Walmart is set to launch a new program, Multichannel Solutions, that will allow third-party sellers to leverage its supply chain for fulfilling orders and managing returns from any e-commerce site. The program, accessible to all U.S. marketplace sellers from September 10, offers sellers a choice between expedited shipping (two business days) and standard shipping (three to five days). However, these delivery speeds are not guaranteed during peak periods such as October 1 to December 31, sales events, and other circumstances.
A Competitive Edge Over Amazon
The Multichannel Solutions program enhances the suite of supply chain services Walmart already provides to sellers, including a China-to-U.S. ocean shipping service and local delivery capabilities. This move intensifies Walmart’s competition with Amazon, which also offers a variety of supply chain services for sellers. Walmart is positioning its new program as a more cost-effective alternative for fulfilling orders from multiple e-commerce marketplaces, boasting “reliable shipping and competitive rates averaging 15% lower than the competition.”
Limitations and Future Plans
Despite its advantages, the Multichannel Solutions program has some limitations as it prepares to launch. Products must meet existing Walmart Fulfillment Services requirements, and multi-box items will not be eligible at launch. Sellers must ship orders to one of 11 Walmart facilities in eight states, and shipments can only be delivered to U.S. addresses.
In addition to the Multichannel Solutions program, Walmart is also launching Walmart LocalFinds, a service that provides direct pickup and delivery from sellers’ brick-and-mortar locations to local customers. The service is set to launch this fall in Atlanta and Dallas, with other cities to follow. Furthermore, Walmart is allowing sellers to tap into its carrier network for full truckload shipments through its Preferred Carrier program.
The new Multichannel Solutions program from Walmart is poised to change the game for third-party e-commerce sellers by offering a cost-effective and reliable way to fulfill orders from multiple marketplaces. With its competitive rates and enhanced supply chain services, Walmart is definitely making a strong move in the e-commerce landscape.
