When people think of e-commerce, their minds often jump straight to Amazon. But there’s a massive opportunity many online stores overlook—making money selling on Walmart.com. Its online marketplace has become one of the most profitable platforms for third-party sellers.
With over 100 million unique monthly visitors and a competitive landscape that’s far less saturated than its rivals, Walmart is a goldmine for savvy entrepreneurs. But the traditional barriers to entry, like managing physical inventory and meeting strict fulfillment standards, often hold people back.
That’s where Doba comes in as the bridge to your success.
Why Walmart Marketplace is the "Gated Community" of E-commerce
The debate over selling on Walmart vs Amazon is a hot topic in the e-commerce world. While Amazon has higher traffic, it also has over 2 million active sellers, leading to intense price wars and high advertising costs.
In contrast, Walmart Marketplace is "gated," meaning they vet every seller. This means significantly less competition—roughly 150,000 sellers compared to Amazon’s millions. This scarcity gives you a better chance of winning the "Buy Box" and maintaining healthy profit margins. Walmart's fee structure is also refreshingly simple. Unlike Amazon’s $39.99 monthly professional fee, Walmart charges $0 in monthly subscription fees. You only pay a referral fee (typically 6% to 15%) when you actually make a sale.
How to Get Approved for Walmart Marketplace
Because Walmart values its brand reputation, the application process is rigorous. To get approved, you must demonstrate you’re an established business.
During your Walmart seller account setup, you’ll need:
A US Business Tax ID (EIN)
A verified US business address
A history of e-commerce success (on platforms like eBay, Shopify, or Amazon)
A catalog of products with valid GTIN/UPC codes
Walmart prioritizes sellers who can offer fast shipping and excellent customer service. This is where many new sellers struggle—and where the right partner becomes essential.
Doba’s Walmart Integration
If the thought of managing warehouses and shipping logistics feels overwhelming, Walmart dropshipping through Doba’s integration automates the hardest parts of selling online.
When a customer buys a product on Walmart, the order data flows to Doba, and the supplier ships the item directly to the customer. This "hands-off" fulfillment lets you focus on marketing and growth rather than packing boxes.
Reliable Sourcing: US Suppliers for Walmart Marketplace
While there’s huge opportunity, Walmart doesn't allow just any fulfillment method. They have an "iron-clad" commitment to customer experience, requiring sellers to maintain:
An Order Defect Rate (ODR) of less than 2%
An On-time Shipment Rate higher than 99%
A Valid Tracking Rate higher than 99%
Using slow or unreliable suppliers can lead to account suspension. This is why your choice of partner matters more than the products themselves.
Product sourcing for Walmart sellers is made easy with Doba’s network of US suppliers. By sourcing from domestic warehouses, you can guarantee the 2-day or 3-day shipping speeds that Walmart customers expect. Doba’s AI-powered tools also provide "Video Hub" sourcing and real-time inventory sync, so you never sell an item that’s out of stock—a critical factor in keeping a healthy seller score.
Your Step-by-Step Plan
If you’re ready to start, here’s a quick breakdown on how to sell on Walmart Marketplace:
Register your business: Make sure your LLC and EIN are in order.
Apply to Walmart: Highlight your previous selling experience to speed up approval.
Connect Doba: Use the integration to find high-margin products in categories like Home & Garden, Pet Supplies, Automotive, and more.
Optimize listings: Use Doba’s high-resolution images and detailed descriptions to create professional listings.
Monitor performance: Keep your Order Defect Rate (ODR) below 2% to stay in Walmart's good graces.
Start Making Money Selling on Walmart.com
The e-commerce landscape is shifting, and the smartest sellers are diversifying. By combining Walmart’s massive, high-intent audience with Doba’s automated, US-based supply chain, you can build a scalable income stream without ever touching a shipping box. And with no monthly fees and a less competitive environment, there’s never been a better time to start.
Ready to see what's possible? Start a trial of Doba for just $0.99 and begin exploring high-margin products for your future Walmart store today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to start selling on Walmart Marketplace?
Unlike other major platforms, Walmart Marketplace doesn’t charge a monthly subscription or setup fee. You only pay a referral fee when you make a sale, which typically ranges from 6% to 15% depending on the product category. This makes it a highly cost-effective option for sellers looking to keep overhead low while they scale.
Can I use Doba if I already sell on other platforms like Amazon or Shopify?
Yes! Doba is designed for multichannel growth. The Doba Walmart integration lets you sync your inventory and orders specifically for Walmart while managing your other sales channels. In fact, having an existing successful store on a platform like Shopify or Amazon can actually help speed up your Walmart Marketplace approval process.
Does Walmart allow dropshipping?
Walmart allows dropshipping as long as you act as the "seller of record" and meet their strict performance standards. This means you must ensure your suppliers ship orders promptly and provide valid tracking. By using Doba’s network of verified US-based suppliers, you can consistently meet Walmart’s 99% on-time shipping requirement and avoid account suspension.
How long does the Walmart seller approval process take?
Because Walmart is a "gated" community, the vetting process is more thorough than other marketplaces. Once you submit your application and business tax ID, it typically takes between 1 to 2 weeks for a decision. Having your business documents (like your EIN and W-9) ready and demonstrating a history of e-commerce success are the best ways to ensure a smooth approval.
