Walmart making vast fulfillment network available to its third-party sellers

Walmart Inc. is debuting a service for online sellers that gives them access to the retail giant’s extensive fulfillment capabilities. 

The company has started rolling out Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) to select sellers on its Marketplace platform. The fee-based program provides a wide array of services, including storing, picking, packing and shipping, along with the handling of returns and customer service. Participating Marketplace sellers that use WFS will have access to two-day shipping, and in the future, NextDay delivery. 

WFS offers simple and transparent pricing and is one of the lowest-priced services on the market, Walmart said, with participants paying a low storage and fulfillment fee in return for a seamless and cost-effective service that is easy to use and gives them peace of mind. Notably, WFS does not include a seller monthly membership fee.

“Walmart’s next-generation fulfillment network gives participating sellers a new, competitive advantage to grow their business, said Jare’ Buckley-Cox, VP,  Walmart Fulfillment Services, Walmart eCommerce. “We intentionally designed WFS together with sellers and offer benefits including two-day shipping, easy returns, dedicated customer service, and a low-cost, simple fee structure – all without a membership fee.”

In launching the new service, Walmart is taking on “Fulfillment By Amazon,” which, according to reports, is used by three out of four Amazon sellers and has been a healthy source of income for the company. 

The retailer noted that, consistent with its approach for all marketplace sellers, WFS upholds its high bar for vetting potential sellers, with all sellers required to meet specific qualifications before being accepted as a viable seller. Customers will know which sellers are using WFS as the items will be marked online as “Sold by (Seller Name), fulfilled by Walmart.”