July 2024 Walmart Seller Center Updates: Enhancing Your Marketplace ExperienceTable of ContentsIntroductionSimplified Search on the Items PageRevamped Sales ReportsAddressing Duplicate ListingsSearch Engine Marketing (SEM) SuggestionsEssential API UpdatesAddressing Phishing ScamsConclusionFAQIntroductionNavigating the eCommerce landscape can often feel like threading a needle in the dark, especially when it comes to managing and optimizing listings on a platform as vast as Walmart. But the tide turns with each new update, and July 2024 brings a suite of enhancements designed to ease your journey as a Walmart Marketplace seller. These updates come not just with added convenience but also with improved functionality to help you stay ahead of the curve. This blog post will dive into the latest updates to Walmart’s Seller Center, including improvements to the Items page, revamped reports, steps to handle potential duplicate listings, and essential API updates. By the end of this article, you'll be well-equipped to leverage these new features and fine-tune your marketplace strategy effectively.Simplified Search on the Items PageEnhanced Search FunctionalityIn an age where time is of the essence, the updated search functionality on Walmart’s Items page aims to save you precious minutes. Now, you only need to enter two characters to yield results when searching for SKU and Item Names, with capitalization no longer being a constraint. This means faster access to relevant items, enhancing productivity and reducing the frustration of arduous searches.New Sortable ColumnsIn addition to the improved search capabilities, Walmart has introduced new sortable columns, including SKU, Ratings, and Reviews. These columns provide an organized overview of your product listings, allowing you to prioritize and manage them based on what's essential to you. For instance, sorting by Reviews can help you quickly identify items that need attention or improvement based on customer feedback.Revamped Sales ReportsUser-Friendly VisualizationsSales data is the lifeblood of any successful eCommerce operation, and with Walmart's revamped Account Sales and Item Sales reports, understanding this data has never been easier. The new visualizations present complex data in an intuitive, user-friendly format, ensuring that you can quickly grasp essential metrics without getting lost in spreadsheets.Multiple Metrics and Customization OptionsThese updates allow you to view multiple metrics simultaneously and offer additional customization options to tailor the reports to your specific needs. Whether you're tracking sales trends over time, comparing product performance, or analyzing customer behavior, the revamped reports provide the flexibility and insights necessary to make informed decisions.Addressing Duplicate ListingsEnabling NotificationsDuplicate listings can be a thorn in the side of any marketplace seller, leading to confusion and potential sales loss. Walmart's latest updates seek to address this by allowing you to review items flagged as potential duplicates within 30 days directly from the Seller Center. By navigating to the Notifications tab in the top navigation bar, you can enable notifications for potential duplicate items.Reviewing and Merging DuplicatesTo review flagged duplicates, select Pending Review in the left-hand menu or follow the link shared via email. Here, you can assess each item and decide whether to merge duplicates or mark them as unique. This proactive approach ensures that your listings remain organized and efficiently managed.Search Engine Marketing (SEM) SuggestionsUtilizing the Success HubBeyond the scope of Walmart's marketplace, driving external traffic to your listings is crucial. The inclusion of Search Engine Marketing (SEM) suggestions within the Success Hub offers valuable guidance for running external SEM campaigns on platforms like Google and Bing. These suggestions can help you better target potential customers and optimize your marketing efforts, improving visibility and driving sales.Essential API UpdatesImmediate Action RequiredKeeping your API integrations up-to-date is critical, especially with the recent updates aimed at preventing duplicate listings errors. By August 26, ensure that your Items and Disputes API integrations are updated to maintain your listings' transactability. Failure to do so will result in the unpublishing of duplicate listings as per Walmart's Duplicate Listings Policy.Addressing Phishing ScamsStaying VigilantPhishing scams remain a constant threat to online sellers, and Walmart has alerted Marketplace sellers to a current phishing scam involving emails from @walmartcustomersupport.com. It is essential to disregard and not respond to these emails to protect your account and data. Staying vigilant against such threats can safeguard your operations from potential disruptions.ConclusionThe latest updates to Walmart’s Seller Center introduce several enhancements designed to streamline your selling experience. From simplified search functionalities and revamped sales reports to proactive duplicate listings management and vital API updates, these changes are set to empower you with the tools and insights needed to thrive in a competitive marketplace. Ensuring you stay informed and adapt to these updates can significantly enhance your efficiency and effectiveness on the platform.As the eCommerce landscape evolves, so too must our approaches and strategies. By leveraging these updates, you're not just keeping pace with changes—you're setting yourself up for sustained success.FAQWhat are the new search enhancements introduced in the Items page update?The new enhancements include the ability to yield search results with just two characters for SKU and Item Names. Additionally, capitalization is no longer required. New sortable columns such as SKU, Ratings, and Reviews have been introduced to help manage and prioritize listings more effectively.How have the Account Sales and Item Sales reports been revamped?Walmart has introduced easier-to-understand visualizations and the ability to view multiple metrics simultaneously. There are also more customization options available, making it easier to tailor reports to individual seller needs.How can I review and address potential duplicate listings?You can enable notifications for potential duplicate items by navigating to the Notifications tab in the Seller Center. For reviewing duplicates, click on Pending Review in the left-hand menu or follow the link shared via email to either merge duplicates or mark them as unique.What should I do about the latest API updates?Sellers need to update their Items and Disputes API integrations by August 26 to avoid duplicate listings errors. Failure to update these integrations will result in duplicate listings being unpublished according to Walmar's Duplicate Listings Policy.How can I protect myself from ongoing phishing scams?Be alert to phishing emails purportedly from @walmartcustomersupport.com and do not respond to them. Such vigilance is crucial to safeguarding your account and data from potential security breaches.