July 2024 Release Notes for Walmart Sellers

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Walmart's Global Impact
3. Conclusion
4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Introduction

If you've been navigating the Walmart Marketplace, you know how swiftly things can change. With millions of customers browsing each week and an ever-expanding platform, staying updated on the latest tools and policies can make all the difference in leveraging your seller experience. Simply put, Walmart's July 2024 updates aim to streamline workflows, enhance data insights, and improve the overall seller experience. This comprehensive guide delves into the recent updates you should be aware of and how they can benefit your business.

Enhancements on the Items Page

The Walmart Marketplace Items page has undergone several tweaks designed to save you time and effort. Previously, searching for a SKU or Item Name required precise input, including capitalization. The new update simplifies this by yielding results with just two characters, regardless of capitalization. This feature streamlines finding products, which can be particularly helpful in managing a large inventory.

Additionally, new sortable columns such as SKU, Ratings, and Reviews now enable sellers to sift through data more efficiently. This update provides better visibility into how products are performing, thereby helping sellers make more informed decisions.

Improved Sales Reports

Understanding your sales data is crucial for ongoing improvement and effective strategy formulation. Walmart has revamped its Account Sales and Item Sales reports for a more intuitive user experience. With new visualizations and the ability to view multiple metrics simultaneously, these reports are now easier to interpret and more insightful.

Moreover, additional customization options mean that you can tailor these reports to meet your specific needs. Whether you want to drill down into specific time frames, product categories, or customer segments, the new features make it possible.

Managing Duplicate Listings

Duplicate listings can be a major stumbling block for sellers, often leading to confusion and potential sales conflicts. Walmart's newest update provides a solution to this challenge. Now, sellers can review items flagged as potential duplicates directly within the Seller Center.

To access this feature, navigate to the Notifications section in the top navigation bar, then click on Settings to enable notifications for potential duplicate items. You can review your listings by selecting the Pending Review option in the left-hand menu or by following the link shared via email. The key advantage here is the ability to merge duplicates or mark them as unique, thus maintaining the integrity of your listings.

Search Engine Marketing Suggestions in Success Hub

Effective marketing can significantly amplify your reach and sales. Walmart has integrated a new feature within the Success Hub that offers suggestions for Search Engine Marketing (SEM) campaigns on platforms like Google and Bing. These recommendations are tailored to your products, aiming to increase visibility and drive external traffic to your listings. Seamlessly integrating these suggestions can be a game-changer in widening your customer base.

Critical API Updates

In the ever-evolving world of eCommerce, API integrations play a vital role in ensuring smooth transactions. Walmart's latest update in this area is critical: Changes have been made to both the Items and Disputes APIs to help sellers avoid duplicate listings errors. Sellers are required to update their integrations by August 26 to maintain the transactability of their items. Missing this deadline could result in the suspension of duplicate listings as per Walmart's Duplicate Listings Policy.

Enhanced Security Measures

Walmart has alerted sellers of an ongoing phishing scam involving fake emails from @walmartcustomersupport.com. These scams are designed to steal sensitive information and jeopardize your account security. As a precaution, it is important to disregard and not respond to any emails coming from this fake domain. Staying vigilant and adhering to Walmart's recommended security protocols will help protect your business.

Walmart's Global Impact

Beyond these updates, it's essential to recognize Walmart's broader influence. With a presence in 20 countries and eCommerce websites attracting approximately 240 million customers weekly, Walmart continues to lead in sustainability, corporate philanthropy, and employment opportunities. With a workforce of 2.1 million and a revenue of $611 billion in the fiscal year 2023, Walmart's commitment to innovation and community well-being reflects in its continuous updates and improvements, making it a reliable platform for sellers worldwide.

Conclusion

Navigating the Walmart Marketplace effectively requires staying up-to-date with its evolving features and policies. The July 2024 updates introduce several enhancements, from streamlined search capabilities and improved sales reports to better management of duplicate listings and critical API updates. These changes aim to make your experience smoother, more secure, and ultimately more profitable.

By leveraging these updates, sellers can optimize their workflows, gain deeper insights into their sales data, effectively manage their listings, and enhance their marketing strategies. As Walmart continues to innovate and expand, staying informed and adapting to these changes is key to achieving sustained success on the platform.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I access the new sortable columns on the Items page?

To access the new sortable columns like SKU, Ratings, and Reviews, simply navigate to your Items page on the Walmart Marketplace Seller Center. Perform a search using at least two characters, and you'll see the updated columns available for sorting.

What are the new customization options available in the sales reports?

The updated Account Sales and Item Sales reports now offer easier-to-understand visualizations and the ability to view multiple metrics simultaneously. You can tailor these reports to your needs by selecting specific time frames, product categories, and customer segments for deeper insights.

How can I manage potential duplicate listings?

To manage potential duplicate listings, enable notifications under the Settings tab in the Notifications section of the Seller Center. From there, click on Pending Review in the left-hand menu or follow the link shared via email to review flagged items. You can then choose to merge duplicates or mark them as unique.

What steps should I take to update my API integrations?

To update your API integrations for Items and Disputes, follow the provided guidelines before the August 26 deadline. Ensuring these updates are made promptly will prevent your duplicate listings from being unpublished.

What should I do if I receive suspicious emails from @walmartcustomersupport.com?

If you receive any emails from the suspicious domain @walmartcustomersupport.com, do not respond. Instead, report the phishing attempt to Walmart's support team and follow recommended security protocols to safeguard your account.