7 February 2024

How to Make Your Product Available at Walmart

By Ronald Smith

Today, I’m going to share some tips on how you can get your product in Walmart. It’s an exciting opportunity that could really boost your business. So, let’s dive in and explore the steps you can take to make it happen!

First things first, you’ll need to do some research. Take a look at the products Walmart already carries and see if there’s a gap in the market for your product. It’s important to understand what they’re already offering so you can position your product in a unique and compelling way.

Once you’ve done your research, it’s time to prepare your pitch. Put yourself in Walmart’s shoes and think about what they would want to know about your product. What makes it special? How does it stand out from the competition? Be sure to highlight these points in your pitch.

Now, it’s time to reach out to Walmart. Start by finding the appropriate contact person or department to email or call. Introduce yourself and your product, and express your interest in working with them. Keep your message concise and professional, and include any relevant information or materials they may need to evaluate your product.

After you’ve reached out, be patient. It may take some time for Walmart to review your pitch and get back to you. In the meantime, continue to work on building your brand and growing your business. Remember, persistence is key!

If Walmart shows interest in your product, you might be asked to provide samples or additional information. This is a great sign! Make sure to fulfill any requests promptly and professionally. This is your chance to really impress them and show them why your product is a perfect fit for their store.

And finally, if all goes well and Walmart decides to carry your product, congratulations! This is a huge accomplishment. Work closely with their team to iron out any logistics and ensure a smooth transition. Be proactive in promoting your product both in-store and online to maximize its visibility and sales.

Getting your product in Walmart is no easy feat, but with the right approach and perseverance, it’s definitely possible. So, don’t be afraid to dream big and take that leap of faith. Good luck on your journey to Walmart success!

How to Make Your Product Available at Walmart

Wow, it would be amazing to see my products on the shelves at Walmart. Did you know that Walmart is the biggest store in the whole world and gets over 140 million customers from America every single week? That’s a lot of people!

But let me tell you, it’s not easy to get your products in there. You need a really good plan to make it happen.

Here’s How to Get Your Product Sold at Walmart

I found this company called Idea Buyer in Ohio, and they have some great advice on how to get your product into Walmart. They say there are seven steps you need to follow:

1. Get a Patent for Your Product

First things first, if you have a brand-new product, you should get a patent for it. This will protect your invention and make sure nobody copies it.

2. Register Your Company

Next, you have to make sure your company is registered. This means you’ll need to get a taxpayer identification number (TIN) so that you can move on to the next steps.

Step 3: Get a Barcode Number

To get a barcode number, you can go to GSI US and get a D-U-N-S Number from Dun Bradstreet.

Step 4: Make High-Quality Images of Your Product

If you haven’t started manufacturing your product yet, you can have a prototype made.

Step 5: Write a Sales Sheet

A sales sheet can help you show why a store like Walmart should sell your product.

Step 6: Plan Your Manufacturing

Walmart will want to know how you’re going to make enough products to fill an order from them. So it’s a good idea to have all the details figured out beforehand.

Step 7: Submit Your Product to Walmart

Alright, here’s what you need to do to get your product on Walmart’s shelves. First, you’ll need to apply online at Walmart and submit your product for their review. If they’re interested, they’ll order a small batch of your product to test it out in some of their stores. If customers like it, you’ll start getting bigger orders and begin selling all across the country. Exciting, right?

Now, let me answer some questions you might have about how to start selling your products in Walmart stores.

Is Your Product a Good Fit for Walmart?

  • If your product is something that Walmart customers would buy, then you’re on the right track. However, if you sell luxury or expensive items, Walmart might not be the best match for you. They prefer products that are reasonably priced and provide good value for the customers.
  • Your products need to stand out from the rest. With over 100,000 suppliers, Walmart most likely already offers all the basic products. To catch their attention, your offering must be different in some way. Maybe you’ve created unique and innovative room furnishings that no one has ever seen before. Or perhaps you’ve developed a cleaner that can effectively remove stains that no other cleaner can.
  • Having an established brand can give your products an edge over the competition. Walmart customers are drawn to trusted brands with a dedicated following. Your brand can be the factor that sets you apart.

By considering these factors, you can increase the chances of your products being sold at Walmart.

Do Your Products Meet Walmart’s Vendor Requirements?

If you’re a supplier looking to work with Walmart and Sam’s Club, you’re in luck! They welcome vendors of all sizes, from big corporations to small businesses. They even team up with direct import suppliers. And guess what? Service and non-resale suppliers can get in on the action too. Pretty cool, huh?

Now, let’s talk about what it takes to be a vendor. There are some specific requirements you need to meet, but don’t worry, they’re all listed right on the website. Just give them a look and you’ll be good to go.

But hold on a sec! If you’re a small business owner, there are a couple more things you should know. Take a moment to really think about these two important requirements for working with Walmart:

First things first, you need to have your own loyal customer base. Walmart doesn’t want your business relying too heavily on them for over 30% of your sales. They want to see that you’re selling your products in other places too. So, if most of your revenue comes from Walmart, it might be time to broaden your horizons.

Secondly, you need to have a proven track record. Start by testing your products in local and regional retailers. Get those sales rolling in! It’s also important to have a strong online presence. You’ll want some good reviews and a following on social media. Show Walmart that people love your stuff.

How to Become a Vendor for Walmart

So you want to become a vendor for Walmart? That’s awesome! Let me walk you through the process:

  1. Registration: The first step is to register online. You can visit the Walmart and Sam’s Club online portal here. Once you’re there, download the detailed Supplier Checklist and follow the instructions. To create an online supplier account, you’ll need to provide your company name, address, and a contact person. It’s pretty straightforward, really.
  2. Certification: After you’ve completed your registration, you’ll receive an email confirmation. Now, it’s time for certification. Here’s what you’ll need to provide: your Federal Taxpayer Identification number, DUNS (or Dun Bradstreet) number, bank information, W9 form (which is just a tax form), and product information including photos. You might have to dig around for some details, but don’t worry, you got this!
  3. Acceptance: Once you’ve submitted all the necessary information, it’s up to Walmart to accept your company. They’ll review everything and make a decision. If they decide to work with you (which I’m sure they will!), you’ll need to review and sign the Walmart / Sam’s Club Supplier Agreement. After that, Walmart will send you a super important supplier number. Just make sure you meet their insurance requirements – they’re pretty serious about that stuff.

And that’s it! You’re well on your way to becoming a vendor for Walmart. Good luck, and I hope to see your products on their shelves soon!

Is There Another Way to Become a Walmart Supplier?

If you’re wondering whether there are any other options to become a Walmart supplier, I’ve got some ideas for you:

  • Hire a Pro – Consider hiring a sales representative, also known as a manufacturing representative. These professionals are familiar with how things work at Walmart and have existing relationships with the people there. By hiring one, you can have someone go in and pitch your products for you.
  • Go Local – Here’s another approach you can take: pay a visit to your local Walmart stores and inquire whether they carry any local products. Starting locally might be an easier way to get your foot in the door, as you can work with a local manager to test your products. If your products perform well, it could open up opportunities for you to expand nationwide.
  • Join the Open Call – Every year, Walmart hosts an exciting event called the Open Call. This special occasion takes place at Walmart’s headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas. It’s an opportunity for small businesses and manufacturers from all over the United States to come together and connect with Walmart’s buyers. To attend this event, you’ll need to apply for an invitation.
  • Explore the Online Marketplace – Did you know that you can sell your products on Walmart.com’s online marketplace? This means you can reach customers all over the country without even needing a physical store. If you’re an ecommerce seller using Shopify, you’re in luck! Thanks to the partnership between Walmart Marketplace and Shopify, you can easily get your foot in the door.
  • Tap into Diversity – If your small business is owned by a veteran, disabled person, minority, or someone who identifies as LGBT, you can take advantage of this option. Check out Walmart’s supplier inclusion portal to learn more about the opportunities available through their diversity supplier program.

What Mistakes Should You Avoid?

Before you try to sell your product to Walmart, it’s crucial that you’re prepared and capable of meeting their requirements. Here are five common mistakes that manufacturers should steer clear of.

Avoid Unprofitability

Here’s the issue: You don’t have a pricing strategy that allows you to match Walmart’s prices. They have certain quality standards that can be expensive to meet. On top of that, they want a lower wholesale price than usual to sell their products. And you might have to keep more inventory than usual to meet their needs. All of this takes a toll on your profits and overall performance.

Lacking the Right Setup

Here’s another problem: You agree to be a supplier, but you can’t keep up with Walmart’s demands. They expect quick turnaround times, and you have to meet their expectations without compromising quality or price. It’s a lot to handle for a small business like yours.

Unpreparedness

Mistake: When I arrive at my meeting with Walmart buyers, I haven’t done any research at all. It becomes evident in the questions I ask, which show my lack of knowledge. For instance, I may expect to become a drop ship vendor without realizing the volume requirements. To avoid this, I should visit a Walmart store to understand where my products will be sold. By observing customer patterns and how items are displayed, I can gather valuable insights. Being knowledgeable about the business is crucial if I want to get started as a supplier.

Amateur Hour

Mistake: My packaging looks like it was made by my kids. The website for my company looks outdated, like it was designed back in 2005. What’s worse, when Walmart buyers reach out to me, it takes me way too long – a whole week and a half – to respond. These are all red flags indicating unprofessionalism. To avoid these mistakes, I need to pay attention to my business image and marketing efforts. Additionally, it’s important to try and view my company through Walmart’s eyes. And of course, I should practice my presentation skills!

No Differentiation

Oops! It seems like there’s a problem with your product. It’s just like all the other ones out there. Imagine you make a can opener that’s just like any other can opener. You can’t explain what makes it unique. You don’t have a brand that people recognize. It would be tough to grab the attention of Walmart distributors because they already have plenty of can openers.

If you want your small business to become a Walmart supplier, you need to avoid making these mistakes. Selling your products to Walmart could be your ticket to bigger success. But be prepared for strict requirements and pressure. Make sure you do your homework, have the right expectations, be prepared, and don’t forget to request a purchase order!