Essential Updates for Walmart Marketplace Sellers: July 2024 Release Notes

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Enhancements in Seller Center Experience
  3. Revamped Sales Reports
  4. Managing Duplicate Listings
  5. Search Engine Marketing Suggestions
  6. API Updates and Action Required
  7. Awareness of Phishing Scams
  8. Conclusion
  9. FAQ

Introduction

Navigating the competitive landscape of eCommerce demands timely and strategic updates. For sellers on Walmart’s Marketplace, keeping up with platform changes can spell the difference between success and stagnation. If you're a Walmart Marketplace seller, understanding the recent updates released in July 2024 is critical. This blog post delves into the latest enhancements designed to streamline your operations, improve sales analytics, and safeguard your transactions. By the end, you'll be equipped with the knowledge to leverage these updates effectively and propel your business forward.

Enhancements in Seller Center Experience

Simplifying SKU and Item Search

One of the standout improvements in the Seller Center is the streamlined search functionality for SKU and item names. Previously, performing a search required precise inputs, including capitalization. Now, with only two characters, you can quickly find the items you're looking for. This change not only saves time but also minimizes errors, making your workflow more efficient.

New Sortable Columns for Better Visibility

In addition to the improved search functionality, Walmart has introduced new sortable columns including SKU, Ratings, and Reviews. These additions offer sellers more granular control and visibility over their inventory. Being able to sort by ratings and reviews can help you identify top-performing products quickly, enabling you to allocate resources more effectively.

Revamped Sales Reports

Enhanced Account and Item Sales Reports

One of the most significant updates is the revamping of the Account Sales and Item Sales reports. These reports now feature easier-to-understand visualizations, allowing for a more intuitive analysis of your sales data. Furthermore, the ability to view multiple metrics simultaneously offers a comprehensive snapshot of your business performance.

Customization Options

Customization is key to data analytics, and Walmart recognizes this by adding more customization options in the sales reports. Tailoring these reports to display the metrics that matter most to you allows for targeted insights, helping you make informed decisions that drive growth.

Managing Duplicate Listings

Notification Settings for Duplicate Items

Duplicate listings can be a headache, but Walmart's new notification feature aims to handle this more efficiently. You can enable notifications for potential duplicate items from the Seller Center's Notifications settings. This proactive approach helps you identify and manage duplicates swiftly, ensuring that your listings remain unique and compliant with Walmart’s policies.

Reviewing and Merging Duplicates

To review flagged items, simply navigate to the Pending Review section or click the link sent via email. This process gives you the option to either merge duplicates or mark them as unique, thus maintaining the integrity and accuracy of your product catalog.

Search Engine Marketing Suggestions

Success Hub for SEM Campaigns

Expanding your reach through external Search Engine Marketing (SEM) campaigns is now easier with the new feature in Success Hub. Walmart provides item suggestions for your SEM campaigns on Google and Bing, optimizing your ad spend and boosting visibility. This targeted approach can drive more traffic to your listings, increasing the potential for higher sales.

API Updates and Action Required

Immediate API Integration Updates

Walmart's updated Items and Disputes API requires immediate action. By August 26, sellers need to update their integrations to avoid issues with duplicate listings. Failure to comply will lead to listings being unpublished as per the Duplicates Listings Policy. This update aims to enhance transactional efficiency and maintain a seamless shopping experience for customers.

Awareness of Phishing Scams

Identifying and Avoiding Phishing Emails

There's an ongoing phishing scam targeting Walmart Marketplace sellers through emails from @walmartcustomersupport.com. It's crucial to ignore and not respond to such emails. Staying vigilant against phishing attempts protects your account and sensitive data from unauthorized access.

Conclusion

The recent updates in Walmart Marketplace’s Seller Center bring a multitude of improvements designed to streamline operations, enhance data analytics, and safeguard transactions. From simplified search functionalities and enriched sales reports to proactive duplicate listing management and new SEM campaign tools, these enhancements are instrumental for sellers aiming to optimize performance. Equally important is the immediate need to update your API integrations and the vigilance required to protect against phishing scams.

By staying informed and adapting to these changes, you can ensure that your Walmart Marketplace operations remain efficient, secure, and profitable.

FAQ

What are the new search functionalities in the Seller Center?

The new search functionalities allow you to find items by entering just two characters without worrying about capitalization, making searches quicker and more efficient.

What changes have been made to the sales reports?

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

How can I manage duplicate listings?

Enable notifications for potential duplicates in the Seller Center, then review and either merge duplicates or mark them as unique through the Pending Review section.

Where can I find SEM campaign suggestions?

SEM campaign suggestions can be found in the Success Hub, helping you optimize your external marketing efforts on platforms like Google and Bing.

What actions are required for the updated API integrations?

Update your Items and Disputes API integrations by August 26 to avoid issues with duplicate listings errors and to ensure your listings remain published.

How can I protect myself from phishing scams?

Ignore and do not respond to emails from @walmartcustomersupport.com, as these are part of an ongoing phishing scam. Always be vigilant and verify the source of any communication.