Tips & Tricks to Get Approved Faster on Walmart Marketplace

The approval process to begin selling on the Walmart Marketplace can be intimidating, but it does not have to be. The Walmart Marketplace is one of the most trusted and high-converting marketplaces in U.S. e-commerce and offers tremendous reach and authenticity. However, in order to maintain the trust of consumers, Walmart carefully vets their sellers.

If you are looking to get approved quicker and to avoid the pitfalls of getting delays, this is your comprehensive guide, with actionable takeaways and some inside tips, to help you sail through the approval process. You can also opt for Walmart account management services and enjoy professional assistance in every step.

What You Need To Know Before You Get Started: Requirements of Walmart  

Before getting into the tips, you must know what Walmart looks for in all of its sellers:

• A legally registered U.S. business (No sole proprietors or applications relying on your social security number)
• A valid U.S. Business Tax ID (EIN) or Business License Number
• Documentation confirming your business name and address
• Products with GTIN / UPC GS1 Company Prefix Numbers
• A catalog that complies with Walmart’s Prohibited Products Policy
• A U.S. Business Address and Bank Account for payment

Check Out the Tips and Tricks at a Glance  

Ensure 100% Document Consistency  

This is one of the biggest reasons applications take so long; there must be consistency in every detail in your documentation, including business name, address, etc.

For example, if your EIN certificate lists “LLC,” but your application does not, this could result in a flag by Walmart’s verification team. Consistency is professional and expedites the verification process in an automated system.

Pro Tip: Before applying, double-check everything- business name, address, EIN across your tax forms, bank statements, and utility bills.

Prepare a Clean Product Catalog Ready for Upload  

Walmart rewards sellers who are ready to sell at the click of a button, even if your products have not been fully uploaded. Create a basic spreadsheet / Google Sheet that includes:

• Product titles and descriptions
• Images or links to images
• Pricing
• Category & SKU count

It shows operational readiness and will also allow Walmart to see your product catalog against their prohibited products policy.

Pro Tip: Use real GS1 UPCs and do not duplicate or borrow barcodes. This is a common cause of rejection.

Have a Strong History of Selling Online  

Walmart seeks sellers with experience, and it values reputable sellers. If you are currently selling on other marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, or Shopify, include links or screenshots to show your experience with:

• High customer satisfaction scores
• Low returns
• Quick order processing and handling

Pro Tip: Walmart values sellers who already know what online customer service is and how it works.

Show Strong and Quick Processing and Fulfillment  

Quick and dependable shipping is extremely important to the Walmart customer promise. Make sure that you can:

• Provide a return postal address in the United States.
• Have a reasonable and quick shipping time.
• Outline your fulfillment process in the application.

Pro Tip: Within your settings, choose shipping options like Standard or Two-Day and be explicit about your handling times. Those are key operational indicators.

Revisit Your Products’ Compliance  

The Walmart approvals team will verify that your products do not violate their prohibited products policy. Verify that you are not listing any products in their prohibited categories, such as unregistered supplements, hazardous materials, or unauthorized electronics.  

Pro Tip: As a best practice, you should provide safety certifications, a letter of authorization from brands, or MSDS sheets, proactively, if your products are regulated (e.g., beauty, toys, supplements).

Take Time to Create a Strong “Why You Are a Good Fit” Answer.  

An application question includes, “Why would you be a good fit for the Walmart Marketplace?”

Sellers tend to neglect this, but it’s your chance to differentiate yourself.

Pro Tip: Use this space to highlight the things that are distinctive to your brand. You can mention:

• Distinctive and/or high-quality product
• Established customer service
• Speed in shipping and competitive pricing
• A strong, confident answer could go a long way.

Be open about your locations and operations  

If your business operates with various warehouses or outside of the US, don’t even try to hide it. Walmart favors you being honest; dishonest or unclear responses lead to rejection.

Pro Tip: Always disclose the warehouse addresses and whether you fulfill from within the US or cross-border.

Review Everything Before Your Submission  

Please remember to review everything carefully before you click “Submit.” It’s easy to overlook an attached document or make a minor mistake, especially in your tax info. You’ll be left going back and forth on minor things that are easily resolved.

Pro Tip: You can create a “checklist” before you submit your application with some of the following things to help you:

• ‘EIN’ letter
• W9 or W8 Form
• A document verifying your bank
• GS1 UPCs
• Product catalog
• Warehouse address

The more thorough your application is, the less they will have to review.

Follow Up Professionally — Don’t Spam  

The review process typically takes 2–4 weeks for Walmart to review after you submit your application. If you do not hear from them in that time frame, simply send a short follow-up message through Seller Support.

Pro Tip: Be concise in your inquiry and include your application ID. Once you have sent your reply, you do not need to send an email multiple times; simply send a follow-up message that’s brief.

Bonus: Action Items post Approval — Get Ready to Sell  

After you’ve been approved, Walmart will email you to set up your Seller Center account. Here’s what to expect next:

• Generate your account and password
• Accept Walmart’s Retailer Agreement
• Provide your tax and payment information (with either Payoneer or Hyperwallet)
• Set up your shipping templates and delivery speeds
• Complete your partner profile and add your product listings.

That’s it, you’re a member of Walmart’s trusted marketplace!

Final Considerations  

Getting approved to sell on Walmart’s Marketplace is not hard; it is a matter of being prepared, correct, and professional. Sellers who take the time to organize their materials, prepare to get an approving decision, and communicate appropriately will get approved for selling in a fraction of the time as other sellers.

So, before you click “Submit,” review your documentation, polish your product catalog, and make your application stand out. With these simple tips and tricks, you will be selling very soon on Walmart Marketplace. For professional assistance, contact us at Selling OS, your trusted Walmart account management agency.