As e-commerce continues to dominate the retail landscape, selling on online marketplaces has become a lucrative way for individuals and businesses to make money. While Amazon has long been the go-to platform for third-party sellers, rising fees with Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) are driving more sellers to explore alternatives. Walmart Marketplace is quickly gaining traction as a competitive platform, offering sellers a chance to expand their reach and grow their profits. Here’s how you can make money with Walmart Marketplace—and why it might be a better choice for you.
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What is Walmart Marketplace?
Walmart Marketplace is an e-commerce platform that allows third-party sellers to list and sell their products directly to Walmart’s massive customer base. With millions of monthly visitors to Walmart.com, sellers can tap into a ready-made audience eager to shop for a variety of products, from household goods to electronics.
Unlike selling on Walmart shelves in physical stores, joining the Marketplace is an online opportunity, making it accessible to anyone who meets Walmart’s requirements.
Why Walmart Marketplace?
With fees for Amazon FBA continuing to rise, many sellers are looking for platforms with lower costs and similar benefits. Walmart Marketplace offers:
- Lower Referral Fees: Walmart typically charges lower referral fees compared to Amazon, which can increase your profit margins.
- No Monthly Subscription: While Amazon charges a monthly fee for professional sellers, Walmart does not, helping new sellers reduce upfront costs.
- Built-in Trust: Walmart is a household name, and customers already trust the brand, which can boost your sales and credibility.
- Wide Audience: Walmart’s massive customer base allows sellers to scale their businesses quickly.
- Competitive Advertising Tools: Walmart’s ad tools, such as Sponsored Products, make it easy to get your products in front of the right customers.
How to Get Started on Walmart Marketplace
- Apply to Join: You’ll need to complete an application to become a Walmart Marketplace seller. Walmart evaluates applicants based on business quality, product assortment, and operational capabilities.
- Set Up Your Account: Once approved, you can create your seller account, upload product listings, and integrate with Walmart’s tools for inventory and order management.
- List and Optimize Your Products: High-quality images, detailed descriptions, and competitive pricing are key to standing out on the platform.
- Use Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS): Walmart offers its own fulfillment service, similar to Amazon FBA, but with lower costs and streamlined logistics.
- Promote Your Products: Take advantage of Walmart’s advertising tools to increase product visibility and drive sales.
Tips to Succeed on Walmart Marketplace
- Price Competitively: Walmart customers often prioritize low prices, so offering competitive pricing can help you win more sales.
- Focus on Fast Shipping: Customers love quick delivery. Partnering with Walmart Fulfillment Services or ensuring fast shipping through your own logistics can make your listings more attractive.
- Monitor Inventory: Keep your inventory updated to avoid canceled orders or penalties.
- Leverage Data: Use Walmart’s analytics tools to track your sales and improve your product listings.
The Rising Appeal of Walmart Over Amazon
As Amazon continues to increase its fees, including fulfillment and storage costs, many sellers are finding their profit margins shrinking. Walmart Marketplace offers a cost-effective alternative without sacrificing access to a massive online audience. Additionally, Walmart’s streamlined application process and tools make it easier for new sellers to get started.
What About Target Marketplace?
Target also has a third-party marketplace, but it’s far more exclusive. Target Marketplace prioritizes high-quality sellers and a curated product selection, making it harder for new or smaller sellers to get approved. If you can meet Target’s strict requirements, it’s another great opportunity—but for most sellers, Walmart remains the more accessible and cost-effective choice.
Final Thoughts
Walmart Marketplace is an excellent platform for sellers looking to diversify their income streams and reduce costs associated with rising Amazon FBA fees. By offering competitive pricing, optimizing your listings, and leveraging Walmart’s built-in trust and tools, you can tap into a growing market and make serious money online. For sellers seeking additional opportunities, keeping an eye on Target’s Marketplace could also be worth exploring in the long term.
