Utilizing Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) to Help Scale Your Brand

Jul 23, 2024 · By Jade Kinomoto, Corporate Marketing Coordinator, VENDO and Mark Jordan, Marketplace Growth Strategist, VENDO

Starting and growing an e-commerce business is an exciting journey, and choosing the right fulfillment partner can significantly impact your success. We’re diving into the benefits of utilizing Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) and how it can help scale your brand, allowing you to focus on expanding your business while WFS handles the intricate details of picking, packing, and shipping your products.

Whether you’re a current Walmart Marketplace seller or considering joining the platform, this comprehensive guide will show you how WFS can provide seamless, cost-effective fulfillment solutions and the best end-to-end experience for your customers. Let’s dive right in!

Why Choose Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS)?

The promise of fast, reliable shipping is a significant consideration for customers when making online purchases. With WFS, you can leverage one of the world’s largest supply chains to store your products, ensuring they reach your customers anywhere in the contiguous U.S. within two days. Here’s a closer look at why WFS is a game-changer for Walmart sellers:

Increased Sales and Visibility

WFS has proven to be a catalyst for sales growth on Walmart.com. Items fulfilled by Walmart typically see a 50% growth in Gross Merchandise Value (GMV). Even items with a prior two-day promise experience a larger lift in GMV when fulfilled by WFS. Here’s why:

  • Two-Day Shipping Tag and Fulfilled by Walmart Badge: Products fulfilled by WFS receive a prominent two-day shipping tag and the prestigious “Fulfilled by Walmart” badge. These markers enhance your product’s visibility across search and browse pages on Walmart.com and the Walmart app, attracting more potential buyers.
  • Inclusion in Walmart Plus Assortment: Products fulfilled by WFS are included in the Walmart+ assortment, a membership program that offers free delivery and other perks to highly loyal Walmart shoppers. This inclusion puts your products in front of new, dedicated customers.
  • Pro Seller Badge: Leveraging WFS can help you meet the criteria to receive the Pro Seller badge, a mark of excellence that builds customer confidence and drives sales.
  • Tools and Support for Success

    WFS provides a suite of tools and support to help you succeed:

  • Restocking Recommendations: WFS offers advice on when to restock items and in what quantities, ensuring you can meet future demand effectively.
  • Sales Lift Reports: For items you currently fulfill yourself, WFS provides a 30-day potential sales lift report, showing the potential increase in sales if converted to Walmart fulfillment.
  • Seller Center Tools: Within Seller Center, you have access to various programs and tools that recommend which items to send to WFS, optimizing your product assortment for maximum sales.
  • Dedicated Partner Support

    WFS is committed to delivering an excellent seller experience. As the service continues to grow and introduces new features, having easy access to support is crucial. WFS offers a dedicated partner support team available via phone for ten hours a day, seven days a week, and an option to open cases via email. This team assists with training, onboarding, and resolving any issues you may encounter.

    Cost-Effective Fulfillment

    In true Walmart fashion, WFS is committed to providing everyday low prices. Here’s a breakdown of the costs associated with using WFS:

  • Lower Costs: On average, the cost to use WFS is 15% lower than many competitors. This includes a standard marketplace referral fee based on product type, a monthly storage fee, and a per-item fulfillment fee based on item weight. There are no monthly subscription fees and no inventory minimums or maximums, giving you complete control over your business.
  • Savings Calculator:To estimate WFS fees, you can use the calculator available on Walmart’s website, ensuring transparency and clarity in your cost structure.
  • Reduced Inbound Shipping Rates: WFS offers reduced inbound shipping rates for FedEx small parcels and less-than-truckload deliveries through the Walmart Preferred Carrier program.
  • Special Offers and Seasonal Opportunities

    Take advantage of special offers and seasonal opportunities to maximize your savings and product visibility:

  • New Seller Savings: If you send your first shipment to WFS by July 31st, you’ll receive 50% off prep services (including item labeling and poly bagging), 50% off storage, and 25% off shipping for 90 days.
  • Seasonal Promotions:With summer and major shopping events like Black Friday on the horizon, now is the perfect time to test WFS and ramp up your shipments. This strategic timing allows you to capitalize on increased online traffic and consumer spending.
  • CONCLUSION

    Walmart Fulfillment Services offers a robust and cost-effective solution for Walmart sellers looking to scale their brands. By leveraging WFS, you can increase your product visibility, boost sales, and provide a superior customer experience. The dedicated support, advanced tools, and competitive pricing make WFS an attractive option for growing your online business.