Enhancements and Updates: Walmart Seller Center July 2024Table of ContentsIntroductionImproved Search Functionality on the Items PageRevamped Sales ReportsBetter Management of Duplicate ListingsSEM Suggestions Now Available in Success HubImportant API Updates: Action RequiredPhishing Scam AlertConclusionFAQsIntroductionNavigating the complexities of eCommerce can be challenging, especially for sellers looking to optimize their operations and maximize their reach. If you're a regular on Walmart's Seller Center, you'll be excited to know about the recent updates that can streamline your tasks and enhance your overall experience. From simplified search capabilities to revamped sales reports, these updates are designed to improve efficiency and provide greater insight into your sales performance.Why These Updates MatterThese changes come at a crucial time when eCommerce is more competitive than ever. Today’s sellers must stay ahead with robust tools that offer precision, speed, and reliability. Walmart has responded to this need by rolling out updates that focus on enhancing user experience and operational efficacy.What You’ll LearnIn this post, we’ll delve into the specifics of Walmart's July 2024 updates, focusing on:Enhanced search capabilities on the Items page.Improved Account Sales and Item Sales reports.Efficient management of duplicate listings.New Search Engine Marketing (SEM) suggestions available in Success Hub.Crucial API updates requiring immediate action.By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of these updates and how to leverage them for optimal results.Improved Search Functionality on the Items PageMaking Searches Easier and FasterOne of the standout updates involves the search functionality on the Items page. Previously, searches for SKU and item names required precise entries, often leading to missed results due to capitalization issues or longer inputs. The new update simplifies this process by:Allowing searches with just two characters.Removing the need for capitalization.These changes mean that you can now locate items quicker, reducing the time spent on manual searches.New Sortable ColumnsAdditionally, Walmart has introduced new, sortable columns that can help you better organize and analyze your items. These include:SKU: Easily organize your stock units.Ratings: Focus on top-performing products.Reviews: Identify items that need customer feedback responses.These sortable columns make your database more navigable and efficient, making it easier to track essential metrics swiftly.Revamped Sales ReportsEasier-to-Understand VisualizationsSales reports are crucial for assessing business performance, and Walmart has enhanced these reports significantly. The new visualizations are designed to be more intuitive, making it easier for you to:Quickly identify trends.Understand various metrics.Make informed decisions based on data.Multiple Metrics SimultaneouslyBefore the update, viewing multiple metrics simultaneously was cumbersome. Now, the new reporting system allows you to:Compare different metrics side-by-side.Customize reports to fit your specific needs.This holistic view enables a deeper analysis of sales performance, helping you to pinpoint strengths and areas for improvement with ease.Better Management of Duplicate ListingsPotential Duplicates NotificationDuplicate listings have long been a hassle for sellers, often causing confusion and errors. Walmart addresses this with a notification system for potential duplicates. Here’s how it works:Set Up Notifications: Enable notifications by going to the Notifications section in the top navigation bar and adjusting the settings.Review and Action: Use the email link or navigate to the Pending Review section to assess flagged items.This streamlined process ensures that you can quickly address and resolve duplicate listings, maintaining a smooth and error-free inventory system.SEM Suggestions Now Available in Success HubBoost Your VisibilitySearch Engine Marketing (SEM) is essential for driving traffic to your listings. Walmart’s Success Hub now offers SEM suggestions, providing valuable guidance for external campaigns on platforms like Google and Bing. This feature helps you:Identify items that are prime candidates for SEM.Optimize campaigns to attract more traffic.By incorporating these suggestions, you can enhance your visibility outside the Walmart ecosystem, expanding your customer base.Important API Updates: Action RequiredAvoiding Duplicate Listings ErrorsAPI updates are not just minor tweaks; they are essential for the smooth operation of your listings. Walmart has updated the Items and Disputes API to help prevent issues related to duplicate listings. To benefit from these improvements:Update Integrations: Ensure your API integrations are updated by the stipulated deadline of August 26.Maintain Transactability: Keeping your APIs up-to-date ensures your items remain transactability-compliant, avoiding the risk of unpublishing due to policy violations.Prompt action on these updates is crucial for maintaining uninterrupted service.Phishing Scam AlertBe CautiousA recent phishing scam is targeting Walmart Marketplace sellers via emails from an address pretending to be official, such as @walmartcustomersupport.com. It’s critical to:Disregard Suspicious Emails: Ignore and do not respond to these phishing attempts.Report and Secure: Ensure your account information remains secure and report any suspicious activity.This alert underlies the importance of vigilance in protecting your seller account.ConclusionWalmart’s updates and enhancements this July bring a host of improvements designed to streamline operations, enhance sales analysis, and boost marketing effectiveness. From intuitive search capabilities and enriched sales reports to better handling of duplicate listings and invaluable SEM suggestions, these updates are set to make a significant impact on your selling experience.Being proactive about API updates and staying vigilant against phishing scams ensures that you maintain smooth operations and secure transactions.FAQsWhat are the main benefits of the new search functionality on the Items page?The main benefits include quicker searches with just two characters, no need for capitalization, and new sortable columns like SKU, Ratings, and Reviews for better data management.How do the new visualizations in sales reports help sellers?The new visualizations make it easier to identify trends and understand metrics at a glance, enabling informed decision-making.How can I set up notifications for potential duplicate listings?Go to the Notifications section in the top navigation bar of Seller Center, enable the settings for potential duplicates, and review flagged items promptly.What is the deadline for updating API integrations?The deadline for updating Items and Disputes API integrations is August 26, 2024.How should I handle emails from @walmartcustomersupport.com?Do not respond to these emails as they are part of a phishing scam. Ensure your account information is secure and report any suspicious emails.