{"id":16818,"date":"2023-08-31T09:12:23","date_gmt":"2023-08-31T09:12:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/synder.com\/blog\/?p=16818"},"modified":"2024-01-25T15:09:42","modified_gmt":"2024-01-25T15:09:42","slug":"walmart-vs-amazon-selecting-the-ideal-marketplace-for-your-ecommerce-venture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/synder.com\/blog\/walmart-vs-amazon-selecting-the-ideal-marketplace-for-your-ecommerce-venture\/","title":{"rendered":"Walmart vs Amazon: Selecting the Ideal Marketplace for Your Ecommerce Venture"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
When running an ecommerce business<\/a>, choosing the right marketplace can often be the defining factor in the business’s success. With giants like Walmart and Amazon on the table, it can be hard to make the right decision. <\/p>\n\n\n\n We want to explore what Walmart and Amazon have under the hood as potential platforms for ecommerce businesses to help you make a more informed decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Walmart is a multinational retail corporation that operates a chain of hypermarkets, discount department stores, and grocery stores. In addition to its physical retail presence, Walmart has also expanded into the realm of e-commerce with its online marketplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Walmart’s ecommerce platform<\/a> provides a digital marketplace for third-party sellers to offer their products to a vast online customer base. Similar to other ecommerce giants like Amazon and eBay<\/a>, Walmart’s online marketplace allows independent sellers, brands, and retailers to list and sell their products directly to consumers through the Walmart website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For sellers, Walmart’s ecommerce marketplace offers several benefits:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Amazon is one of the world’s largest and most well-known e-commerce marketplaces. It was founded in 1994 by Jeff Bezos and has since evolved into a global conglomerate offering a wide range of products and services. The company initially started as an online bookstore but quickly expanded its offerings to include virtually every category of goods imaginable, from electronics and clothing to household items and groceries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For sellers, Amazon offers several platforms and programs to enable them to reach a vast customer base and sell their products. Here are some key features and offerings for sellers on Amazon<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Selling on Amazon can be highly competitive due to the platform’s popularity, but it also provides immense opportunities for businesses to reach a vast customer base and grow their sales. It’s important for sellers to understand the platform’s rules and guidelines, optimize their product listings, provide excellent customer service, and adapt to changing market dynamics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Walmart and Amazon offer different paths for ecommerce sellers. Walmart’s strict requirements focus on established US businesses, emphasizing reliability. In contrast, Amazon welcomes a wide range of sellers, from newcomers to international entrepreneurs. Evaluating these conditions based on your business’s status and goals will help you choose the right fit for your selling journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let’s break it down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Walmart’s marketplace, known for its discerning approach, caters to established businesses aiming to extend their reach. The registration eligibility criteria on Walmart are stringent, designed to uphold quality and reliability. Prospective sellers must meet these qualifications and provide specific documentation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Currently, Walmart exclusively accepts applications from businesses registered within the United States. It’s important to note that any potential alterations to this policy by Walmart remain uncertain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to these general requirements, businesses using Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) must adhere to specific product criteria:<\/p>\n\n\n\n In stark contrast to Walmart’s stringent prerequisites, Amazon’s entry barriers are lower, making it a favorable choice for new and inexperienced sellers. Amazon streamlines the registration process, emphasizing accessibility and a diverse seller base. To initiate your selling journey on Amazon, the following essentials are required:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Consequently, Amazon offers a broader scope for international participation, expanding its reach and diversifying its seller ecosystem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Understanding a platform’s seller fees<\/a> is essential when selecting where to sell. It enables accurate cost assessment, profit calculation, and budgeting. This knowledge guides investment decisions, ensures long-term sustainability, and prevents hidden costs. Moreover, it shapes sales strategies and aligns offerings with the platform’s audience. Ultimately, fee awareness maximizes overall business profitability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now, let’s look what sellers might be charged in fees when selling on Walmart or Amazon<\/p>\n\n\n\n Walmart’s seller fees can vary depending on the specific category, type of product, and your business arrangement with the platform. Walmart uses a referral fee model, where you pay a percentage of the item’s sale price as a fee for using their platform. Additionally, there might be subscription fees for specific seller tiers that offer additional features and benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let’s look at them in more detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Important note: <\/strong>Please be advised that fee structures can change, and there might be additional fees or changes to the ones listed above. It’s crucial to consult Walmart’s official seller resources or contact their support for the most accurate and current information on their seller fees.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Amazon seller fees encompass various costs associated with selling products on the Amazon platform. These fees can include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s important to note that Amazon’s fee structure can be complex and may vary by region and category. Before selling on Amazon, it’s crucial to review their detailed fee schedule to understand how these fees might impact your business’s profitability and pricing strategy.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Both Amazon and Walmart offer a range of payment options to cater to the diverse preferences of their customer base. Sellers on these platforms also have specific payment methods and options available for receiving payouts for their sales, which can vary based on factors like location, business type, and platform policies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Below, we’re breaking down the common payment options sellers can offer their customers when selling on Walmart and Amazon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Amazon payment options<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Walmart payment options<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Walmart and Amazon, prominent players in online commerce, provide distinct shipping choices for customers and sellers.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat is Walmart as a marketplace?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What does it offer for sellers?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Walmart’s online presence attracts millions of shoppers, providing sellers with access to a wide audience.<\/li>
Associating with the Walmart brand can lend credibility to sellers, potentially boosting consumer trust.<\/li>
Sellers can offer a wide range of products across various categories, including electronics, clothing, home goods, and more.<\/li>
Walmart provides fulfillment services, allowing sellers to store their products in Walmart fulfillment centers. This enables sellers to offer fast shipping and leverage Walmart’s logistics infrastructure.<\/li>
Sellers can take advantage of Walmart’s advertising and promotional tools to enhance their product visibility.<\/li>
While fees may vary, Walmart’s marketplace is known for having relatively competitive commission rates compared to other major e-commerce platforms.<\/li>
Walmart maintains certain quality standards for products sold on its platform, aiming to ensure customer satisfaction and protect the Walmart brand.<\/li>
Sellers can integrate their systems with Walmart’s APIs to manage inventory, orders, and other aspects of their business more efficiently.<\/li>
Being associated with a well-known retail brand like Walmart can help instill trust and confidence in potential customers.<\/li>
Walmart handles customer service, including returns and inquiries, for products sold through its marketplace, relieving sellers of some support responsibilities.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nWhat is Amazon as a marketplace?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What does Amazon offer for sellers?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Amazon provides a platform where individual sellers and businesses can list their products for sale. The marketplace model allows sellers to leverage Amazon’s immense customer base and infrastructure to reach a global audience.<\/li>
This program allows sellers to store their products in Amazon’s warehouses. When an order is placed, Amazon handles the packing, shipping, and customer service. This enables sellers to offer Prime shipping benefits to customers and simplifies the logistics process.<\/li>
Seller Central is a web interface that sellers use to manage their product listings, inventory, orders, and customer interactions. It’s a hub for sellers to monitor their performance and make necessary adjustments.<\/li>
Sellers can promote their products through Amazon’s advertising services, including sponsored product ads and display ads. These ads help products stand out in search results and other prominent placements on the platform.<\/li>
For registered brand owners, Amazon offers tools to protect their intellectual property and control how their products are presented on the platform.<\/li>
This platform is specifically designed for artisans and crafters to sell their handmade products to a wide audience.<\/li>
A program that helps startups and innovative brands launch and promote their products on Amazon’s platform.<\/li>
Sellers can create their own customized storefronts within Amazon to showcase their brand and product offerings.<\/li>
Amazon enables sellers to expand their reach by selling and reselling on Amazon<\/a> their products internationally, reaching customers in various countries.<\/li>
Amazon provides resources, tutorials, and customer support to help sellers navigate the platform effectively and grow their businesses.<\/li>
Customers can leave reviews and ratings for products they purchase, which can significantly impact a seller’s reputation and sales performance.<\/li>
Amazon offers subscription-based programs such as Amazon Prime, which can help sellers attract loyal customers with benefits like free shipping and exclusive deals.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nRequirements for launching your business on Walmart or Amazon<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Walmart’s requirements<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Unlike Amazon, which accepts Social Security Numbers (SSNs), Walmart mandates a valid US Business Tax ID for registration.<\/li>
Proof of your US business address or physical operations, along with an EIN Verification Letter from the Department of Treasury, is essential.<\/li>
You need to provide a verifiable US business address or location.<\/li>
Detail your intended method for integrating your product catalog, such as bulk upload, API, or through a solution provider.<\/li>
Furnish primary product categories, catalog size, total SKUs, and additional data like UPC information and product condition (new, used, refurbished, etc.).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Products must originate from within the United States and be shipped to Walmart’s fulfillment centers.<\/li>
Perishable and regulated items are prohibited from WFS.<\/li>
Products must weigh under 30 lbs and fit within dimensions of 25\u2033x20\u2033x14\u2033.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nAmazon requirements<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Facilitate transactions by providing your bank account and routing numbers.<\/li>
Furnish details of a credit card capable of processing charges.<\/li>
Submit a valid government-issued identification for verification purposes.<\/li>
You have the flexibility to use your Social Security Number (SSN) for tax-related information.<\/li>
A functional phone number is necessary for communication.<\/li>
Unlike Walmart’s US-exclusive policy, Amazon opens its doors to international sellers from select countries. Residency in one of these eligible countries, along with an internationally chargeable credit card and valid phone number, is essential.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nHow much will they charge you: a look at the seller fees<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Walmart’s seller fees<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A percentage of the item’s sale price paid to Walmart as a fee for using their platform to sell products.<\/li>
Optional subscription tiers that offer varying features and benefits for sellers. Higher tiers might provide additional tools and exposure, but they come with a monthly fee.<\/li>
This fee could be applied in certain cases where a customer’s refund is not handled through the standard process.<\/li>
If a customer’s return is not properly processed, this fee might be charged.<\/li>
If you choose to promote your product for increased visibility, this fee might apply.<\/li>
If the shipping cost you set is significantly different from the actual shipping cost, this fee could be charged.<\/li>
While not a fee per se, if your order defect rate is high, you might lose eligibility for the Walmart marketplace.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nAmazon seller fees<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
These are a percentage of the item’s sale price (excluding taxes) that you pay to Amazon. The percentage varies depending on the category of the product.<\/li>
If you use Amazon’s fulfillment services (FBA), you’ll pay fees for storage, picking, packing, and shipping your products. These fees vary based on the product’s size and weight.<\/li>
Amazon offers a Professional selling plan with a monthly subscription fee and an Individual selling plan with per-item fees. The Professional plan is suitable for high-volume sellers.<\/li>
These apply to media products (books, DVDs, etc.) and are charged per item sold.<\/li>
If you refund a customer for an order, Amazon might charge a refund administration fee.<\/li>
If you exceed a certain number of active listings, Amazon might charge additional fees.<\/li>
If you use Amazon’s advertising services to promote your products, you’ll incur advertising costs.<\/li>
These apply if your products are stored in Amazon’s fulfillment centers for an extended period.<\/li>
Charged if your products remain in Amazon’s fulfillment centers for an extended period (usually over 365 days).<\/li>
If you fulfill orders yourself (MFN), you’ll be responsible for shipping costs.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nWalmart’s and Amazon digital payment options<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Amazon Pay is Amazon’s own payment processing service that allows customers to use their Amazon account information to make purchases on external websites. It offers a familiar and trusted checkout experience.<\/li>
This feature lets eligible customers make purchases and pay for them over time. It’s a form of buy-now-pay-later option.<\/li>
Amazon accepts various major credit and debit cards for payment.<\/li>
Customers can use Amazon gift cards to pay for purchases on the platform.<\/li>
Amazon offers its store card and credit card options, providing special financing and rewards for Amazon purchases.<\/li>
Walmart accepts major credit and debit cards for online purchases.<\/li>
Walmart’s mobile payment solution allows customers to link their payment methods and make purchases in-store through the Walmart app.<\/li>
Walmart gift cards can be used for online purchases.<\/li>
Walmart allows customers to order online and pay with cash at a physical store location.<\/li>
Walmart partners with Affirm to offer installment payment options for eligible customers.<\/li>
Walmart offers credit cards that can be used for purchases, providing special financing options.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nAn overview of shipping options<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Amazon Prime and other Amazon’s shipping options<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n