Selling on Walmart vs. Amazon: Which E-commerce Platform is Right for You?

Are you considering entering the exciting world of e-commerce? You’re not alone! E-commerce has become a successful avenue for business executives, letting them reach a global audience from the comfort of their homes. When it comes to decide on the right platform, two giants stand out: Walmart and Amazon.

In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits and disadvantages of each platform, delve into key functionalities, and discuss how to maximize your profits. Plus, we’ll uncover why an All In One AI platform like Eva can be your secret weapon in this fierce arena.

Entering the E-commerce World

Before we dive into the specifics of Walmart and Amazon, let’s talk about the big picture. E-commerce is like setting up your digital store, a store that’s open 24/7, ready to serve customers worldwide. It’s a big leverage for those looking to broaden their horizons and explore new markets.

Benefits of Selling on Walmart

Walmart, a household name, offers a trusted and established marketplace. When you sell on Walmart, you tap into a loyal customer base that associates the brand with quality and affordability. This association can boost your brand’s credibility, which is invaluable in e-commerce.

• Lower Competition: Compared to Amazon, Walmart’s marketplace is less hectic, providing an opportunity for new sellers to gain visibility.
• Brand Recognition: Associating with the Walmart brand can instill trust in your customers.
• Diverse Customer Base: Walmart attracts a diverse customer base, expanding your potential reach.

Disadvantages of Selling on Walmart

However, it’s not all smooth sailing. Walmart’s trustworthiness can sometimes be a double-edged sword. Meeting their seller requirements can be challenging and requires patience and attention to detail.

• Stringent Approval Process: Walmart’s approval process for sellers can be rigorous, with high standards for product quality and customer service.
• Limited Seller Tools: Walmart’s seller interface may not be as feature-rich as Amazon’s Seller Central.

Benefits of Selling on Amazon

On the other hand, Amazon is a giant with unparalleled reach. Millions of active users visit the platform daily, creating tremendous visibility for your products. This visibility can translate into higher sales volumes, making Amazon an attractive choice.

• Vast Customer Base: Amazon has a massive customer base, potentially leading to higher sales volumes.
• Fulfillment Services: Amazon’s FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) allows for hassle-free order fulfillment, relieving sellers of logistical challenges.
• Advertising Opportunities: Amazon offers robust advertising options to boost product visibility.

Disadvantages of Selling on Amazon

Amazon, on the other hand, is highly competitive. Standing out amidst a sea of similar products can be daunting. To succeed here, you’ll need a strong marketing strategy and a unique selling proposition.

• Intense Competition: Amazon’s marketplace is highly competitive, making it challenging for new sellers to stand out.
• Fees and Commissions: Amazon charges various fees and commissions, which can impact profit margins.
• Customer Feedback: Negative reviews on Amazon can have a significant impact on sales.

Functionality for Selling on Walmart and Amazon

Onboarding and Listing

Amazon:

• The onboarding process on Amazon involves creating a seller account, selecting a plan, and listing your products.
• Listing your products requires providing detailed product information, high-quality images, and competitive pricing.

Walmart:

• Walmart has a more stringent onboarding process, with specific criteria sellers must meet.
• Listing products on Walmart involves creating a seller profile and carefully listing your items.

Branding and Advertising Opportunities

Effective Advertising Tactics

Both Walmart and Amazon offer advertising options. Use sponsored listings and ads strategically to reach your target audience. Data-driven decisions can make your advertising efforts more effective.

Amazon:

• Amazon offers robust advertising opportunities through Amazon Advertising.
• Sellers can run sponsored product ads and display ads to enhance product visibility.

Walmart:

• Walmart has been improving its advertising offerings, providing sellers with opportunities to promote their products.
• Advertising on Walmart is still evolving but shows promise.

Price and Buy Box Competition

Amazon:

• Amazon’s coveted “Buy Box” allows one seller to win the “Buy Now” button on a product page.
• Competition for the Buy Box is intense, with price, fulfillment method, and seller rating being influential factors.

Walmart:

• Walmart’s equivalent to the Buy Box is the “Add to Cart” button.
• Competition is generally less fierce on Walmart, making it easier for new sellers to gain visibility.

Fulfillment and Logistics

Fulfillment is the spine of e-commerce. Your choice of fulfillment method can significantly impact your operations and customer trust the in long term.

Amazon:

• Moreover, Amazon charges various fees, including referral fees, fulfillment fees (for FBA), and subscription fees for its Professional selling plan.
• Amazon offers the Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) service, where Amazon manages storage, packing, and shipping.
• FBA can be a convenient option, albeit with associated fees.
• The referral fee is a percentage of the item’s sale price, which varies by category.
• FBA fees cover storage and fulfillment services, and they depend on product size and weight.

Walmart:

• Walmart offers a competitive fee structure, with no subscription fees for most sellers.
• Walmart provides various fulfillment options, including in house fulfillment and third party logistics (3PL).
• However, Walmart may charge a referral fee, which is generally lower than Amazon’s.
• Sellers have more flexibility in choosing their preferred fulfillment method.

When assessing selling fees, it’s crucial to calculate your potential costs based on your product category and expected sales volume.

Performance Standards

Amazon:

• Amazon enforces strict performance standards for sellers, including the order defect rate, late shipment rate, and valid tracking rate.
• Falling below these standards can result in account suspension.

Walmart:

• Walmart also maintains performance metrics, and sellers must uphold a high level of customer satisfaction.
• Violations of these standards can lead to warnings and potential removal from the platform.

Selling on Walmart and Amazon: Maximizing Profit

To maximize your profits, consider selling on both Walmart and Amazon simultaneously. Each platform has its unique strengths, and various options can be profitable. Use Eva’s experienced information data base to strategically select and promote products on each platform.

Why You Need an All-in-One AI Platform Like Eva

In today’s fierce e-commerce landscape, an AI tool like Eva can be your secret weapon. Eva can analyze market trends, create product listings, and provide valuable data to boost your sales. Therefore embracing AI gives you a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving e-commerce world.

In conclusion, the choice between Walmart and Amazon is a significant decision in your Brand’s journey. Both platforms offer unique advantages and challenges. By understanding the nuances of each, and gearing up with the right tools like Eva, you can set yourself up for success in the world of online selling. So, gear up, start selling, and let your business spirit thrive!