Tips to Prevent and Handle Walmart Account Suspensions

Introduction

Selling on Walmart can be a lucrative opportunity for online retailers. However, it’s important to understand and adhere to Walmart’s policies and guidelines to avoid account suspensions. In this article, we will provide valuable tips on preventing Walmart account suspensions and steps to take if your account is suspended. By following these guidelines, you can maintain a successful and profitable presence on the Walmart marketplace.

Section 1: Monitoring Performance Standards

To ensure the continued success of your Walmart account, it is crucial to regularly monitor your performance standards. Walmart has specific performance metrics that sellers must meet to avoid suspension. These metrics include cancel rate, on-time delivery rate, valid tracking rate, refund rate, and seller response rate. Failure to meet these standards can result in account suspension.

To monitor your performance metrics, log in to your Walmart Seller Center and navigate to the Analytics section. Click on the Performance tab and then select the Orders & Fulfillment subtab. Here, you will find detailed information about your performance metrics, allowing you to identify any areas that need improvement. It is essential to address any issues promptly to prevent your account from being at risk of suspension.

Expert Tip: If you find it challenging to meet Walmart’s performance standards, consider using Walmart Fulfillment Service (WFS). This service takes care of the shipping metrics, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your business.

Section 2: Avoid Selling Arbitrage Products

One common reason for account suspension is selling arbitrage products. Walmart expects all sellers to own their inventory and discourages shipping products from other retailers. If your account is suspected of engaging in arbitrage, it may be suspended immediately and potentially terminated.

To ensure compliance with Walmart’s policies, always ship your items in unbranded boxes and envelopes unless they are shipped in the manufacturer’s packaging. This practice helps to maintain consistency and avoids potential issues with customers or Walmart.

Additionally, familiarize yourself with Walmart’s Shipping and Refunds FAQs to understand and comply with the rules related to shipping and returns.

Section 3: Review Walmart’s Product Policy

To avoid account suspension, it is essential to review and understand Walmart’s product policy. This is particularly crucial if you sell items in categories such as Food, Medicine, and Baby. Regularly reviewing the policy ensures that your products do not violate any guidelines and are suitable for sale on the Walmart marketplace.

Ensure that the products you offer are new, authentic, and that you have the necessary authorization to sell them. By adhering to Walmart’s product policy, you can maintain a trustworthy and compliant presence on the platform.

Section 4: Provide Excellent Customer Service

Delivering excellent customer service is a key factor in preventing account suspensions. Transparently describe your products, providing accurate images, titles, attributes, and descriptions. It is crucial to provide all the necessary information from the customer’s standpoint to avoid any potential misunderstandings or dissatisfaction.

Additionally, respond to customer questions and inquiries promptly. Timely responses demonstrate your commitment to customer satisfaction and can help prevent any escalation of issues. Familiarize yourself with Walmart’s Message Center, as it allows you to manage and respond to customer messages efficiently.

Expert Tip: If you receive many similar questions from customers, consider updating your product descriptions or using message templates to streamline your responses.

Section 5: Handling Walmart Account Suspension

Despite taking preventive measures, there may be instances where your Walmart account gets suspended. It is crucial to understand the steps to take if this happens and how to reinstate your account.

Walmart typically sends warning notices to the Business Management contact listed on your Partner Profile, giving you an opportunity to address any issues and adhere to the requirements outlined in the warning message. Failure to meet these requirements may result in account suspension.

Each Walmart suspension case is unique, and the duration of suspension can vary. Some sellers may face a temporary suspension of 14 days, while others may face the threat of account termination. It is important to carefully review the details of your suspension and the requirements provided in the email from Walmart support.

Section 6: Review Your Performance and Create a Plan of Action

To begin the process of reinstating your account, start by reviewing your past and current performance. Analyze your performance metrics using the Analytics section in your Walmart Seller Center. Identify areas for improvement and develop a plan of action to address the issues that led to the suspension.

If you are a user of a platform like eChannelHub consider reaching out to their support team for assistance in reviewing your account and communicating with Walmart. They can help you understand the root cause of the performance issues and guide you in crafting an effective plan of action.

When creating your plan of action, be detailed and specific about the steps you will take to improve your performance. Show Walmart that you understand the issues and have a clear strategy to prevent them from occurring again in the future. If you are using or plan to use external services like eChannelHub, mention your intention to work with them to improve your performance.

Section 7: Filing an Appeal

Once you have created your plan of action, you can file an appeal to reinstate your Walmart account. The appeal process is similar to opening a regular support case in the Walmart Seller Center. Select the appropriate category, which is “My Account > Performance Issues > Appealing Account Suspension.”

Keep in mind that not all sellers are eligible for an appeal. Refer to the suspension email you received from Walmart to determine if you can file an appeal. Each seller will see different appeal questions based on the reason for the suspension. It is essential to be as specific as possible in your answers and provide all the necessary information to support your appeal.

Section 8: Reinstating Your Account and Maintaining Performance

If your appeal is successful, and your account is reinstated, it is crucial to apply the steps outlined in your plan of action to improve your performance. Continuously monitor your performance metrics and make adjustments as needed to ensure ongoing compliance with Walmart’s standards.

Failing to maintain performance standards can result in account suspension or even termination. Stay proactive in managing your account, regularly reviewing policies and guidelines, and providing excellent customer service to maintain a successful presence on the Walmart marketplace.

Section 9: Seeking Assistance with Your Walmart Account

If you need assistance with your Walmart account, consider reaching out to eChannelHub As experts in Walmart marketplace management, they can help identify any issues on your account, create a comprehensive plan of action, and communicate with Walmart for additional information. Whether you are a eChannelHub user or not, you can contact them for guidance and support through their website or by booking a live demo.

Conclusion

By following these tips and guidelines, you can prevent Walmart account suspensions and maintain a successful presence on the Walmart marketplace. Regularly monitor your performance standards, avoid selling arbitrage products, review Walmart’s product policy, provide excellent customer service, and be prepared to handle account suspensions if they occur. With the right approach and proactive management, you can navigate the Walmart marketplace effectively and achieve long-term success.