There are a lot of different fulfillment centers that you can find in the world. Among them is one famous fulfillment center called Walmart Fulfillment Services. This is a streamlined provider and logistic service through which the third-party sellers are helped. Walmart fulfillment services allow e-commerce-commerce operations to be much more efficient. With the help of Walmart fulfillment services, businesses can store their inventory and help with the packaging, shipping, and logistics of the orders.
If you do not know what Walmart fulfillment services are, then make sure you read this article. Here, we have mentioned everything you need to know about fulfillment by Walmart.
What Is Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS)?
Walmart fulfillment services are services that Walmart provides. This is a complete fulfillment service that helps small businesses and e-commerce platforms to store their products, order fulfillment, returns, and even manage customer service.
Walmart fulfillment services allow small businesses to handle different aspects of their companies, which helps the firms focus on their marketing and quality control instead of logistics. This is a relatively new service that has made it very easy for small businesses to offer their products to more people and extend their customers.
Fulfilled by Walmart vs. Fulfilled by Amazon Comparison
Below, we have mentioned a detailed comparison guide through which you will understand which is better for you, fulfillment by Walmart or fulfillment by Amazon.
Feature Fulfillment by Walmart Fulfillment by Amazon
- Platform Reach: Walmart Marketplace Amazon Marketplace
- Customer Reach: Primarily for the US customers. Global customer based.
- Eligibility: Only US sellers can sell their products. Great for both the US sellers and international sellers as well.
- Storage Fees: The fees is dependent on the size of the item and the season. The prices also vary according to the type of item and the size.
- Delivery Time: Offers two day delivery time in the US Offers two days and 1 day shipping time for the Prime members.
- Multi-channel: There are no multi-channel available here. It is also available through MCF for external platforms.
- Seller Tools: Basic tools and analytics are available here. Advanced tools can be used by sellers.
Pros & Cons of Using WFS
Below, we have mentioned all the major pros and cons of Walmart’s fulfillment services.
Benefits of Using WFS
Two-day Free Shipping
The major benefit here is that your orders will be under the Walmart + subscription plan. This means that all of your orders will be delivered in just two days. However, it is important to know that it can be changed during peak seasons.
Improve Product Visibility
If you have your products in the Walmart fulfillment services, then this means that they will have more visibility, and more people will be able to view your products. This will allow you to attract more customers and also increase the popularity of your brand.
Trust Worthy
Walmart is a big brand that is known by people all over the world. The best thing about keeping your products in the Walmart fulfillment center is that the people will trust your products. The authenticity of your products will be present, and the customers won’t be scared of ordering products from your brand.
Handles Customer Service
Another major benefit of this fulfillment center is that it can also help with customer service. This means that as a business, you don’t have to handle the returns or exchanges or any complaints about the products. Walmart fulfillment will do it themselves, taking off the burden on small businesses.
Cons of Using WFS
Location Limitations
One of the major drawbacks of Walmart’s fulfillment service is that it is not available everywhere. Shipping is limited to the US, and it is associated with its territories only. Sellers who want to operate outside of the US might find it challenging to work with WFS.
Strict Rules to Follow
Since Walmart’s fulfillment service is relatively new and doesn’t have an approval process associated with it, the sellers have to follow plenty of strict rules if they want to associate with Walmart. The rules include the different kinds of products that would be accepted and adherence to the single-channel fulfillment policies. If a seller breaks these restrictions, then the entire seller account can be shut down.
How Walmart Fulfillment Services Works?
Walmart’s fulfillment service is an in-house logistics and fulfillment network that is made to help third-party sellers sell their products to customers. This is the perfect way to streamline and manage the inventory to deliver the products quickly to the customers. The first step to start with WFS is to get approved to sell on the Walmart marketplace. After you have enrolled, you can begin shipping the products and store them until they are sold.
After you get approved, Walmart will take care of everything, such as picking up the order, packing, then shipping and handling the returns. They also manage customer service, which means all the returns and exchanges will be done by them. Hence, this is an effective way to streamline your logistics and also add a layer of safety because of the name of Walmart on your products.
Walmart Fulfillment Services Pricing Structure
Before applying for Walmart fulfillment services, it is important that you understand the pricing structure; below, we have mentioned a few general categories of fees that you might find here.
Fulfillment Fees
The fulfillment fees are based on the product’s weight. For example, if the product is under 1 pound, then the carry fee will be about $3.45. Above 1 pound, there will be an additional cost of %0.40 per pound.
Storage Fees
The storage fee can also vary based on the amount of warehouse space that is needed. This season can also impact the storage fee, which means during the peak season, October to December, there might be a significant change in the storing fee. The storage fee starts from $0.75 per cubic foot per month. However, it is important to know that any inventory in the warehouse that is longer than 30 days is subjected to additional because that is $1.50 per cubic foot.
Additional Fees
There can be some additional services that the seller might purchase, and all of these services have additional fees, such as the Walmart prep services, which offer bagging and labeling for the items.
Product Requirements for WFS
If you want to use Walmart fulfillment services, then there are certain product requirements that you need to meet. You know he had mentioned some of the major requirements.
Eligible Products
Walmart is currently accepting nonperishable items that are barcode-labeled and ready for sale. The items must be shipped and stored safely in the standard warehouse environment. You must also know that Walmart will not accept products that require refrigeration or hazardous materials.
Size and Weight Limits
There are strict dimensional requirements that you need to meet when it comes to Walmart fulfillment services. The item should not weigh more than 30 LB S, and the measurement should be under 25” x 20” x 14”.
Labeling
The labels on the item should be scannable UPC or GTIN barcode. These are the only barcodes that are registered in the Walmart system, and the seller must follow the labeling standards to ensure that the products are properly tracked and processed in the fulfillment centers.
How to Get Started with WFS?
Following are the steps that you can follow if you want to get started with fulfillment by Walmart.
Apply to Sell on Walmart
The first step is to apply to sell one at Walmart. You can go to their website and click on “Join Marketplace.” Here, you will need to fill out an application form with the details of your business tax ID and the information regarding the products. Once you have submitted the application, you need to wait for the approval, which can take about a few days to a few weeks.
Set Up Your Seller Account
When you get the approval, you can log into your Walmart Seller Center. Here, you have to complete the account setup, which will ask you for different information such as payment information, product tax code, and even shipping settings. Here, you also need to upload the product catalog with the proper listing and UPCs.
Apply for Walmart Fulfillment Services
In the Seller Center, you need to go to the fulfillment option and then click on WFS. Click on Get Started and fill out the interest form. After the approval, you will get all the WFS tools in your seller center dashboard.
Send Inventory to Walmart
You can send your inventory to the designated Walmart fulfillment center. However, you must follow the guidelines for packaging, labeling, and shipping when you are trying to send your inventory to Walmart.
Start Selling
When your inventory is reached at the Walmart fulfillment center, you can use the WFS dashboard to track the inventory contract selling. You can easily monitor sales, review performance, and adjust stock according to product sales.
Is Walmart Fulfillment Services Right for My Business?
Now, you might be wondering if the Walmart fulfillment services are ideal for you and your business. If you are a US-based seller who wants to expand their marketplace, then Walmart marketplace is the best option for you. They offer fast and reliable shipping and will cut your time to pack, ship, and manage customer services. However, it is important to know that there are certain requirements and goals that you need to follow if you are a part of Walmart fulfillment services, and this might not be for every business.
Fulfill Your Walmart Orders with NextSmartShip
If you want to be a part of fulfillment services by Walmart but also on two bases, the entire process is much more efficient than partnering with NextSmartShip, which can be the perfect solution.
NextSmartShip can also help you with inventory management, making the orders, packaging them, and shipping them to the customers. Also helps with the return and seamlessly integrates your products with the Walmart store. Another great thing about them is that they will also offer their delivery speed and even reduce the shipping costs so that you can enhance your profitability.
Conclusion
Walmart’s performance service is a seller-friendly solution that is made to help sellers grow their businesses. This is great for the sellers who want to enhance their market and want to reach more people. There are a lot of different benefits that companies can get by partnering with Walmart, such as two-day delivery, enhanced visibility, and trusted Walmart backing. However, you might face a few drawbacks with Walmart fulfillment services. This is why you can also check out NextSmartShip if you want to enhance and streamline your logistics.
