Walmart vs. Amazon: How to Get Approved on Both Marketplaces

Gaining approval on e-commerce platforms like Walmart and Amazon can open up significant opportunities for sellers. However, each marketplace has its own unique set of requirements and processes. In this article, we’ll explore how to navigate both marketplaces and get approved effectively. Understanding the differences between these platforms will help you prepare your application and maximize your chances of success.

Understanding the Walmart Marketplace Approval Process

Walmart Marketplace offers sellers the opportunity to reach millions of customers. However, Walmart has a more selective approval process compared to other platforms, aiming to maintain quality and consistency for its customers. Here's how you can increase your chances of getting approved:

1. Application Requirements for Walmart

Walmart’s approval process involves a comprehensive review of your business. First, you need to meet certain eligibility criteria, such as having a registered business entity in the U.S., a history of e-commerce sales, and an established product catalog. Walmart prefers sellers with experience in online retail, especially those with a track record of quality customer service.

When applying, make sure you have all the necessary documents, including your Tax ID, EIN, and business address. Having these documents ready will streamline the process. You will also need to provide information about your business’s performance, such as sales volume and customer satisfaction metrics, to demonstrate your capability as a seller.

2. Optimizing Your Walmart Application

To enhance your chances of approval, focus on building a strong and compelling application. Walmart looks for sellers who can meet their operational and performance standards. Therefore, showcasing your ability to deliver fast shipping, maintain high customer ratings, and provide reliable service will work in your favor.

Additionally, optimize your application by highlighting any existing partnerships or positive reviews from other platforms. For instance, if you have experience selling on Amazon, use those metrics to demonstrate your capability. Providing accurate product information and clear, professional product images can also strengthen your application.

Navigating the Amazon Marketplace Approval Process

Amazon’s approval process is generally more accessible than Walmart’s, but there are still specific steps and criteria you must meet. Knowing how Amazon evaluates sellers will help you prepare an effective application.

1. Amazon Seller Central Requirements

To start selling on Amazon, you need to create an account on Amazon Seller Central. The process requires essential documents like your Tax ID, a valid credit card, and your business bank account information. Unlike Walmart, Amazon’s platform is available to sellers worldwide, making it more flexible regarding business location.

Amazon may also require approval for certain categories, especially if they are gated categories like jewelry, electronics, or health products. To get approved for these categories, you may need to submit additional documents, such as invoices from your suppliers or product compliance certificates. Ensuring that you have these documents ready before applying can save time and increase your approval chances.

2. Building a Strong Profile on Amazon

One way to strengthen your Amazon application is by building a professional and comprehensive seller profile. Your profile should include details about your business, the products you sell, and any unique value propositions that set you apart from other sellers. Amazon values consistency, so highlighting your experience in fulfilling orders efficiently and managing customer feedback will help.

Ensure that your product listings are accurate and professional, with high-quality images and clear descriptions. Amazon’s approval process often reviews how well you present your products, so taking the time to optimize your listings can be beneficial.

Comparing Walmart and Amazon Approval Processes

Now that we’ve covered the basics of getting approved on each platform, let’s compare the key differences between Walmart and Amazon.

1. Selectivity and Seller Quality

Walmart’s Marketplace is more selective than Amazon’s. Walmart aims to build a curated seller community, and this means they set higher standards for approval. If you’re planning to get approved on both platforms, start by building a strong reputation on Amazon. This can serve as proof of your capabilities when applying to Walmart later.

In contrast, Amazon’s broader seller base means more opportunities for new sellers. However, this also means more competition. Focusing on product quality and customer service will help you stand out among the millions of sellers on Amazon’s platform.

2. Product Category Approvals

Another major difference is in product category approvals. While Walmart does not restrict sellers to specific categories, Amazon has gated categories that require additional approval. If you plan to sell products in one of Amazon’s restricted categories, familiarize yourself with the approval process early on. This involves submitting specific documentation, including invoices and certifications.

On Walmart, category restrictions are less common, but the platform’s emphasis on quality means you need to present your products professionally and meet their criteria for customer satisfaction. It’s essential to have clear images, accurate product details, and consistent inventory levels to align with Walmart’s expectations.

Tips for Success: Getting Approved on Both Marketplaces

If you’re aiming to get approved on both platforms, following these tips can help you navigate the approval processes effectively.

1. Establish a Strong Online Presence

Having an established online presence is vital for success on both platforms. If you have a store on Amazon, make sure your performance metrics are strong—focus on maintaining high customer satisfaction scores, fast shipping times, and positive reviews. These metrics not only improve your standing on Amazon but also serve as proof of your reliability when applying for Walmart.

For Walmart specifically, leveraging your existing success on other platforms can strengthen your application. Demonstrating consistent sales, quality customer service, and effective product management will show Walmart that you are prepared to meet their standards.

2. Optimize Your Product Listings

High-quality product listings are essential for getting approved on Walmart and Amazon platforms. Your product descriptions should be detailed and accurate, featuring relevant keywords that customers are searching for. This ensures your listings meet the marketplaces' standards for clarity and completeness.

For Walmart, pay attention to product dimensions, weight, and packaging information, as these details affect fulfillment costs. Meanwhile, Amazon’s approval process may also look at how well you present your listings, so providing professional images and clear descriptions will boost your chances.

Maintaining Compliance and Avoiding Suspensions

Once approved, maintaining your status on both Walmart and Amazon is crucial. Both marketplaces monitor seller performance closely, so it’s important to consistently meet their guidelines.

1. Maintaining High Performance on Amazon

Amazon tracks metrics such as order defect rate, cancellation rate, and late shipment rate. Sellers who fail to meet these benchmarks risk suspension or even permanent removal from the platform. It’s essential to use automation tools for inventory management and order fulfillment to stay compliant.

If you run into issues, Amazon Seller Support can provide assistance, but it’s important to address problems proactively. Respond to customer feedback promptly, and resolve disputes to maintain high ratings.

2. Staying Compliant on Walmart

Walmart places a high emphasis on customer satisfaction, similar to Amazon. However, Walmart’s policies are stricter when it comes to listing accuracy and pricing. Avoid price discrepancies between your Walmart store and other platforms, as this can lead to account suspensions.

Additionally, Walmart’s focus on inventory levels means you need to manage your stock efficiently. Failing to maintain inventory levels can result in listing deactivation. Use Walmart’s automation service and inventory management tools to stay on top of orders and shipments.

Final Takeaway: Mastering Both Platforms

Getting approved on both Walmart and Amazon opens up valuable opportunities for your business. By understanding the requirements and optimizing your application process, you can successfully gain approval on both platforms. The key is to focus on professionalism, high product quality, and consistent customer service.

Once approved, staying compliant and maintaining high performance will ensure that your business thrives. Utilizing the tools and resources provided by both marketplaces, like Walmart’s automation service, can help you streamline operations and boost your sales. With the right strategy, you can maximize the benefits of both platforms and grow your e-commerce presence successfully.