Walmart Fulfillment Services: Simplified Strategies for Maximum Efficiency

If you are an eCommerce seller who wants to reach millions of customers on Walmart.com, you might be wondering how to handle the challenges of inventory and fulfillment. How can you offer fast and reliable shipping, low costs, and high customer satisfaction without spending too much time and money on logistics? The answer is Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS), a service that lets you leverage Walmart’s supply chain and team of experts to fulfill your orders. In this blog, you will learn everything you need to know about WFS. By the end of this blog, you will have a better idea of how WFS can help you simplify your strategies for maximum efficiency. 

What is Walmart Fulfillment Services? 

Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) is a comprehensive solution designed to simplify inventory management and order fulfillment for eCommerce sellers on Walmart.com. It offers sellers the opportunity to tap into Walmart’s vast supply chain network and expertise in logistics, enabling them to meet the demands of millions of customers efficiently. With Walmart Fulfillment Services, sellers can store their inventory in strategically located fulfillment centers, streamlining the process of order processing and shipping. Essentially, Walmart Fulfillment Services acts as an extension of a seller’s operations, providing access to Walmart’s resources and infrastructure to enhance overall efficiency and customer satisfaction. In essence, WFS is the gateway for sellers to leverage Walmart’s unparalleled logistical capabilities and expand their reach in the competitive eCommerce space. 

How do Walmart Fulfillment Services work? 

1. Enroll in Walmart Marketplace to unlock the benefits of Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) and configure your product listings. 

2. Transport your inventory to a designated WFS center. 

3. At Walmart facility, Walmart handles the storage, picking, packaging, and dispatch of your customer orders promptly and efficiently. 

What are the benefits of using WFS? 

1. Affordable, 2-day shipping across the contiguous U.S. (non-peak season) 

Fulfill your customers’ delivery expectations promptly. Enjoy two-day shipping across the contiguous U.S., though availability may vary during peak seasons (September-January). Additionally, benefit from Walmart’s omnichannel features like our hassle-free Returns program. 

2. Enhanced search rankings and increased Buy Box wins for an average 50% surge in sales 

WFS products showcase two-day delivery and Fulfilled by Walmart labels, boosting visibility and conversion rates. This strategic approach not only enhanced search rankings but also led to a higher number of Buy Box wins, resulting in an impressive average surge of 50% in sales. 

3. Reduced inbound shipping expenses via the Preferred Carrier Program 

Access discounted rates for FedEx small parcels and less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments. Early participants in the Walmart Fulfillment Services Preferred Carrier Program reported an average 50% decrease in rates compared to independent shipping, along with nominal fees for return shipping and inventory removals. 

4. Inventory processing at WFS fulfillment centers 

Typically, items are stocked within 2 days of arrival at the warehouses (except during peak seasons). This efficient turnaround time ensures that products are swiftly made available for fulfillment, contributing to seamless order processing and customer satisfaction. 

5. Outsourced inventory preparation is available through WFS for a nominal charge 

Ensure proper and consistent preparation of your fulfilled by Walmart items. Take advantage of Walmart’s labeling service at $0.45 per unit, with additional preparation services slated for release soon. 

6. Access to WFS dashboards and APIs 

Monitor real-time sales performance data, manage inventory, shipments, and track orders through Seller Central, direct APIs, or integration with solution providers like KwickMetrics. 

7. Tailored recommendations to optimize business growth 

Maximize your business on Walmart.com by enhancing your listings, exploring sales potential, expanding product range, and participating in visibility campaigns for growth. 

8. Outstanding customer service and seller support available 7 days a week 

WFS Associates are committed to fostering your business growth while ensuring excellent customer experiences. 

9. Free shipping for customers 

WFS items are eligible for the Walmart plus (Walmart+) “free shipping” subscription program, fostering loyalty among new and returning customers. 

10. Multi-box fulfillment solution 

Utilize Walmart Fulfillment Services for shipping items that require multiple boxes without incurring additional fees, maintaining the same cost efficiency as single-box products. 

Walmart Fulfillment Services Pricing 

Standard Fulfillment Fee 

An item is classified as standard if it satisfies the following criteria: 

Unit weight should not exceed 150 pounds (equal to or less than 150 lbs). 

Longest side measures equal to or less than 108 inches. 

The sum of the longest side and girth* does not exceed 165 inches. 

(*Girth = 2 * (width + height in inches)) 

Big & Bulky Fulfillment Fee 

Items are categorized as big & bulky if they meet at least one of the following criteria: 

Unit weight ranges from greater than 150 lbs. to 500 lbs. 

The longest side exceeds 108 inches but is up to 120 inches. 

The sum of the longest side and girth* surpasses 165 inches. 

(*Girth = 2 * (width + height in inches)) 

Fixed Monthly Storage Fee 

The storage fee covers the cost associated with storing your items at a Walmart fulfillment center. It is determined by the volume of the stored product and the duration of storage. The unit cubic feet are calculated by dividing the unit volume in inches (length x width x height) divided by 1,728. 

Note: Divide the volume by 12 cubic inches (12 x 12 x 12 inches = 1,728).  

How to join Walmart Fulfillment Services and set up your products 

1. To initiate your journey with Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) and establish your product presence, follow these steps: 

• Join the Walmart Marketplace seller community. 
• Configure your product listings in Walmart Seller Central. 
• Arrange shipment of your inventory to a designated WFS facility. 

2. To qualify for WFS participation, you must already be an active Walmart Marketplace seller and adhere to the following criteria: 

• Shippable to Walmart fulfillment center in the contiguous U.S. 
• Non-perishable and non-regulated 
• Maximum weight of 150 lbs 
• Maximum length of 108″ 
• Length plus girth should not exceed 165″ 

Meeting these criteria ensures seamless integration with Walmart Fulfillment Services. 

3. Here are additional steps to commence selling on the Walmart Marketplace: 

• Verify that you meet the minimum eligibility criteria. 
• Create a new seller account or log in to your existing one. 
• Provide necessary business verification details. 
• Configure your preferred payment methods. 
• Establish shipping settings. 
• Proceed to list your products on the platform. 

How WFS can help you grow your sales and scale your business 

1. TwoDay Delivery for Enhanced Sales Growth: 

• With Walmart Fulfillment Services, you can offer lightning-fast 2-day shipping across the U.S., making your customers super happy and boosting your sales. 
• Plus, your products get those eye-catching badges like ‘2-day shipping’ or ‘Fulfilled by Walmart’, which means more visibility and more sales for you! 

2. Convenience and Support for Customer Satisfaction: 

• Walmart Fulfillment Services takes care of returns and customer inquiries, making life easier for you and your customers. 
• And guess what? Your customers can enjoy hassle-free returns through Walmart’s Free & Easy Returns program, keeping them coming back for more. 

3. Building Repeat and Loyal Customer Base: 

• Joining Walmart’s community means access to tools that make your customers feel valued, bringing them back again and again. 
• Enroll in Walmart plus (Walmart+) ‘free shipping’ program to keep customers loyal and boost your business. 

4. Streamlined Operations and Scalability: 

• Let Walmart handle the nitty-gritty of picking, packing, and shipping while you focus on growing your sales. 
• Walmart Fulfillment Services offers top-notch supply chain support, helping you scale up your business without breaking a sweat. 

5. Cost-Effective Solution with Transparent Pricing: 

• Walmart Fulfillment Services keeps things simple with clear pricing and no surprises, making it the smart choice for budget-conscious sellers. 
• Explore perks like the WFS Preferred Carrier Program to save even more on shipping costs. 

FAQs related to Walmart Fulfillment Services 

Q. What is Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS)? 

A. Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) is a comprehensive fulfillment solution offered by Walmart to help sellers manage inventory, shipping, and customer service. 

Q. How does Walmart Fulfillment Services benefit sellers? 

A. Walmart Fulfillment Services streamlines order fulfillment, offers fast shipping options, enhances product visibility, and provides access to Walmart’s customer base, ultimately helping sellers grow their business. 

Q. What are the eligibility criteria for Walmart Fulfillment Services? 

A. Sellers must be part of the Walmart Marketplace, ship products from within the United States, offer non-perishable or non-regulated items and adhere to specific size and weight guidelines. 

Q. How does Walmart Fulfillment Services pricing work? 

A. Walmart Fulfillment Services pricing is based on fulfillment and storage fees, with no hidden charges. Sellers can calculate their costs using Walmart’s transparent pricing structure. 

Q. What support does Walmart Fulfillment Services offer for returns and customer service? 

A. Walmart Fulfillment Services manages returns and handles customer inquiries, providing sellers with comprehensive support to ensure a smooth post-purchase experience for customers. 

Conclusion 

Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) offers a transformative solution for eCommerce sellers aiming to thrive in the competitive landscape of online retail. By leveraging Walmart’s extensive supply chain infrastructure and expertise, sellers can streamline inventory management, optimize order fulfillment, and enhance customer satisfaction.  

With WFS, sellers can unlock new opportunities for sales growth, expand their reach to millions of customers, and achieve maximum efficiency in their operations.  

If you’re still unsure whether WFS is the right choice for you, don’t worry! 

KwickMetrics has assisted many brands like yours in gaining in-depth analytics in their e-commerce presence. Let us help you in reaching your goals. 

 Feel free to get in touch with us today to begin the journey!