For some sellers, getting approved to sell on Walmart.com isn’t always easy. Even if you’ve registered your US business and submitted the right tax documents, many still face delays or rejections they didn’t expect.
Meeting the minimal requirements for approval depends on how well you prepare. And, of course, on how compatible your business is with what Walmart wants.
That’s why this article will explain how to speed up your approval so you can start selling earlier!
Walmart Requirements
At a minimum, Walmart requires you to have a legally registered business in the US. You’ll need:
- Business Tax ID(s) (SSN not accepted) or Business License Number
- Supporting documents that verify your Business Name and Address
- Products that have GTIN/UPC GS1 Company Prefix Numbers
- Catalog that complies with Walmart Prohibited Products Policy
Walmart doesn’t accept sole proprietorships or businesses that only operate under an individual’s Social Security Number. You also have to provide a valid US address and a bank account for payments.
Walmart wants sellers with ecommerce experience. Their top priority is offering their customers high-quality products from reliable sellers at a competitive price. So it’s ideal if you’ve sold on Amazon, eBay, or Shopify. Mention it.
Also consider that product data should be ready to go: titles, images, descriptions, and UPCs or GTINs. Walmart also wants to know how you plan to fulfill orders, whether through Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) or another B2C US warehouse.
How to Improve Your Chances
This is where most sellers make the difference. First, be ready with a product catalog. Even a simple spreadsheet is enough.
Some sellers have successfully submitted a basic Google Sheet showing their product titles, descriptions, images, and pricing. This proves that you’re ready to sell and makes it easier for Walmart to verify your business operations.
Consistency in documents matters more than most people expect. What does this mean? For example, if your business name includes “LLC” in your EIN but it’s missing in the application, this omission could delay the process.
So make sure to double-check that your name, address, and tax details are exactly the same across every form. Walmart’s guidance emphasizes providing all the required info up front to “avoid delays in the review process.”
You will need to create a seller account to apply for Walmart.com
Another tip from experienced sellers is to use a professional-looking email address. While Walmart doesn’t say this officially, some sellers report better success rates with non-Gmail addresses.
Using a domain-based or Outlook email. It may just add a layer of credibility.
Category selection also plays a surprising role. Some users have noted that choosing lower-risk categories, like DIY tools or home improvement, may lead to faster approvals than highly scrutinized categories like supplements or cosmetics.
None of this is guaranteed, but if your product catalog allows flexibility, it may be worth considering.
You can get more info on what Walmart offers (and how to sell more) in its “Marketplace Learn” section:
If you already sell online, don’t hold back. Include direct links to your Amazon store, your Shopify storefront, or anywhere else your products are listed. Make it easy for Walmart to see that you’re legitimate and understand your business operations.
Many sellers have reported that a standalone website alone doesn’t assure Walmart of a reliable selling history.
Plus, take into account that Walmart wants to see what you plan to sell, but you don’t necessarily need a polished eCommerce website on Day. If you provide direct links like those mentioned before, you’re good to go.
However, if you have an online store or website, definitely include that URL in your application.
Lastly, upload everything right the first time. Don’t leave your catalog, ID, or EIN letter for later. Have it all ready. Walmart’s internal review teams tend to process applications faster when all supporting documents are available immediately.
What to Expect
Once submitted, the approval process can take anywhere from 24 hours to a few weeks. The most significant cause of delay is missing or mismatched information. If your docs are clean and your application is complete, you’ll likely move through the process much faster than average.
After approval, you’ll complete your seller setup, add your products, and go through Walmart’s readiness checklist in Seller Center. Once that’s done and your listings are uploaded and tested, you’re live.
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Approved to Sell on Walmart.com
How long does it take to get approved to sell on Walmart Marketplace?
Walmart’s approval timeline varies depending on how complete and accurate your application is. In most cases, sellers are approved within 24 hours to two weeks. Applications with missing or inconsistent business details such as mismatched addresses or incomplete tax IDs tend to face delays.
To speed up approval, make sure every document matches exactly, including your EIN, business license, and bank information. Upload your product catalog with valid UPC or GTIN numbers before submitting.
Why was my Walmart Marketplace application rejected?
Most rejections happen when Walmart’s verification team finds incomplete, inconsistent, or unverifiable information. Common causes include:
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Submitting a personal SSN instead of a Business Tax ID (EIN)
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Mismatched business names across documents
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No eCommerce selling history on major platforms
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Listing products that violate Walmart’s Prohibited Products Policy
If your application was denied, review your submission carefully, correct inconsistencies, and reapply after 14 days with updated information.
Can international sellers apply for Walmart Marketplace?
Walmart currently accepts sellers only with a registered U.S. business entity, a valid U.S. address, and a U.S. bank account.
International companies can still qualify if they have a U.S.-based subsidiary or partner that meets those requirements. You’ll also need a U.S. Tax ID and must comply with Walmart’s shipping and return policies.
Does Walmart accept sole proprietorships?
No. Walmart does not accept sole proprietorships or sellers operating under an individual’s Social Security Number.
All sellers must have a legally registered business entity such as an LLC or corporation, with verified tax documentation and a business bank account.
What documents do I need to apply for Walmart Marketplace approval?
To verify your business, Walmart requires:
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U.S. Business Tax ID (EIN) or Business License Number
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Supporting documents showing your legal business name and physical address
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Product identifiers such as GS1-issued UPC or GTIN codes
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Valid U.S. address and bank account for deposits
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Links to your Amazon, Shopify, or eBay stores to show seller history
Ensure all information is consistent across every document to avoid unnecessary delays.
How important is previous eCommerce experience?
It’s not required, but it helps significantly. Walmart favors sellers with a proven track record on platforms such as Amazon, eBay, or Shopify. Include store links that showcase your performance, product quality, and customer service. This adds credibility and speeds up review time.
Can I sell on Walmart without a website?
Yes. Having your own website is optional. Instead, provide links to your active product listings on other marketplaces. This helps Walmart verify that you are an established seller and can manage orders reliably.
What product categories are easiest to get approved for on Walmart?
Some sellers report faster approvals in lower-risk categories such as:
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Home improvement
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DIY tools
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Household essentials
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Pet supplies
Highly regulated categories like health supplements, beauty, or electronics often require longer review times. If your catalog allows flexibility, start with simpler categories to establish credibility.
Do I need GTIN or UPC codes to sell on Walmart?
Yes. Walmart requires valid GS1-issued GTIN or UPC codes for all products. Using shared or unauthorized codes can lead to listing errors or application delays.
You can verify your codes directly through GS1.org, which Walmart uses to confirm authenticity.
What happens after my Walmart Marketplace account is approved?
After approval, you’ll complete your Seller Setup in Walmart Seller Center by:
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Configuring your payment and tax information
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Uploading your product catalog with optimized titles, images, and descriptions
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Completing Walmart’s readiness checklist
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Testing your listings before going live
Once setup is complete, you can start selling through Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) or your own fulfillment provider.
Does using Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) improve my chances of approval?
Not directly, but including a fulfillment plan shows that your business is prepared for fast and reliable shipping. Walmart values sellers who meet customer expectations consistently.
If you plan to use WFS, mention it in your application to highlight your commitment to quality fulfillment.
Can I reapply if I was previously rejected?
Yes. You can reapply after 14 days, but make sure you address the reasons for your rejection first.
Use a professional business email, verify your EIN and address details, and include links that prove your selling history. Walmart’s review team is more likely to approve applications that show readiness and credibility.
Additional Resources for Walmart Marketplace Sellers
Walmart Marketplace Learn
Access Walmart’s official learning portal for new sellers. It includes detailed tutorials on listing setup, fulfillment options, and policy compliance.
Visit: Walmart Marketplace Learn
Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS)
Explore Walmart’s own fulfillment network to scale faster and deliver with Prime-like speed. Learn about fees, setup requirements, and performance standards.
Explore: Walmart Fulfillment Services
Walmart Seller Center Readiness Checklist
Make sure you’ve completed every requirement before launching. The checklist covers payment setup, tax verification, catalog uploads, and system testing.
Access: Seller Center Readiness Checklist
BellaVix Walmart Marketplace Management
If you’re ready to accelerate your Walmart success, our team at BellaVix can help you every step of the way—from approval through growth strategy and advertising management.
Learn more: BellaVix Walmart Management Services
Final Thoughts
Walmart.com makes it a bit more challenging to start than other marketplaces. But it is a great place from where you can reach new customers and expand your eCommerce business.
The best advice to get approved quickly? Make it easy for Walmart to say yes. Have everything ready and prove you’re a real seller with verifiable links and documents.
Ready to Get Approved and Start Selling on Walmart.com Faster?
Getting through Walmart’s approval process can feel like a maze—but with the right preparation and guidance, you can skip the delays and start building momentum from day one. At BellaVix, we’ve helped dozens of eCommerce brands launch successfully on Walmart Marketplace, from application to growth strategy.
When you fill out the form below, you’ll connect with a Walmart marketplace expert who can review your business readiness, help you avoid common mistakes, and outline a step-by-step plan to get approved and start selling quickly.
You’ve already done the hard work of building your brand. Now let’s make sure Walmart says “yes” the first time.
Fill out the form below and let’s unlock your Walmart selling potential together.