Getting approved to sell on Walmart.com is not always as simple as submitting an application and waiting for a green light. Some sellers are approved quickly, while others experience delays or unexpected rejections even when they believe everything is in order. The difference usually comes down to preparation, consistency, and how clearly your business aligns with what Walmart looks for in marketplace partners.
Walmart Seller Requirements
At a baseline, Walmart requires a legally registered U.S. business entity. You must have:
- a U.S. Business Tax ID such as an EIN or Business License Number
- supporting documentation that verifies your legal business name and physical address
- a valid U.S. bank account for deposits
Sole proprietorships operating under a personal Social Security Number are not accepted. In addition, every product must have valid GS1-issued GTIN or UPC codes, and your catalog must comply with Walmart’s Prohibited Products Policy.
Meeting those minimum requirements is only the starting point. Walmart places strong emphasis on seller reliability and ecommerce experience. If you already sell on platforms like Amazon, eBay, or Shopify, include direct links in your application. Walmart wants to see proof that you understand order fulfillment, customer service, and marketplace performance standards. A standalone website alone does not always demonstrate that history, but active marketplace listings do.
Product Data
Preparation of your product data also plays a major role in approval speed. You do not need a fully polished ecommerce site before applying, but you should have your catalog ready. Even a clean spreadsheet that includes product titles, descriptions, pricing, images, and valid UPCs shows that you are operationally prepared. Walmart’s review teams tend to move faster when they can clearly see what you intend to sell and how organized your business is.
Consistent Documentation
Consistency across documents is one of the most common reasons applications get delayed. Your legal business name, address, and tax information must match exactly on every form. Something as small as including “LLC” in one document but not another can trigger additional review. Before submitting, double check every field to ensure your EIN letter, bank information, and application details align perfectly.
Small credibility signals can also make a difference. Many experienced sellers report better results when applying with a professional, domain-based email address rather than a generic Gmail account. While not officially required, it reinforces that you operate as an established business.
Strategic Categorization
Category selection can influence review time as well. Highly regulated categories such as supplements, beauty products, or certain electronics may receive more scrutiny. Sellers in lower risk categories like home improvement, DIY tools, household essentials, or pet supplies often report smoother approvals. If your catalog allows flexibility, starting in a less regulated category can help you establish credibility more quickly.
Once your application is submitted, approval timelines typically range from 24 hours to a few weeks. The most common cause of delays is missing or mismatched information. When documentation is complete and consistent from the beginning, the process usually moves faster.
Once You’re Approved (Or Rejected)
After approval, you will finalize setup inside Seller Center, configure payment and tax details, upload and test your listings, and complete the readiness checklist. From there, you can fulfill orders either through Walmart Fulfillment Services or your own U.S.-based warehouse.
If your application is rejected, you can reapply after 14 days. Before doing so, carefully review your submission for inconsistencies, ensure you are using a business EIN rather than a personal SSN, confirm that your products comply with Walmart’s policies, and strengthen your application with marketplace links that demonstrate your selling history.
Ultimately, selling on Walmart Marketplace requires more upfront organization than some other platforms. However, that higher bar also protects the quality of the marketplace. The most effective way to get approved quickly is simple: present a complete, consistent, and verifiable business. When Walmart can clearly see that you are prepared, legitimate, and ready to operate at scale, it becomes much easier for them to say yes the first time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Walmart Marketplace approval take? Approval can range from 24 hours to two weeks, depending on application accuracy. Clean, consistent documentation and a ready-to-upload catalog help speed the process.
Why was my application rejected? Common reasons include:
- Submitting a personal SSN instead of a business EIN
- Mismatched business details
- No demonstrated ecommerce history
- Violating prohibited product policies
If rejected, wait 14 days, correct the issues, and reapply with updated information.
Can international sellers apply? Walmart requires a U.S. registered business entity, U.S. address, and U.S. bank account. International companies may qualify if they operate through a U.S. subsidiary that meets these requirements.
Does Walmart accept sole proprietors? No. Sellers must operate under a registered business entity such as an LLC or corporation.
Do I need GTIN or UPC codes? Yes. Walmart requires valid GS1-issued GTIN or UPC codes. Unauthorized or shared codes can cause listing issues or application delays.
Is prior ecommerce experience required? It is not mandatory, but it helps significantly. Links to established marketplace stores demonstrate operational reliability and customer service experience.
Can I sell without my own website? Yes. A website is optional. Marketplace store links are often sufficient to verify your selling history.
What happens after approval? After approval, you complete your Seller Center setup, upload your catalog, configure payments and taxes, test listings, and launch.
Does using Walmart Fulfillment Services improve approval chances? Not directly. However, including a clear fulfillment strategy shows readiness and commitment to meeting customer expectations.
Can I reapply if I was rejected? Yes. After 14 days, you may reapply. Correct all inconsistencies and strengthen your application with verified documentation and proof of marketplace experience.