Expanding your business to Walmart Marketplace can open new doors to millions of online shoppers. However, understanding the fee structure is essential to ensure profitability and smooth operations. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of Walmart Marketplace fees, from referral charges to fulfillment costs, helping you navigate the platform with confidence.

Why Choose Walmart Marketplace?
Walmart Marketplace has grown into a significant player in e-commerce, offering sellers access to its massive customer base and the credibility of its global brand. Unlike some platforms, Walmart offers notable advantages, such as:
No Monthly Fees: Unlike many competitors, Walmart doesn’t charge sellers a monthly subscription fee.
Established Brand Trust: Walmart’s reputation provides a sense of reliability and comfort for online shoppers.
Widespread Reach: With millions of square feet in physical stores and an expanding digital footprint, Walmart attracts diverse shoppers.
But to make the most of these benefits, sellers must first understand the associated costs.
Zero Monthly Fees and Setup Costs
One of the standout features of Walmart Marketplace is the absence of monthly account fees and product listing charges. Sellers can:
List unlimited products without incurring additional fees.
Avoid upfront setup costs, enabling a low-risk entry into the marketplace.
This fee-free structure allows businesses to focus resources on product optimization and marketing.
Walmart Marketplace Referral Fees
The primary cost of selling on Walmart is the referral fee, which varies by product category. This fee is calculated as a percentage of the product’s total sales price (excluding taxes and shipping). For example:
Apparel & Accessories: 5% for items under $15, 15% for items over $20.
Electronics: 8% for most items.
Home & Garden: 15% across the board.
Jewelry: 20% for sales up to $250, and 5% beyond that.
To ensure profitability, sellers must review category-specific fees when pricing products. For a full breakdown of referral fees, consult Walmart’s official fee schedule. A full list of Walmart's charges can be found here.
Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) Fees
Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) offers a seamless solution for storing, packing, and shipping your products. Here’s how WFS fees are structured:
Standard Fulfillment Fees
For items weighing up to 150 lbs. and within standard dimensions, fees are tiered based on shipping weight:
≤ 1 lb.: $3.45 per unit
2 lbs.: $4.95 per unit
4-20 lbs.: $5.75 plus $0.40 per lb. over 4 lbs.
For oversized or heavy items exceeding these dimensions, Walmart charges Big & Bulky fees, starting at $155 plus $0.80 per pound over 90 lbs.
Storage Fees
Walmart also charges storage fees for inventory held in its fulfillment centers:
January-September: $0.75 per cubic foot per month.
October-December: An additional $1.50 per cubic foot for items stored over 30 days.
Efficient inventory management is critical to avoid unnecessary storage costs and maintain profitability.
The Walmart Buy Box
Winning the Walmart Buy Box is key to driving sales. Like Amazon, Walmart’s Buy Box highlights one seller for a product, typically based on:
Competitive Pricing: Offering the best value.
Fulfillment Speed: Leveraging programs like WFS for faster delivery.
Customer Service Metrics: Ensuring high seller ratings and low defect rates.
To increase your chances of winning the Buy Box, regularly optimize pricing, stock levels, and customer satisfaction.
Advantages of Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS)
WFS offers sellers several benefits that can significantly enhance operations:
Fast Delivery: Products fulfilled by WFS are eligible for Walmart’s two-day shipping program, increasing visibility and customer appeal.
Simplified Logistics: With no inventory minimums, sellers can scale operations flexibly.
Enhanced Customer Trust: WFS-managed products carry Walmart’s reliability, boosting customer confidence.
Key Considerations for Walmart Marketplace Sellers
1. No Automatic Approval
Unlike some platforms, Walmart requires sellers to apply and demonstrate:
Proven e-commerce success on platforms like Amazon or eBay.
Competitive pricing and reliable fulfillment.
Excellent customer service.
2. Marketing Costs
While Walmart doesn’t charge marketing fees upfront, sellers can opt for paid advertising options like sponsored product listings or banner ads to enhance visibility. Investing strategically in these can help drive traffic and win the Buy Box.
3. Continuous Optimization
Success on Walmart requires ongoing effort. Monitor metrics, stay updated on fee structures, and adapt to changes in consumer behavior.
Selling on Walmart Marketplace in 2024 presents an exciting opportunity to grow your business without excessive overhead costs. From its fee-free setup to the robust logistics offered by WFS, Walmart provides sellers with a strong platform for success.
At Merka Global, we specialize in guiding brands through the intricacies of e-commerce platforms like Walmart. Whether you need help navigating fees, optimizing listings, or scaling your operations, our expertise ensures you make the most of this opportunity. Contact us today to unlock your brand’s full potential on Walmart Marketplace!