Your complete guide to meeting every Walmart Marketplace requirement -- and how our Foundation Business Package handles 8 out of 10 of them for you.
400M+
Monthly Visitors
$0
Monthly Fees
8 / 10
Requirements Covered
Walmart Marketplace is one of the biggest online retail platforms in the world. Over 400 million people visit Walmart.com every single month. If you sell products, that kind of traffic can change your business overnight.
But Walmart does not let just anyone sell on their platform. They have a strict approval process. You need a real business with the right paperwork, the right digital presence, and the right tools in place before they will even look at your application.
This guide breaks down every single requirement Walmart checks, walks you through the 12-step process from start to finish, and shows you exactly how our Foundation Business Package handles 8 out of 10 of those requirements for you.
Why Walmart?
There are no monthly fees or setup charges to sell on Walmart Marketplace. You only pay a small referral fee (6-15%) when something actually sells. With fewer sellers than Amazon, you have a much better chance of standing out. Walmart gives you built-in trust, massive reach, and lower competition -- all in one platform.
Walmart checks several things before they approve a seller. Think of it like a checklist. If any of these are missing, your application will be denied.
A Registered Business Entity
You must have a legally formed business. Walmart accepts LLCs and Corporations. They do not accept personal Social Security Numbers for seller accounts. Your business must be registered with your state and have all the proper legal documents filed.
An Employer Identification Number (EIN)
An EIN is like a Social Security Number, but for your business. The IRS issues it. Walmart requires an EIN for every seller account. Without one, you cannot apply.
A Verified Business Address
Your business needs a real, verifiable street address. Walmart will check that your business name and address match what is on file with your state and the IRS. If the address does not match, your application can be rejected.
A U.S. Business Tax ID (W-9)
Walmart's payment processor requires a W-9 form, which includes your EIN, business name, and address. Everything on this form has to match your other documents exactly.
Operating Agreement or Corporate Bylaws
Walmart and their payment processors may ask for your Operating Agreement (for LLCs) or Bylaws (for Corporations). These documents show who owns and runs the business. Banks and lenders also ask for these, so having them ready matters.
A Professional Business Website
Walmart wants to see that you are a serious operation. A professional website with your own domain name helps prove this. It shows Walmart that you are established, credible, and ready to sell.
A Professional Business Email
Walmart strongly prefers that you apply with a business email tied to your own domain (like [email protected]). Using a free email like Gmail or Yahoo can hurt your chances of approval.
Business Credit Foundation
While not a hard requirement from Walmart, having a Dun & Bradstreet business credit profile makes your business look more established. Payment processors and third-party verification services use D&B data during their checks.
Product Identifiers (GS1/UPC Codes)
Every product you sell on Walmart must have a GS1-verified UPC barcode. You must get these from GS1 directly at gs1.org. Pricing depends on how many products you plan to sell.
Fulfillment and Shipping Capability
You must be able to ship orders within 1-2 days and have a U.S. return address. You can either handle shipping yourself or use Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) where Walmart stores and ships your products for you.
Our Foundation Business Package (Intro LLC -- $1,795) is designed to give you everything you need to set up a real, compliant business. Here is how it lines up with each Walmart requirement:
| Walmart Requirement | We Handle | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Business Entity | ✓ | LLC or Corporation formed in any state with Articles of Organization/Incorporation |
| EIN (Tax ID) | ✓ | We apply for and obtain your EIN from the IRS |
| Verified Business Address | ✓ | Commercial address set up and first 2 months paid |
| W-9 / Tax Documentation | ✓ | Your EIN, name, and address all match -- W-9 ready to file |
| Operating Agreement / Bylaws | ✓ | Custom legal documents prepared for your entity type |
| Professional Website | ✓ | 10-page site with custom domain and payment processing |
| Professional Business Email | ✓ | Custom domain email ([email protected]) |
| Business Credit Foundation | ✓ | D&B registration + 45 compliance points |
| GS1/UPC Barcodes | You | You get these from GS1.org -- we show you how |
| Fulfillment & Shipping | You | You choose your method -- we recommend Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) |
Bottom line: 8 out of 10 Walmart requirements are directly handled by our package. The remaining 2 are specific to your products and shipping -- but we guide you through those as well.
Follow these steps in order. We handle the heavy lifting in Phase 1. You take over for the Walmart application in Phase 2 once your business foundation is built.
Phase 1
Build Your Business Foundation (We Do This For You)
Purchase the Foundation Business Package
Go to startmybusiness.us/packages and choose the Intro LLC package ($1,795). Financing is available from $134.45/month. After purchase, fill out the "Register For Service" form so our team can begin right away.
We Form Your Business Entity
Our team registers your LLC or Corporation with the state. You will receive your Articles of Incorporation or Organization via email and certified mail. Average turnaround is about 5 business days after setup.
We Get Your EIN from the IRS
We apply for and obtain your Employer Identification Number. This is the tax ID that Walmart requires for every seller account.
We Set Up Your Business Address
We establish a verified commercial business address for your company and pay for the first two months. This address will pass verification checks that banks, lenders, and Walmart all use.
We Create Your Legal Documents
Your customized Operating Agreement (LLC) or Corporate Bylaws are prepared. These prove who owns and runs your business and protect you legally.
We Build Your Professional Website
We create a fully functional 10-page business website with payment processing, a custom domain, and a matching business email address. This is exactly the kind of professional online presence Walmart wants to see.
We Begin Building Business Credit
We register your business with Dun & Bradstreet and start your credit-building journey with 45+ compliance points. This helps with Walmart and also opens doors to future funding and trade credit.
Phase 2
Apply to Walmart Marketplace (You Do This -- With Our Guidance)
Get Your GS1/UPC Barcodes
Visit gs1.org and register for a GS1 Company Prefix. This gives you the barcodes that Walmart requires for every product. Pricing depends on how many products you plan to sell.
Choose Your Fulfillment Method
Decide if you will ship orders yourself or use Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS). WFS is the easier option for new sellers -- Walmart stores, packs, and ships your products for you.
Complete Your Walmart Application
Go to marketplace.walmart.com and click "Join Marketplace." Enter your business details using the information from your Foundation Package: your business name, EIN, verified address, business email, and website. Use the exact same information that appears on your official documents.
Set Up Your Seller Center Account
After approval, you will access Walmart's Seller Center. Here you will set up your payment processor (Payoneer or Hyperwallet), configure shipping, and add your product listings.
Go Live and Start Selling
Once your products are listed and your test orders pass, Walmart releases your account. Your products go live on Walmart.com within a few hours and are searchable in 24-48 hours.
The Foundation Package (Intro LLC) gets you Walmart-qualified. If you want to go further with stronger business credit, faster funding, and more automation, consider upgrading.
Intro LLC
Foundation
$1,795
45 compliance points, 10-page website, 6 months SEO, basic funding qualification
Standard LLC
Growth
$2,995
Everything in Intro plus business automations, enhanced credit building, and expanded funding
Enterprise
Scale
$12,500
Full-service build-out with dedicated support, max credit capacity, and 5-6 figure funding
1. What is Walmart Marketplace?
Walmart Marketplace is Walmart's online platform where third-party sellers can list and sell products on Walmart.com alongside Walmart's own inventory. It works similarly to Amazon's third-party marketplace, but with fewer sellers and less competition.
2. How many people visit Walmart.com each month?
Walmart.com gets over 400 million unique visitors every month. That makes it one of the largest e-commerce platforms in the United States, second only to Amazon.
3. What is the difference between Walmart Marketplace and selling wholesale to Walmart?
Selling wholesale means Walmart buys your products in bulk and sells them in their stores. Marketplace is different -- you list your own products on Walmart.com, set your own prices, and fulfill orders yourself or through Walmart Fulfillment Services. Marketplace has a much lower barrier to entry.
4. Does it cost anything to sell on Walmart Marketplace?
There are no monthly fees, no setup charges, and no listing fees. You only pay a referral fee (6-15%, depending on the product category) when an item actually sells. This makes Walmart one of the most cost-effective platforms for sellers.
5. Do I need an LLC or Corporation to sell on Walmart?
Yes. Walmart requires a registered business entity. They accept LLCs and Corporations. They do not accept personal Social Security Numbers for seller accounts. You need a properly formed business with an EIN from the IRS.
6. Can I sell on Walmart as a sole proprietor?
Walmart strongly prefers LLCs and Corporations. While some sole proprietors with an EIN have been approved, your chances are much higher with a properly formed business entity. Our Foundation Package handles the LLC formation for you.
7. What is an EIN and why does Walmart require one?
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a tax ID issued by the IRS for your business. It works like a Social Security Number but for business purposes. Walmart requires it for tax reporting and to verify your business is legitimate. We obtain your EIN as part of our Foundation Package.
8. Can I use my home address for my Walmart seller account?
You can, but it is not recommended. Walmart verifies your business address against state records and the IRS. A commercial business address looks more professional and passes verification checks more reliably. Our package includes a verified commercial address with the first two months paid.
9. Do I need a professional website to sell on Walmart?
Yes. Walmart reviews your online presence as part of their approval process. A professional website with your own domain name shows you are an established, credible business. Our Foundation Package includes a 10-page professional website with payment processing and a custom domain.
10. Can I use a Gmail or Yahoo email to apply to Walmart?
Walmart strongly prefers a business email tied to your own domain (like [email protected]). Using a free email provider like Gmail or Yahoo can hurt your chances of approval. Our package includes a custom domain business email.
11. What is a GS1/UPC barcode and where do I get one?
A GS1/UPC barcode is the standard product identifier you see on every retail product. Walmart requires GS1-verified barcodes for every product listed. You register for a GS1 Company Prefix at gs1.org. This is one of the two items you handle yourself -- we guide you through the process.
12. How much do GS1 barcodes cost?
GS1 pricing starts at $250 for a single barcode (GS1 US GTIN) with a $50 annual renewal. If you plan to sell multiple products, a Company Prefix starts at $250 for up to 10 barcodes. Pricing goes up based on how many product codes you need.
13. What is Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS)?
WFS is Walmart's version of Amazon FBA. You send your inventory to Walmart's warehouses, and they store, pack, and ship orders for you. They also handle customer returns. WFS products get a "Fulfilled by Walmart" badge and are eligible for faster shipping, which can boost your sales.
14. How much does Walmart charge in referral fees?
Referral fees range from 6% to 15% depending on the product category. For example, consumer electronics are around 8%, clothing and accessories around 15%, and home and garden around 15%. Most categories fall between 8-15%.
15. What products can I sell on Walmart Marketplace?
Walmart Marketplace supports a wide range of categories including electronics, clothing, home goods, health and beauty, sports equipment, toys, automotive parts, and more. You must have new, authentic products with valid UPC codes. Used items and refurbished products are allowed in some categories.
16. Are there products I cannot sell on Walmart?
Yes. Walmart prohibits certain items including weapons, alcohol, tobacco, adult products, live animals, and counterfeit goods. Some categories like jewelry and fine art require additional approval. Check Walmart's Prohibited Products Policy before listing.
17. How long does it take to get everything set up with your package?
Your business entity and documents are typically ready within 5-10 business days after you submit the Register For Service form. Your website usually follows within 2-3 weeks. After that, you can apply to Walmart right away.
18. How long does Walmart take to approve my application?
Walmart's timeline varies. Some sellers are approved within a few days. Others may take a few weeks. Having all your documents ready and matching -- which our package ensures -- helps speed things up. Applications with missing or mismatched information take longer or get denied outright.
19. What happens if my Walmart application is denied?
If denied, Walmart usually tells you the reason. Common issues include mismatched business information, no website, or using a personal email. You can fix the issues and reapply. Having a properly set up business with matching documents from the start -- which our package provides -- is the best way to avoid denial.
20. Do I need prior selling experience to apply?
Walmart prefers sellers with some e-commerce experience. However, having a professionally built business with a strong website, proper documentation, and business credit shows Walmart you are a serious operation. This can improve your chances even if you are new to selling online.
21. What payment processors does Walmart use?
Walmart uses Payoneer and Hyperwallet to pay marketplace sellers. You set up your payment processor account after Walmart approves your seller application. Payments are deposited directly into your bank account on a regular schedule.
22. How do I get paid as a Walmart seller?
Walmart pays sellers through their payment processor (Payoneer or Hyperwallet) on a biweekly cycle. Once your payment account is set up, deposits go directly to your business bank account. There is typically a 14-day hold on new seller payments.
23. Can I sell on both Amazon and Walmart at the same time?
Yes. Many sellers list on both platforms. There is no exclusivity requirement. Just make sure your pricing on Walmart is competitive -- Walmart has a Price Parity rule that may suppress your listing if your price is higher on Walmart than on other sites.
24. Can I use this package for selling on other platforms too?
Yes. Your Foundation Business Package creates a legitimate, fully compliant business entity. You can use it to sell on Amazon, eBay, Shopify, Etsy, and any other platform. It is your business -- you can take it anywhere.
25. Do I need business insurance to sell on Walmart?
Walmart does not require business insurance to create a seller account, but their Marketplace agreement states sellers are responsible for product liability. Having general liability insurance is a good idea, especially if you sell products that could cause injury. Some categories may require it.
26. Can I sell private label products on Walmart?
Yes. Many successful Walmart sellers sell private label products. You will need your own GS1 barcodes, professional product images, and detailed product descriptions. Private label products often perform well on Walmart because there is less competition than on Amazon.
27. What is the Walmart Seller Center?
Seller Center is Walmart's dashboard for marketplace sellers. It is where you manage product listings, track orders, handle returns, view performance metrics, run advertising campaigns, and manage your account settings. You get access after your application is approved.
28. How do I handle customer service as a Walmart seller?
Walmart handles first-line customer service for marketplace orders. However, you are responsible for responding to customer inquiries, processing returns, and resolving disputes through Seller Center. Walmart expects sellers to respond within 24 hours and maintain high customer satisfaction ratings.
29. What is the advantage of selling on Walmart vs Amazon?
Walmart has fewer sellers, which means less competition for your products. There are no monthly subscription fees (Amazon charges $39.99/month for Professional accounts). Walmart customers tend to be loyal and brand-conscious. And Walmart's built-in trust gives marketplace sellers instant credibility that would take years to build on a standalone website.
30. What is Walmart's return policy for marketplace sellers?
Walmart's standard return policy applies to marketplace items -- customers can return most products within 90 days. As a seller, you can set your own return rules within Walmart's guidelines. If you use WFS, Walmart handles returns for you. If you self-fulfill, you process returns at your own facility or a U.S. return address.
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This guide is provided by Start My Business Inc. for informational and educational purposes. Walmart Marketplace has its own application and approval process, and approval is not guaranteed. Start My Business Inc. is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or a representative of Walmart Inc. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.
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