Walmart Marketplace Approval Process: How to Get Accepted Faster

You get approved faster by submitting accurate legal documents (EIN, W9), using a registered U.S. business entity, having verified UPCs, showing prior marketplace performance, and including a clear fulfillment plan with either WFS or a trusted 3PL. Most approvals take 5 to 10 business days if all requirements are met.

Walmart’s seller approval process is strict. Many new sellers don’t realize their application can be rejected for simple reasons like mismatched tax info or missing product identifiers.

That one error can delay your launch by weeks, hurt your momentum, and force you to start over from scratch. In 2024, fewer than 10% of first-time applications were approved on the first try due to avoidable setup mistakes (Source: Marketplace Pulse).

This guide walks you through exactly what Walmart looks for, which documents to submit, how to avoid red flags, and what actions speed up your approval. Whether you’re new or already selling on Amazon or eBay, this will help you pass the process efficiently.

Key Takeaways:

• What Walmart checks before approving new sellers, including business type, fulfillment setup, and trust signals
• Which documents must you submit, like EIN, W9, UPCs, and a verified U.S. address
• Common reasons for rejections and how to avoid or fix them
• How using Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) can increase your approval chances
• A step-by-step checklist to prepare and submit a complete, error-free application

Why Trust This Blog?

StarterX is a Walmart seller agency. We’ve launched and scaled multiple successful Walmart stores for clients across different categories. We’ve seen what works, what fails, and how to navigate the approval process from real-world experience, not theory.

Fast Approval Checklist for Walmart Marketplace

To help you prepare effectively, here’s a quick-reference table showing which actions have the most impact on your Walmart Marketplace approval timeline. Each item is tied to a key verification step Walmart uses during the application process.

Action	Impact on Approval Speed	Why It Matters
Register as an LLC or Corporation	High	Walmart only accepts U.S.-registered legal entities with EINs.
Use a verified U.S. business address	High	Address must match USPS records and support fulfillment logistics.
Submit accurate EIN and W9 details	High	Documents must match IRS records to pass automated validation checks.
Provide GS1-verified UPCs for all products	High	Walmart validates UPCs against GS1; invalid codes delay catalog setup.
Use Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS)	High	WFS guarantees reliable shipping, faster onboarding, and improves trust score.
Link Amazon or eBay accounts	Medium	Marketplace performance shows prior reliability and reduces perceived risk.
Avoid restricted or regulated categories	Medium	High-risk categories require extra documentation and lengthen the review process.
Complete all application fields correctly	High	Incomplete or inconsistent data is the most common reason for delays or rejection.
Use an official Walmart solution provider	Medium	Partners ensure correct setup, reducing manual errors that delay approval.

This table helps you prioritize what matters most. Focus first on your legal structure, product identifiers, fulfillment setup, and accurate documentation.

What Is the Walmart Marketplace Approval Process?

Walmart Marketplace uses a structured application process to verify a seller’s legitimacy, fulfillment ability, and product quality before granting access to its platform. This process ensures buyers receive consistent service and that sellers meet Walmart’s internal standards for trust and reliability, which is critical for businesses focused on selling products on Walmart Marketplace.

To get approved, sellers must meet five core criteria:

1. Business Legitimacy

Walmart only accepts applications from legally registered U.S. businesses such as LLCs, S-Corps, or C-Corps. You must have a valid EIN (Employer Identification Number) and a matching W9 tax form. Sole proprietors and unregistered businesses are not eligible.

2. Verified Product Information

Your product catalog must include valid GTINs, UPCs, or EANs for each item. Walmart cross-checks product identifiers with GS1 databases. Unverified or duplicated codes often lead to application delays or rejections.

3. Fulfillment Capability

You must explain how you will handle order fulfillment, shipping, and returns. Walmart prioritizes sellers who can meet 2-day delivery standards or plan to use Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) or a reliable third-party logistics provider (3PL).

4. Customer Service Readiness

Walmart requires sellers to provide customer support in English, respond to inquiries quickly, and maintain high satisfaction levels. The marketplace values low cancellation rates, fast response times, and clear return policies.

5. Marketplace Performance History

If you sell on platforms like Amazon, eBay, or Shopify, Walmart may request access to your seller performance data. Metrics like positive feedback rate, on-time delivery, and order defect rate help verify your operational reliability.

Walmart’s internal team evaluates your entire application, matching submitted information against IRS, GS1, and public business records. Inconsistencies or missing data almost always cause delays.

How Long Does Walmart Marketplace Approval Take?

Walmart Marketplace approval usually takes 5 to 10 business days, but the timeline depends on how accurate and complete your application is. If your documents match official records and your business setup meets Walmart’s standards, approval can be faster. Walmart also references internal guidelines and verification workflows outlined in the Walmart Seller Help Center during the review process.

Walmart’s onboarding process has three core stages:

Stage	What Happens	Average Time
Application Submission	You fill out the Walmart seller application via Seller Center with business, tax, and product data.	10–15 minutes
Business Verification	Walmart reviews your EIN, W9, business name, US address, and bank account details. Any mismatch here causes delays.	3–5 business days
Final Approval	Walmart checks your product identifiers (UPCs) and fulfillment plan, then enables Seller Center access.	2–3 business days

What Affects Walmart Approval Speed?

Several factors influence how quickly your application is processed:

• Business Entity Type: LLCs and Corporations are reviewed faster than newly formed businesses or entities with limited history.
• Tax Document Accuracy: EIN and W9 info must match IRS records exactly.
• Product Catalog Readiness: Submitting a product catalog with verified GS1-issued UPCs reduces review time.
• Fulfillment Strategy: Choosing Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) or clearly defined 3PL support shows shipping readiness.
• Marketplace Performance: Sellers with proven records on Amazon, eBay, or Shopify often move through the process faster, especially with high seller ratings and order volume.

Delays often come from inconsistent or missing information, unverifiable addresses, or unregistered UPCs.

Tip: Always double-check that your business name, tax ID, and banking info are spelled exactly the same across every document. Even minor differences will trigger manual review.

What Documents Are Required for Walmart Marketplace?

To get approved on Walmart Marketplace, your business must submit verified documents that confirm legal registration, tax compliance, product legitimacy, and fulfillment capability. Walmart checks all information against official databases, including IRS, GS1, USPS, and financial institutions.

Here are the documents you need to prepare before applying:

1. Employer Identification Number (EIN)

Your business must have a valid EIN issued by the IRS. Walmart uses this to verify your company’s legal identity. The business name on the EIN must exactly match the name on your W9 tax form and bank account. Applications with mismatched names are flagged for manual review.

2. W9 or W8 Tax Form

Submit a W9 if your business operates in the U.S. If you’re an international seller, submit the appropriate W8-BEN-E form. Walmart uses these forms to confirm tax status and for compliance with IRS reporting requirements.

3. U.S. Business Address

Walmart requires a verifiable U.S. business address. PO Boxes, mail forwarding services, or virtual offices are not accepted. This address should be linked to your legal entity and fulfillment operations, especially if you manage your own warehouse or use a third-party logistics partner (3PL).

4. Product Identifiers (UPC, GTIN, EAN)

Each product must include a valid and unique UPC or GTIN that is traceable to a GS1-registered prefix. Walmart validates product identifiers using GS1-verified UPCs sourced from the GS1 barcode registry. Fake, reused, or reseller codes will result in delays or product listing rejections. Brand owners without UPCs may request a GTIN exemption, but must provide supporting brand documentation.

5. Business Verification and Bank Details

Your application must include documents that support your financial and legal status, such as:

• Business registration or articles of incorporation
• Voided check or bank letter with routing and account numbers
• Bank account holder name matching your EIN and W9
• Optional but helpful: DUNS Number to establish business credit history

6. Existing Marketplace Performance Metrics (Optional but Recommended)

If you’ve sold on platforms like Amazon, eBay, or Shopify, submit performance reports that show:

• Order Defect Rate (ODR) below 1 percent
• On-time shipping rate above 98 percent
• Positive feedback over 95 percent
• Monthly order volume and SKU count

Walmart prioritizes experienced sellers with strong fulfillment and customer service records. Providing this data builds trust and improves your chances of approval.

Walmart’s application system performs both automated checks and manual reviews. Missing or inconsistent documentation is the most common reason for delays or rejections. Ensure all details are aligned before submitting.

How Can You Speed Up the Walmart Marketplace Approval?

Walmart’s approval process follows strict internal checks, but sellers who prepare correctly can move through the system much faster. The key is to eliminate any friction during verification by meeting Walmart’s operational, legal, and catalog standards upfront.

Here are proven ways to reduce delays and improve your chances of quick approval:

1. Register as a Legally Recognized U.S. Business

Walmart only accepts sellers that operate as an LLC, C Corporation, or S Corporation. If your business is a sole proprietorship or based outside the U.S. without a domestic entity, your application will be rejected. Ensure your business name matches across your EIN, W9, and bank account.

2. Use a Verified U.S. Business Address

Walmart checks addresses against USPS and commercial address databases. Avoid using PO Boxes, shared coworking spaces, or virtual mailboxes. A physical address tied to your warehouse or 3PL provider builds credibility and supports shipping capability.

3. Link Your Amazon, eBay, or Shopify Store

If you’ve sold on other marketplaces, connect those accounts in your application. Walmart evaluates your order history, seller ratings, cancellation rate, and shipping reliability. Sellers with strong performance metrics, 

like over 95% positive feedback and under 1% order defect rate, are considered lower risk.

4. Submit Clean and Verified UPCs

Every product should include a GS1-verified UPC. Walmart validates your product identifiers against the GS1 registry. Avoid using codes from third-party resellers or shared barcodes, as these commonly trigger listing errors and delays.

5. Prepare a Fulfillment Strategy Walmart Can Trust

Walmart favors sellers that can meet fast delivery standards. Outline a fulfillment plan that supports 2-day shipping through:

• Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS)
• A reliable third-party logistics provider (3PL)
• In-house fulfillment with warehouse operations

If you plan to use WFS, mention it in the application; it shows you’re prepared to meet Walmart’s fulfillment standards.

6. Avoid High-Risk or Restricted Product Categories

If you’re applying to sell in regulated categories like supplements, medical devices, or electronics, expect more scrutiny. Start with lower-risk categories like home goods, apparel, or accessories, then apply for category expansion later.

7. Ensure All Application Fields Are Fully Completed

Incomplete applications are a top reason for processing delays. Double-check that all fields are filled accurately, especially:

• Legal business name
• EIN and W9 details
• Bank account information
• Shipping methods and policies
• Catalog format and product identifiers

By aligning your application with Walmart’s internal review process and reducing the need for manual checks, you significantly increase the likelihood of getting approved in less than a week.

What Questions Does Walmart Ask During the Application?

Walmart uses its seller application form to evaluate your business structure, product catalog, fulfillment readiness, and customer service standards. The information you provide helps Walmart assess your reliability, risk level, and overall fit for the marketplace.

Answering these questions accurately and consistently is critical. Incomplete or misleading responses can lead to application delays or even rejections.

Below are the key topics Walmart asks about and how to prepare for them:

1. Business Information

Walmart verifies your legal business setup through this section. You’ll need to provide:

• Legal business name (must match your EIN and W9)
• Business type (LLC, C Corp, S Corp)
• Year established
• US business address
• EIN (Employer Identification Number)

This data is checked against public records and IRS databases. Any mismatch in spelling or structure can trigger a manual review.

2. Product Catalog Overview

Walmart wants to understand your product scope and catalog structure. Expect questions like:

• What product categories will you sell in?
• How many SKUs do you plan to list?
• Do your products have valid UPC or GTIN codes?
• Are your products already listed on other marketplaces?

Answer honestly. Walmart evaluates your product readiness based on whether your catalog meets its item setup standards and includes GS1-verified identifiers.

3. Fulfillment Capabilities

Your fulfillment plan is a major factor in approval. Walmart will ask:

• How do you fulfill orders? (e.g., WFS, 3PL, in-house)
• Can you support 2-day shipping?
• Where are your fulfillment centers located?
• What is your average processing time?

Walmart gives preference to sellers using Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) or to those with established logistics operations that can meet fast-delivery SLAs.

4. Marketplace Experience

If you sell on platforms like Amazon, eBay, Etsy, or Shopify, Walmart may ask:

• What is your average monthly order volume?
• What are your seller ratings or feedback scores?
• What is your Order Defect Rate (ODR) and Late Shipment Rate?

Linking your external seller accounts or uploading performance reports can help you build trust quickly.

5. Customer Support Standards

Walmart expects professional customer service. You’ll need to confirm:

• Do you provide support in English?
• What is your average response time to customer inquiries?
• What are your return and refund policies?

Walmart tracks seller response times post-approval, so clear communication and return policy standards matter upfront.

Make sure your answers are consistent with the documents you submit. If your application says you can support 2-day shipping, but you have no fulfillment provider or inventory location listed, that inconsistency will delay your review.

Who Can Help You Get Approved on Walmart Marketplace?

Getting approved on Walmart Marketplace can be challenging, especially if you’re new to selling on major platforms or don’t have in-house technical resources. Many sellers use approved solution providers, onboarding consultants, or integration platforms to streamline the process and reduce the risk of rejection.

Walmart encourages sellers to work with certified partners who understand its system and compliance requirements. These partners help ensure your business setup, product data, and fulfillment plan meet Walmart’s standards from the start.

1. Walmart Solution Providers

Walmart maintains a network of official solution providers who are trained to assist with application submission, product catalog setup, order integration, and performance optimization.

These partners can help you:

• Complete your seller application correctly
• Validate your EIN and W9 information
• Upload a compliant catalog with GS1-verified UPCs
• Set up order processing and shipping templates in Seller Center

Working with a certified partner reduces the risk of common errors that cause delays in approval or onboarding.

2. Channel Integration Platforms

Tools like CedCommerce, Deliverr, Linnworks, Zentail, and SellerActive offer automated integrations between Walmart Marketplace and platforms like Shopify, BigCommerce, Amazon, and eBay.

They can:

• Sync your inventory and product listings
• Automate order routing and fulfillment
• Ensure catalog data is in Walmart’s required format
• Help you connect your existing marketplace performance metrics

Sellers using these tools often get approved faster because they meet Walmart’s technical and operational standards from day one.

3. Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) Setup Partners

If you’re planning to use Walmart Fulfillment Services, setup support is available through WFS-trained consultants. They assist with:

• Creating your WFS account
• Sending inventory to Walmart’s fulfillment centers
• Setting up compliant shipping templates
• Meeting 2-day delivery and returns requirements

Walmart gives preference to sellers using WFS because it ensures fast shipping, fewer cancellations, and consistent service quality.

4. StarterX: Full-Service Walmart Marketplace Agency

StarterX helped dozens of sellers get approved on Walmart Marketplace and scale their operations successfully. We manage the full process, from entity compliance to catalog creation and WFS setup.

Our team understands Walmart’s internal requirements, and we apply that experience to reduce delays, resolve rejection issues, and ensure your application meets every checkpoint.

Whether you’re applying for the first time or trying again after a rejection, working with experienced partners can help you avoid costly mistakes and accelerate your approval timeline.

Why Do Walmart Marketplace Applications Get Rejected?

Walmart Marketplace rejects applications that fail to meet its seller standards or contain inconsistent business data. Most rejections aren’t due to bad products; they’re caused by errors in the application, missing documentation, or unverified business information.

Understanding the reasons behind rejections can help you fix issues before applying or reapplying.

1. Inconsistent Business Information

The most common reason for rejection is a mismatch between your EIN, W9, business name, and bank account details. Walmart verifies all this information against IRS and public databases. Even small errors, such as a misspelled company name or a different account holder name, can trigger an automatic rejection.

2. Invalid or Unverified Product Identifiers

If your product catalog includes UPCs that aren’t registered with GS1, or if you submit duplicate barcodes across multiple items, Walmart may flag your entire catalog. The platform expects sellers to use unique, GS1-verified product identifiers to ensure catalog quality and avoid counterfeit issues.

3. No Fulfillment Plan or Shipping Clarity

Applications that do not clearly explain how orders will be fulfilled are considered incomplete. Walmart wants sellers to have a defined shipping strategy, whether it’s through Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS), a third-party logistics provider (3PL), or an in-house warehouse. Missing shipping details or failure to meet the 2-day delivery capability can result in denial.

4. Suspicious or Unverifiable Marketplace History

If you claim to have marketplace experience on Amazon or eBay but cannot provide access to performance data, Walmart may view this as a red flag. They want to see proven metrics like:

• Order Defect Rate (ODR)
• Positive feedback score
• Late shipment rate
• Order volume per month

An unverifiable or vague seller history can delay or prevent approval.

5. Selling in Restricted Categories Without Approval

Some categories, like health supplements, personal care, electronics, and medical devices, require additional documentation or Walmart category approval. If you apply to sell in one of these areas without meeting specific requirements, your application may be declined.

6. Use of Unacceptable Business Structures

Walmart does not accept applications from sole proprietors, unregistered businesses, or companies without a U.S. presence. If your business lacks proper incorporation, a U.S. address, or a valid EIN, your application will not pass the initial review.

To avoid rejection, double-check all submitted documents, verify that all fields are complete and consistent, and ensure your product catalog and fulfillment plans meet Walmart’s onboarding standards.

What Happens After You’re Approved?

Once your Walmart Marketplace application is approved, your account is activated in Walmart Seller Center. But approval doesn’t mean your products go live right away. You must complete several onboarding steps before your listings appear on Walmart.com.

Walmart uses this onboarding phase to confirm that your store is ready to meet its operational and customer service standards. During this setup, sellers should also understand Walmart’s selling fees and commissions, as these directly impact product pricing and long-term profitability.

Here’s what you need to do next:

1. Sign the Retailer Agreement

You’ll be prompted to sign Walmart’s Retailer Agreement inside Seller Center. This document outlines the terms of selling on the platform, including compliance requirements, fees, return policies, and shipping standards. Your account won’t move forward until this agreement is accepted.

2. Set Up Payments and Taxes

Walmart uses Payoneer and Hyperwallet to manage payouts. You’ll need to:

• Link your verified business bank account
• Complete tax setup using your W9 or W8 form
• Confirm your TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number) matches IRS records

Payouts are typically sent biweekly, and Walmart requires all payment info to be verified before your store becomes active.

3. Upload and Configure Your Product Catalog

You’ll need to upload your product listings using either:

• The bulk upload tool in Seller Center
• An approved listing integration partner (like CedCommerce, Sellbrite, or GeekSeller)

Each product must include valid UPC or GTIN codes, accurate descriptions, clear images, and correct pricing. Walmart’s system will flag incomplete or noncompliant listings, which delays activation.

4. Set Up Shipping Templates

Walmart requires sellers to configure shipping settings that define delivery zones, methods, and speed. You can:

• Offer standard or 2-day shipping
• Use Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) for managed logistics
• Add your own warehouse or 3PL zones

Shipping speed affects your product visibility and Buy Box eligibility, so accurate setup here is critical.

5. Run Item and Order Testing

Before your catalog goes live, Walmart may require you to perform a test order. This ensures your fulfillment, inventory sync, and tracking systems are functioning properly. You’ll need to:

• Process the test order
• Upload tracking information
• Confirm delivery within the promised timeframe

Walmart uses this test to validate seller readiness before activating live listings.

6. Go Live After Final Review

Once your catalog is uploaded, shipping is configured, and test orders are completed successfully, Walmart will enable your listings to go live on Walmart.com. At this point, your store becomes visible to customers, and you can begin receiving real orders.

Completing the post-approval onboarding properly is just as important as the application itself. In the next section, we’ll explain how Walmart verifies your business’s legitimacy and what data sources they check during review.

How Does Walmart Verify Seller Legitimacy?

Walmart uses a multi-step verification process to confirm that each seller is a legitimate, trustworthy business before granting access to Walmart Marketplace. This helps maintain platform integrity and protects customers from fraud, counterfeit products, and unreliable sellers.

The verification process begins as soon as you submit your application through Walmart Seller Center and continues through onboarding.

1. Business Entity Validation

Walmart cross-references your legal business name and EIN with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) database. Your W9 form, business registration, and bank account holder name must all match. Any mismatch or inconsistency will flag your application for manual review or rejection.

2. Bank Account and Financial Verification

Walmart requires a U.S.-based business bank account to be linked for payouts. The account must belong to the same legal entity listed on your application. You may be asked to provide a voided check or a bank letter to verify ownership. Walmart uses this to prevent fraud and ensure sellers can receive payments securely.

3. Address and Location Check

Your submitted business address is checked against USPS and commercial address databases. Walmart does not accept PO Boxes or unverifiable virtual offices. The address must be real, valid, and linked to your company or logistics provider.

4. GS1 UPC Validation

If you’re uploading products, Walmart validates your product identifiers (UPC or GTIN) through the GS1 registry. The UPC prefix must be owned by your company or your brand. Invalid, shared, or reseller codes will result in catalog errors or rejections.

5. Public Business Records and DUNS

Walmart may review your company’s presence in public business directories, including your DUNS Number by Dun & Bradstreet, corporate filings, and industry activity. While a DUNS number isn’t required, having one helps establish business credibility and supports faster verification.

6. Marketplace History and Performance

If you indicate that you sell on Amazon, eBay, or Shopify, Walmart may request performance metrics or account links. It reviews your:

• Seller rating
• Order volume
• Shipping and return history
• Order Defect Rate (ODR)

This data helps Walmart assess your reliability and operational standards.

Walmart combines automated checks with manual reviews when needed. Sellers who provide complete, accurate, and consistent information typically move through verification faster and with fewer complications.

What Increases Your Walmart Marketplace Trust Score?

Walmart assigns every seller an internal Marketplace Trust Score based on their application, documentation, fulfillment readiness, and past performance on other platforms. This score directly affects your approval speed, catalog visibility, and eligibility for features like Buy Box placement and 2-day shipping tags.

A strong trust score signals that your business is reliable, compliant, and capable of meeting Walmart’s expectations from day one. It also plays an important role in long-term growth, since sellers with higher trust scores typically see better results when advertising on Walmart Marketplace.

Here are the key factors that increase your trust score:

1. Verified Business Credentials

Submit accurate, verifiable business documents. Make sure your EIN, W9, bank details, and legal business name are consistent across all forms. Avoid common mismatches that cause delays, such as variations in company names or addresses.

2. Marketplace Selling Experience

Sellers with a proven track record on platforms like Amazon, eBay, or Shopify earn higher trust scores. If you can show:

• Over 95% positive feedback
• On-time shipping above 98%
• Low Order Defect Rate (ODR) (under 1%)
• Monthly order volume above 100 orders

Walmart considers you a low-risk seller with operational experience.

3. Use of Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS)

Planning to use Walmart Fulfillment Services boosts your trust score. WFS ensures fast, reliable delivery and centralized returns, two major factors in Walmart’s seller quality metrics. Sellers using WFS are often approved faster and appear more frequently in search results.

4. Catalog Compliance and Data Quality

Your product listings must meet Walmart’s catalog standards, which include:

• GS1-verified UPC codes
• Accurate product titles and descriptions
• High-quality images
• Competitive pricing

Clean, well-structured product data shows Walmart you’re serious about meeting their listing requirements and customer expectations.

5. Fast and Reliable Fulfillment Setup

Walmart prioritizes sellers who can deliver within 2 days. If you’re using a 3PL, in-house warehouse, or WFS, clearly outline your shipping process and expected delivery times. Fulfillment readiness directly impacts your ability to win the Buy Box and receive visibility boosts.

6. Transparent Customer Service Standards

Walmart evaluates how sellers handle customer communication, returns, and inquiries. Make sure you:

• Offer English-language support
• Respond within 24 hours
• Provide clear return and refund policies
• Minimize order cancellations and disputes

These actions reflect well on your seller profile and influence account health after approval.

By focusing on these trust-building areas before applying, or while waiting for review, you strengthen your overall seller profile and improve both approval time and performance after launch.

Can Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) Help You Get Approved Faster?

Yes, using Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) can significantly increase your chances of faster approval. WFS is Walmart’s in-house logistics solution that helps sellers meet strict shipping and service standards, which directly influence your Marketplace Trust Score.

When you opt for WFS during the application process, you signal to Walmart that you can:

• Meet 2-day delivery expectations
• Handle returns through Walmart’s centralized system
• Maintain fast order processing and low cancellation rates

These are critical factors in both seller approval and ongoing performance on the platform.

Why Walmart Prefers Sellers Using WFS

Walmart prioritizes sellers who can offer consistent, fast, and reliable fulfillment, especially for high-volume or competitive categories. By choosing WFS, you’re outsourcing logistics to a system that Walmart already trusts.

Benefits of using WFS include:

• Faster onboarding due to verified logistics
• Higher chances of Buy Box placement
• Increased visibility in Walmart’s organic search results
• Automated returns and customer service support
• Compliance with performance SLAs Walmart requires from top sellers

How to Mention WFS in Your Application

During the application, you’ll be asked how you plan to fulfill orders. Clearly state that you will use Walmart Fulfillment Services, even if your WFS account isn’t fully set up yet. Walmart’s internal review teams see this as a strong signal of seller readiness.

If you’re not eligible for WFS yet, you can still submit your application and activate WFS once approved. However, if WFS is part of your initial fulfillment strategy, it adds weight to your application and improves processing speed.

WFS is not mandatory, but Walmart sees it as a high-trust fulfillment method. Sellers who commit to WFS are often approved faster and have stronger early performance metrics.

Final Thoughts on Walmart Marketplace Fees in 2026

Walmart’s fee structure is straightforward: no subscription charges, category-based referral fees, and optional fulfillment or ad costs. Sellers who track these numbers closely can maintain healthy margins and grow faster than competitors who ignore them. With over 100,000 active sellers already on the platform, staying profitable comes down to managing fees smartly and planning your strategy around them.

Get Expert Help with Your Walmart Store

At StarterX, a full-service e-commerce agency, we’ve managed over 200 successful Walmart stores, so we understand the difference between a store that loses profit to fees and one that scales sustainably.

If you want to understand Walmart fees better or launch a profitable store, our team can guide you step by step.

Book your free consultation and let us help you structure a Walmart store that maximizes profit and avoids hidden costs.

👉 Schedule Your Free Consultation Now

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FAQs: Walmart Marketplace Approval Process

Can I apply for Walmart Marketplace without a product catalog ready?

No. Walmart expects sellers to have a product catalog ready at the time of application. You don’t need to upload it during the form, but you must confirm that your catalog contains GS1-verified UPCs and is compliant with Walmart’s listing requirements.

Does Walmart charge any fees during the approval or onboarding process?

No. There are no upfront application or account setup fees. Walmart only charges a referral fee per sale, based on product category. There are no monthly subscription fees like on Amazon.

Can I apply to Walmart Marketplace if I don’t have a U.S. warehouse?

Yes, but you must still provide a valid U.S. business address and ensure you can fulfill orders within Walmart’s delivery standards. Many non-warehouse sellers use Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) or U.S.-based 3PLs to meet logistics requirements.

What happens if I abandon my application midway?

If your application remains incomplete for more than 30 days, Walmart may close or archive it. You can reapply, but it’s recommended to complete the process in one session or save your progress within Seller Center.

Can I change my business entity or tax info after approval?

No. Once your seller account is approved, changes to your EIN, business name, or legal entity type require a new application. Walmart does not allow switching legal entities on an existing account.

Does Walmart approve dropshipping businesses?

Walmart allows dropshipping, but the seller is fully responsible for inventory accuracy, shipping speed, returns, and customer support. Approval is less likely if your model depends on suppliers that can’t meet 2-day delivery or provide real-time inventory updates.

Can I apply again if my first application was rejected?

Yes, but you must correct all issues that caused the rejection. Submitting the same information again without addressing the original problems will likely result in another rejection or account lockout.

Do I need a trademark to apply as a seller on Walmart?

No. A trademark is not required for general approval, but if you plan to enroll in Walmart’s Brand Portal or claim brand ownership, having a registered U.S. trademark helps establish product authenticity and control over listings.

How many SKUs should I have to get started?

There’s no minimum SKU requirement, but Walmart prefers sellers with an organized, ready-to-list catalog. Even a small catalog (50–100 products) is acceptable if the data is clean, GS1-compliant, and shipping-ready.

Can agencies or consultants apply on behalf of a seller?

Yes, Walmart allows authorized agencies like StarterX to apply on behalf of clients. However, all submitted information must reflect the client’s legal business credentials, not the agency’s details.