When selling on Walmart, besides running an effective Walmart marketing strategy, you also need to care about the fulfillment services that might streamline your order management. Walmart Fulfillment Services provides sellers with a complete end-to-end solution that comes with storage, picking and packing, shipping, and customer service.
In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about Walmart Fulfillment Services, including:
- An overview of Walmart Fulfillment Service
- How Walmart Fufillment Services work?
- Walmart Fulfillment Services pricing
- How to use Walmart Fulfillment Services?
- Are Walmart Fulfillment Services suitable for your business?
Let’s get started!
What are Walmart Fulfillment Services?
As you look for the top marketplaces for selling products, Walmart is definitely a platform to consider with its massive reach and growing eCommerce presence. Like Amazon, it does offer sellers convenient fulfillment options so they can focus on growing their business.
Walmart fulfillment services (WFS) is an order fulfillment service that assists Walmart marketplace sellers in fulfillment management. By outsourcing fulfillment operations to WFS, sellers can focus on growing their business while reducing operational costs.
WFS is part of the Walmart Marketplace, which provides sellers with access to a massive network of delivery service providers. Sellers can rely on Walmart’s extensive fulfillment network for storage, picking, packing, and shipping their products to customers.
Using Walmart’s Seller Center platform, sellers can effortlessly manage and track customer orders, view customer profiles, and manage inventory. It is a cost-effective solution for small sellers looking to streamline their fulfillment process and boost their online sales.
What Are Pros & Cons of Walmart Fulfillment Services?
Pros of using Walmart fulfillment service
1. Fast & free delivery
With Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS), you can offer fast and free two-day shipping. This is a huge plus for your customers. Your products will show the “Two-Day Delivery” tag, which helps them stand out. More visibility means more chances to make a sale. You don’t have to worry about managing shipping speed or reliability—Walmart takes care of that for you. In today’s market, fast shipping is expected. When you meet that need, you build trust and keep customers coming back.
2. Simplified pricing structure
WFS gives you a simple and clear fee structure. The main costs depend on product weight and storage time. You don’t have to worry about hidden fees or complex calculations. This makes it easier for you to plan your prices and profits. Unlike Amazon FBA, Walmart doesn’t charge monthly subscription fees. That’s great if you’re just getting started or selling part-time. With clear pricing, you can focus more on selling and less on doing math.
3. Enhanced product visibility
When you use WFS, your products get special tags. They show “Fulfilled by Walmart” and “Two-Day Delivery.” These tags help your items show up higher in Walmart’s search results. That gives you an edge over other sellers. Buyers also trust Walmart, so they’re more likely to click on your listings. You don’t have to spend extra on ads to get seen. Walmart boosts your reach just by using their fulfillment service.
4. Access to Walmart’s customer base
By using WFS, you can reach millions of Walmart customers. Walmart is already trusted by many shoppers. This means your products get seen by a ready-made audience. You don’t need to build your own traffic from scratch. If you’re new to selling online, this is a big advantage. WFS lets you grow faster and sell more without needing a big marketing budget.
5. Efficient returns management
Returns are part of online selling, but they can be stressful. WFS takes that stress away. Walmart handles returns, customer service, and refunds for you. This saves you time and reduces the risk of bad reviews. It also gives your customers a smooth return experience. A simple, hassle-free return process keeps buyers happy and encourages them to shop with you again.
Cons of using Walmart fulfillment service
1. Limited to Walmart Marketplace
One drawback of WFS is that it only works on Walmart.com. You can’t use it for orders from other platforms. If you sell on Amazon, Shopify, or eBay, you’ll need different tools for those. This makes things a bit harder if you sell in many places. WFS is best if you mainly sell on Walmart. For multi-channel selling, you’ll need extra support.
2. Strict product requirements
Walmart has rules for what you can send to their warehouses. Your items must follow size, weight, and labeling rules. If they don’t, Walmart may reject them or charge extra fees. You need to double-check your product info before using WFS. This is especially important if you sell large or fragile products. Following their guidelines will help your products move smoothly through the system.
3. Geographical limitations
WFS only ships to customers in the United States and its territories. This means you can’t use it for global orders. If you already sell to other countries, you’ll need a different service for that. Other tools like Amazon FBA offer international shipping. But for U.S.-only businesses, WFS is still a solid choice.
4. Storage fees
WFS charges you for storing your products at their warehouses. These storage fees are based on how much space your items use. The cost goes up during busy seasons like October to December. There are also extra fees for items stored too long. If you want to save money, you need to manage your inventory well. Keep things moving to avoid paying more than you need to.
Compare Walmart Fulfillment Services vs Amazon FBA
As we’ve discussed, Walmart fulfillment services offer several benefits and drawbacks for online sellers on the Walmart marketplace. But how does WFS compare to the other online marketplace fulfillment services giant, Amazon’s Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA)? Let’s stack up these two against each other!
Aspect | WFS | FBA |
Customer base | Smaller but growing; less competition among sellers. | Extensive global reach; higher competition among sellers. |
Fulfillment network | Leverages Walmart's physical stores for fulfillment; expanding logistics network. | Established network of fulfillment centers; renowned for efficient logistics |
Fee structure | Generally about 15% cheaper than FBA; lower fulfillment and storage fees for heavier items. | Higher fees; charges based on size, weight, and storage duration. |
Product restrictions | More stringent size and weight limitations; may not accommodate oversized items. | Accepts a broader range of products, including oversized items. |
Multichannel fulfillment | Primarily supports orders from Walmart's platform; limited multi-channel options. | Offers Multi-Channel Fulfillment (MCF) for various sales channels. |
Customer loyalty programs | Provides free two-day shipping without membership requirements; leverages Walmart's brand trust. | Offers Prime eligibility, attracting a large base of loyal customers seeking fast and free shipping. |
Onboarding process | Simpler but slower approval process. | Fast onboarding but stricter vetting. |
Return handling & fees | Returns managed at no extra cost. | Fees apply to most returns. |
Inventory placement | Centralized fulfillment from fewer centers. | Splits inventory across multiple centers. |
Brand control & customization | Allows some custom packaging. | Little control over packaging. |
Integration with tools | Basic integrations; improving over time. | Integrates with many third-party tools. |
Payout schedule | Varies; can be slower than Amazon. | Biweekly payouts; predictable. |
Storage capacity | Stricter inventory limits; fewer fulfillment centers. | Flexible limits; extensive warehouse capacity. |
Verdict: Walmart Fulfillment Services vs Amazon FBA
Choosing between Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) and Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) depends on your selling goals, product types, and where your customers shop.
If you’re looking for:
- Lower fulfillment costs
- Less competition
- A simpler fee structure
- And you’re focused on the U.S. market
WFS is a great option, especially for newer or niche sellers wanting to grow on Walmart’s marketplace.
However, if you need:
- Access to a massive global customer base
- More flexible product types and fulfillment options
- Stronger multi-channel fulfillment
- And robust integrations and tools
Amazon FBA might be the better fit, despite the higher fees and more crowded marketplace.
In short, WFS is great for growing on Walmart, while FBA is ideal for scaling across multiple channels and regions. You could even use both—WFS for Walmart and FBA for other marketplaces—to get the best of both worlds.
How Walmart Fulfillment Services Works?
Walmart fulfillment services offer a comprehensive end-to-end solution to Walmart Marketplace sellers, allowing them to outsource their fulfillment operations. This means that sellers can focus on growing their businesses while Walmart takes care of storage, picking, packing, shipping, and customer service.
To use WFS, sellers must learn how to sell in Walmart and apply to become Walmart sellers. Once accepted, they can set up their accounts, join the WFS program, and add their WFS details.
As you sell through WFS, you’ll need to create new or convert existing products into Walmart-fulfilled listings. This allows your products to be displayed with the TwoDay Delivery and Fulfilled by Walmart shipping service tags, which also help increase visibility and sales.
Once the products are listed, you can send your inventory to one of Walmart’s many fulfillment centers. From there, WFS will take over the rest of the delivery process. The marketplace also handles customer service and returns via its Walmart return center, providing sellers with a hassle-free experience.
Walmart Fulfillment Services Pricing Structure
Just like other Walmart marketplace fees, Walmart Fulfillment Services offers a straightforward pricing structure with no hidden fees, making it easier for sellers to estimate their costs.
The fees charged by WFS are determined based on the weight of the product, the volume of the product being stored, and the time it is stored.
Fee Type | Condition | Fee Amount |
Fulfillment fee | 1 lb. | $3.45 |
2 lb. | $4.95 | |
3 lb. | $5.45 | |
4–20 lb. | $5.75 + $0.40/lb over 4 lb | |
21–30 lb. | $15.55 + $0.40/lb over 21 lb | |
31–50 lb.* | $14.55 + $0.40/lb over 31 lb | |
≥51 lb.* | $17.55 + $0.40/lb over 51 lb | |
Additional fee | Apparel | +$0.50 |
Hazardous materials | +$0.50 | |
Retail price < $10 | +$1.00 | |
Oversize fee | Longest side > 48" up to 96" | +$3.00 |
Longest side > 96" or girth > 130" up to 165" | +$20.00 | |
Storage fee | Jan–Sept | $0.75 per cu. ft. |
Oct–Dec (≤30 days) | $0.75 per cu. ft. | |
Oct–Dec (>30 days) | $0.75 + $1.50 per cu. ft. | |
Long-term storage fee | Stored over 12 months | Up to $7.50 per cu. ft. |
Overall, Walmart fulfillment services pricing includes the following categories:
- Fulfillment fee: Base fee calculated based on shipping weight, with additional fees for apparel, hazardous materials, low-priced items, and oversize items.
- Storage fee: WFS charges a storage fee based on the volume of the product being stored and the length of time it is stored at a Walmart fulfillment center.
- Problem inventory: Problem inventory refers to any inbound shipment that cannot be received at a Walmart fulfillment center. If this happens, the seller may be charged a chargeback fee for issues such as missing or incorrect labels or poly bags.
- Return shipping & exceptions: WFS charges a return shipping fee based on the weight and size of the product being returned. Nevertheless, Walmart will cover the cost of return shipping for returns that are identified as Walmart’s fault.
- Disposal & removal fees: WFS charges a per-unit fee for disposing of or removing items from inventory and shipping them back to the seller. The fees depend on the weight of the item and whether it is a hazardous material.
Additionally, as a Walmart seller, you can easily estimate your fees using the WFS Calculator. It will take into account the weight, dimensions, and additional product information necessary to calculate your fees accurately.
How to Use Walmart Fulfillment Services?
If you’re a Walmart Marketplace seller and your products meet the program’s requirements, using WFS can help you streamline your fulfillment process and improve customer satisfaction.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use Walmart fulfillment services:
#Step 1: Become a Walmart Marketplace Seller
If you’re not already a Walmart Marketplace seller, you’ll need to apply to become one before you can use WFS. To apply, go to marketplace.walmart.com and click “Apply Now.”
#Step 2: Apply for WFS
Once you’re a Walmart Marketplace seller, you can apply for WFS. Go to the WFS page on Walmart’s website and click “Apply Now.” You’ll need to answer some questions about your product selection, shipping processes, and customer service.
#Step 3: Set up your items with the WFS dashboard
Once approved for WFS, you can set up your items in the WFS dashboard. This allows Walmart to keep track of your inventory and fulfill orders for you.
#Step 4: Create an inbound order
To send products to a Walmart fulfillment center, you’ll need to create an inbound order from the Manage Inventory section under WFS in Seller Center. This tells Walmart what products you’re sending and when they’ll arrive.
#Step 5: Use Walmart’s preferred carrier program
Walmart has a preferred carrier program that offers heavily discounted shipping labels. Use this program to create a shipping label for your inbound order.
#Step 6: Package your products
Package your products according to your shipping plan and Walmart’s packaging and prep requirements. This ensures that your products arrive at the fulfillment center in good condition and are ready to be fulfilled.
#Step 7: Label your boxes
Label your boxes with the shipping labels you created in Step 5 and drop them off at the respective shipping carrier. Walmart will take care of the rest, including storing your products, picking and packing orders, and shipping them to customers.
Are Walmart Fulfillment Services Suitable for Your Business?
While it can offer several advantages for some businesses, it may not be the best fit for everyone.
WFS could be a suitable option if you want to expand your eCommerce business to new marketplaces without handling fulfillment. It’s also a good option if you sell small and lightweight products or don’t have the time or space for shipping. Additionally, using WFS helps with making your products eligible for Walmart+.
WFS may not be the best option if you sell very large and/or heavy items. Furthermore, if you already use a third-party fulfillment service or have your own storage and fulfillment capabilities, WFS may not be necessary.
If you’re considering WFS, it’s a good idea to test it out with a few of your best-selling products before fully committing. You can research best seller Walmart items and test them out. This can help you evaluate its impact on your business and determine if it’s worth investing more resources into.
Keep in mind that even if you decide not to use WFS, you can still request access to Walmart expedited shipping options – two-day and three-day delivery – to improve your customer experience.
Walmart Fulfillment Services FAQs
- What is Walmart Fulfillment Services?
Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) is a program offered by Walmart that allows Marketplace sellers to have their products fulfilled by Walmart. This means that Walmart handles the storage, picking, packing, and shipping of orders on behalf of sellers. WFS can help sellers streamline their fulfillment process and improve customer satisfaction.
- How does Walmart FBA work?
The Walmart fulfillment services program enables Walmart Marketplace vendors to utilize Walmart’s fulfillment system for product delivery. Here’s how it works for sellers:
- Apply for WFS.
- Set up your items in the WFS dashboard.
- Create an inbound order.
- Use Walmart’s preferred carrier program.
- Package products.
- Label boxes and drop them off.
After that, Walmart takes care of the storage, picking, packing, and shipping of orders on behalf of sellers. It also helps handle customer service and returns.
- Is Walmart fulfilling Amazon orders?
Walmart does not fulfill Amazon orders as Amazon is among the top Walmart competitors in the eCommerce marketplace. Walmart has its own fulfillment service program called Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS), which allows Marketplace sellers to have their products fulfilled by Walmart.
Conclusion
We hope that this guide has been helpful in providing you with a better understanding of Walmart Fulfillment Services and how it can benefit your business. By utilizing WFS, sellers can take advantage of Walmart’s extensive delivery network and quality customer service reputation.
If you’re interested in learning more about eCommerce strategies and solutions, be sure to check out our blog. You can also join our supportive and engaging community of eCommerce sellers for more tips and insights!
