July 2024 Walmart Seller Digest Release Notes

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Items Page Enhancements
  3. Enhanced Sales Reports
  4. Duplicate Items Management
  5. SEM Suggestions in Success Hub
  6. API Updates
  7. Phishing Scam Alert
  8. Conclusion
  9. FAQs

Introduction

For online sellers navigating the increasingly complex terrain of eCommerce, staying abreast of updates is crucial. Walmart's Seller Center frequently rolls out new features and improvements to make the selling experience smoother and more intuitive. The July 2024 release brings with it several enhancements aimed at making your workflow more efficient and more productive. This blog post will delve into the latest updates and changes, helping you to leverage these new features to optimize your sales and operations.

Items Page Enhancements

The first significant update concerns the Items page within the Seller Center. The page now boasts new functionalities that simplify search and review tasks for sellers.

Improved Search Functionality

You can now conduct searches for SKU and Item Names with just two characters, bypassing the need for stringent capitalization. This improvement speeds up the process of finding specific items, making inventory management more seamless. The goal is to reduce the friction in locating items, which can be particularly beneficial during busy periods or when managing a large catalog.

New Sortable Columns

Three new sortable columns have been added: SKU, Ratings, and Reviews. By enabling sorting, these columns allow for quick assessments and better prioritization of items, thus helping sellers make more data-driven decisions. For example, you can now easily identify top-rated items or those requiring attention based on customer feedback.

Enhanced Sales Reports

The updates to Account Sales and Item Sales reports aim to provide a more comprehensive and user-friendly experience.

Easier-to-Understand Visualizations

The latest version introduces visually appealing and easier-to-understand graphics. These visualizations break down complex sales data into digestible insights, enabling sellers to identify trends and make informed decisions more rapidly.

Simultaneous Multi-Metric Viewing

One of the most impactful changes is the ability to view multiple metrics simultaneously. This feature allows for an integrated look at various data points, providing a more holistic picture of your performance. By correlating different metrics, sellers can gain nuanced insights that inform their strategic planning.

Customization Options

Customization has also been upgraded, allowing sellers to filter and view specific data sets based on their individual needs. Tailored reports make it easier to focus on areas that require immediate attention or provide an opportunity for growth, thus optimizing time and effort.

Duplicate Items Management

Managing duplicate listings can often be a cumbersome task, but Walmart's updates aim to streamline this process.

Notifications for Potential Duplicates

Sellers can now receive notifications about potential duplicate items on Walmart.com, helping them address these issues promptly. To enable this feature, navigate to Notifications in the Seller Center's top navigation bar, click on the Settings tab, and select the option for potential duplicate items.

Review and Action

You can review flagged items within 30 days and decide whether to merge duplicates or mark them as unique. This proactive approach ensures that your listings remain clean and accurate, which in turn can improve customer trust and sales performance.

SEM Suggestions in Success Hub

Leveraging external marketing channels like Google and Bing can be a powerful way to drive traffic to your listings. The Success Hub now includes Search Engine Marketing (SEM) suggestions to help with external campaigns.

Optimized Item Suggestions

By navigating to Success Hub, you can find optimized item suggestions tailored for external SEM campaigns. These recommendations are designed to enhance visibility on major search engines, potentially driving more traffic and conversions.

API Updates

Keeping your API integrations up to date is vital for maintaining a smooth operation. The recent changes necessitate immediate action to avoid disruptions.

Deadline for Updates

The deadline for updating your Items and Disputes API integrations is August 26. These updates aim to mitigate duplicate listing errors, ensuring that your items remain active and error-free.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failure to update your API integrations will result in the un-publishing of duplicate listings, which can negatively impact your sales and overall performance. It’s crucial to act quickly to maintain your item’s transactability.

Phishing Scam Alert

Security is always a concern, and there have been reports of a phishing scam targeting Walmart Marketplace sellers.

How to Identify the Scam

Phishing emails are reportedly being sent from the domain @walmartcustomersupport.com. Sellers are advised not to respond to these emails. Recognizing and avoiding such scams is essential to safeguard your personal and business data.

Conclusion

The July 2024 updates to Walmart's Seller Center introduce several useful features designed to enhance your selling experience. Whether it's through improved search functions, enhanced sales reports, effective duplicate item management, or actionable SEM suggestions, these changes offer valuable tools for optimizing your operations. Remember to update your API integrations and stay vigilant against phishing scams to maintain a secure and efficient seller environment.

FAQs

What changes have been made to the Items page?

You can now search with just two characters, and new sortable columns such as SKU, Ratings, and Reviews have been added for better organization and prioritization.

How have the sales reports been improved?

Sales reports now feature easier-to-understand visualizations, the ability to view multiple metrics simultaneously, and enhanced customization options.

How can I manage duplicate items on Walmart.com?

Enable notifications for potential duplicates via the Seller Center and review flagged items within 30 days to decide on merging duplicates or marking them as unique.

What SEM suggestions are available in Success Hub?

The Success Hub now includes suggestions for external SEM campaigns on platforms like Google and Bing, designed to drive more traffic to your listings.

What is the deadline for updating API integrations?

You must update your Items and Disputes API integrations by August 26 to avoid having your duplicate listings unpublished.

How can I identify phishing scams targeting Walmart Marketplace sellers?

Be cautious of emails from the domain @walmartcustomersupport.com and do not respond to these messages.