask yourself if you want quicker delivery times, better inventory management, and improved customer service. WFS can help you achieve these objectives, but make sure to weigh the costs and benefits of using their specific services.
May have higher fees compared to other fulfillment services
Dependence on Walmart’s rules and policies
Only available in the US
Compare these aspects with your goals and preferences to make an informed decision.
Considering Logistics Services and Fulfillment Fees Fluctuations
WFS fees can fluctuate based on factors like package size, weight, and storage needs. Understanding your products and their respective requirements can help you better estimate the costs of using WFS.
Additionally, logistics services can vary by region and customer demand. Check if WFS can support your shipping requirements and cater to your target market efficiently. Customizing logistic services to suit your unique needs could be essential to the success of your business.
Conclusion
Utilizing Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) can lead to significant growth for your business. By partnering with WFS, you can access Walmart’s extensive distribution network and top-notch customer service.
When it comes to managing your inventory and shipping, WFS offers a streamlined process that allows you to focus on other aspects of your business. This includes the convenience of having a single platform to manage all orders, returns, and customer inquiries.
Remember, some key factors in maximizing your success on Walmart’s platform include optimizing your product listings, offering competitive prices, and providing exceptional customer service. By leveraging Walmart Fulfillment Services, you can take advantage of these benefits while reaching millions of potential customers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do Walmart sellers sign up for Walmart Fulfillment Services?
First, to sign up for Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS), ensure you’re a registered Walmart Marketplace seller. Next, navigate to your Seller Center account and apply to use WFS to fulfill orders. Once your application is approved, follow the provided instructions to upload your product catalog and start fulfilling orders with this service.
What types of products are not eligible for WFS?
While Walmart Fulfillment Service offers fulfillment for a wide range of products, some items are not eligible. These include hazardous materials, perishable goods, large quantities of liquids and semi-liquids, firearms, ammunition, and live plants or animals.
Review the Walmart Fulfillment Services Product Restrictions for a comprehensive list of ineligible products.
How does WFS handle returns?
Walmart Fulfillment service handles returns on your behalf, saving time and resources. When customers initiate a return, Walmart provides them with a prepaid shipping label. The returned item is then inspected at a WFS warehouse. If it’s in a sellable condition, it’s returned to your inventory. Walmart handles refunds and customer communication throughout the process.
Can Walmart marketplace sellers use WFS for International Shipping?
As of now, Walmart Fulfillment Service only supports domestic shipping within the United States. If you’re interested in offering international shipping, you must rely on alternative fulfillment methods or third-party logistics providers.
8-figure Amazon seller and serial online entrepreneur since 2015. Research and practice various online business models, and apply his in-depth learnings to further expand and grow his businesses as well as help others to achieve greater successes. Ex-VP of a high tech VC in Vancouver and a Management Consultant with over a decade of experience in the industry. Master's Degree from HEC Paris.
