Top 10 New Walmart Seller Mistakes to Avoid

Walmart isn't just a household name for brick-and-mortar retail stores. It has expanded into the realm of e-commerce, offering a robust online marketplace that rivals other major platforms. 

With a vast customer base and potential for significant sales, the opportunities for sellers are massive. However, diving into the Walmart marketplace without ample preparation can lead to pitfalls. 

This article unveils 10 new Walmart seller mistakes and how you can steer clear of them.

Related Reading: Selling on Amazon vs. Walmart

Common Walmart Seller Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Navigating the Walmart selling platform is no cakewalk. New sellers, especially, can easily stumble into pitfalls that hamper their growth. 

Here are several common mistakes new Walmart sellers make, plus their appropriate solutions.

1. Ignoring Walmart's Guidelines

Many new sellers jump into selling without getting acquainted with Walmart's rules. This can result in penalties, ranging from listing removals to account suspensions.

Solution: Before listing a product, study Walmart's policies thoroughly. Make it a practice to revisit and update yourself with these guidelines regularly, as they can evolve. If in doubt, seek assistance or clarification directly from Walmart’s support team. 

2. Publishing Incomplete or Inaccurate Product Listings

Another prevalent mistake that new sellers make is hastily created product listings. Incomplete or inaccurate descriptions can confuse buyers. 

This can lead to fewer sales or, worse, increased returns due to unmet expectations.

Solution: Dedicate time to understanding your product. That way, you can craft clear and accurate listings. Include every vital detail, from dimensions and features to usage instructions. 

A well-detailed listing not only aids customers but also reduces the chances of returns due to misunderstood product specifications.

3. Using Low-Quality Product Photos

In an online marketplace, pictures speak louder than words. Poor quality, unclear, or irrelevant images can be a massive deterrent for potential buyers. 

Customers rely on images to get a tangible sense of the product, and blurry or poorly lit photos can be a deal-breaker.

Solution: It's worth investing in a professional photo shoot for your products. Ensure images are high-resolution, clear, and taken in good lighting. You can then hire a freelancer to edit your photos.

Display the product from various angles and, if possible, show it in use. This gives potential buyers a comprehensive understanding of what they're purchasing.

4. Inconsistent Pricing

Pricing can be a tricky affair. Many new sellers often set prices based on intuition rather than research, leading to inconsistency. Erratic pricing can not only confuse buyers but also inadvertently price you out of the market.

Solution: Conduct thorough market research. Understand the price range for similar products and identify where your product stands in terms of quality and features.

This research will guide you in setting a competitive yet profitable price. It's also essential to remain consistent with your pricing, adjusting only based on market trends or costs.

5. Not Keeping Inventory Updated

Few things frustrate customers more than finding out an item they purchased is out of stock. Overselling can result from not regularly updating inventory counts.

Solution: Implement an efficient inventory management system. Regularly check your stock and update the listings on Walmart accordingly. 

If you’re using multiple platforms to sell, consider investing in inventory management software that synchronizes stock levels across all platforms to prevent overselling.

A few examples that come highly recommended include: 

• Eseller Walmart Inventory Management
• Veeqo
• EcomDash
• AmaZone Dropshipper + Walmart
• Walmart Integration for Shopify

6. Ignoring Customer Reviews and Feedback

New sellers often overlook the goldmine of information present in customer feedback and reviews. While positive reviews boost sales, negative ones, if left unaddressed, can severely damage a brand's reputation.

Solution: Actively monitor and respond to all reviews. For positive feedback, a simple thank you can go a long way in building rapport. For negative reviews, address concerns sincerely and swiftly. 

This proactive approach not only mends potential damage but also showcases your commitment to customer satisfaction.

7. Slow Response to Customer Inquiries

With countless options available online, customers expect swift and clear responses. Delayed replies or ambiguous answers can easily deter potential buyers and lead them to competitors.

Solution: Streamline your customer service process. Make sure you have notifications set up for customer queries. If possible, maintain a dedicated team or individual to handle inquiries. 

Training sessions can equip your team to provide clear, concise, and helpful responses. A quick, well-articulated answer can be the difference between a sale and a lost customer.

8. Inadequate Shipping Practices

Many new sellers underestimate the intricacies of shipping. Late deliveries, damaged products, or high shipping fees can leave customers disgruntled.

Solution: Research and partner with reputed shipping providers. They might be slightly more expensive, but their reliability will pay off in the long run. 

Ensure products are packaged securely to prevent damage during transit. Clearly communicate shipping times to customers, and always provide tracking details. 

This transparency builds trust and reduces the number of inquiries and complaints.

9. Failure to Monitor and Analyze Performance Metrics

In the rush of daily operations, sellers sometimes ignore the wealth of data available. Not tracking performance metrics can result in missed opportunities for growth.

Solution: Regularly delve into your sales data, returns, customer satisfaction rates, and other relevant metrics available on Walmart's seller dashboard. 

This offers insights into what's working for you and areas that need improvement. 

Adjust your strategies based on these insights. For instance, if a particular product has high return rates, it may indicate issues with the product or its listing.

10. Lack of Marketing and Promotion

Relying solely on Walmart's platform for visibility can limit growth potential. Without external marketing, sellers miss out on a broader audience.

Solution: Utilize various marketing channels like social media, pay-per-click advertising, and email campaigns to drive more traffic to your Walmart listings.

Offering occasional discounts or promotions can also entice potential buyers. 

Remember, visibility is key. The more you put your products in front of people, the higher the chance of sales.

Wrapping Up

Mistakes are a part of any journey. But in the world of e-commerce, they can be costly. The best approach is a proactive one. By being aware of these common pitfalls and how to avoid them, you're setting yourself up for long-term success on Walmart. So take these tips to heart and watch your business soar to new heights!