Why WFS Is a Game-Changer for Walmart Marketplace Sellers
If you’ve taken the time to create a Walmart seller account and dialed in your Walmart listing optimization, there’s one more powerful lever to pull: Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS).
Think of WFS as Walmart’s answer to Amazon FBA. It’s a premium logistics solution that helps walmart.com sellers offer fast, reliable, and competitive shipping—without managing storage, packing, or returns on your own.
In this guide, we’ll walk through WFS from the ground up. Whether you’re just browsing the Walmart online marketplace or ready to go all-in, you’ll find out how to activate, scale, and profit with WFS like a seasoned seller.
What Is Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS)?
WFS is Walmart’s in-house fulfillment program. You ship your inventory to a Walmart fulfillment center, and Walmart takes care of the rest—storage, picking, packing, shipping, customer service, and even returns.
- 2-day shipping to eligible zip codes
- Walmart handles customer service & returns
- Access to WFS-only Buy Box placements
- Enhanced visibility in Walmart search results
It’s fully integrated with your Walmart Marketplace account and doesn’t require any third-party apps or software.
Why Use WFS vs. Fulfilling Orders Yourself?
| Feature | WFS | Self-Fulfillment |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | Walmart | You manage space or warehouse |
| Packing & Shipping | Walmart | Your responsibility |
| Returns | Walmart | You must handle |
| 2-Day Shipping Badge | Yes | No (unless you qualify separately) |
| Buy Box Priority | High | Lower |
| Costs | Storage + fulfillment fees | Shipping + labor + time |
Bottom line? WFS allows you to focus on growing your catalog while Walmart does the heavy lifting—literally.
How to Get Started with Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS)
Check WFS Eligibility
Before you enroll, make sure you’re eligible:
- You’ve already created a Walmart seller account
- Your products are shipped from within the U.S.
- You don’t sell prohibited items (no perishables, regulated items, or fragile goods)
Request Access to WFS
Log into your Seller Center → Go to WFS Settings → Click Request Access You’ll be asked to provide:
- Business info
- Sample product types
- Estimated monthly volume
Walmart typically reviews your application in 3–5 business days.
Prepare Your Inventory for Inbound Shipping
Once approved, you’ll get access to your inbound shipping tools. You’ll need to:
- Label products with correct UPCs or GTINs
- Pack according to Walmart’s packaging guidelines
- Use partnered carriers or your own carrier (Walmart offers FedEx discounts)
Ship your inventory to the assigned Walmart fulfillment center. This may vary based on location and product category.
Activate WFS for Your Listings
Once Walmart receives your inventory, head into your Manage Items page in Seller Center and toggle WFS status to “Active” for your listings.
You’ll see the “Fulfilled by Walmart” badge appear automatically—along with improved visibility and buy box eligibility.
Track Performance via the WFS Dashboard
Your WFS dashboard provides real-time data on:
- Inventory levels
- Inbound shipments
- Fulfillment performance
- Returns & customer service status
Fees: What Does WFS Cost?
Walmart WFS fees are simple: storage + fulfillment. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Fee Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Monthly Storage | $0.75/cu ft (Jan–Sep) | $0.95/cu ft (Oct–Dec) |
| Fulfillment | Starts at $3.45 per unit + $0.40/lb above 1 lb |
No subscription fees. No long-term storage penalties. You pay only when you use it.
Pro Tips for WFS Sellers
- Bundle fast-moving SKUs into multipacks or value packs
- Keep stock replenished to maintain 2-day badge and Buy Box
- Use WallySmarter or Helium 10 to track demand & avoid overstocking
- Use Walmart Sponsored Ads for WFS listings—they convert better
- Link WFS to your optimized product listings for better results
Don’t “set and forget” your WFS setup. Walmart rewards active, high-performing sellers with more visibility.
Real Talk: What Happened When I Activated WFS
My personal WFS story? Game-changer. I was fulfilling my own orders at first—printing labels, answering questions, rushing to drop-offs. It was fine… until it wasn’t.
The moment I switched to WFS, my time freed up and my listings started performing better. My first WFS-fulfilled item went from 12 orders/day to 37 orders —just from the added 2-day badge and “Fulfilled by Walmart” trust factor.
Moral of the story? Let Walmart do the work. You scale faster.
Final Thoughts: Is WFS Right for You?
If you’re serious about scaling your walmart.com seller business, WFS isn’t optional—it’s essential. From speed and trust to visibility and simplicity, Walmart Fulfillment Services lets you act like a big brand without being one.
And if you’re still in the early stages, don’t worry. First, create your Walmart seller account, get your listings dialed in, then circle back to WFS once you’re ready to ship.
Ready to Launch with WFS?
Want help setting up WFS or managing your listings? Reach out for a 1:1 consult or check out our other Walmart Marketplace guides below.