Integrate Using a Solution Provider

Updated 4 months ago ​by Merch Transformation Change Management

Solution Providers help suppliers manage and synchronize eCommerce data across multiple supplier platforms through data feeds. These providers offer a wide range of products and services (such as item setup, inventory, order management, etc.) and provide support for issues related to the feeds they submit. While some Solution Providers offer full-service integration, others only perform specific functions. Each integration is tailored to your specific needs, so you should reach out to the Solution Provider directly to learn about their costs, features, and capabilities.

Walmart-Approved Solution Providers

Questions

1. What is a Solution Provider? 

A Solution Provider is a third-party company that provides specialized services to help you run your eCommerce business. Working with a Solution Provider can make your business more efficient and optimize your online sales. 

2. What's the difference between direct integration and integrating through a Solution Provider? Direct integration means that your company will set up and manage your Walmart Supplier account. You will add your items using either the API, Bulk Upload, or individually in Supplier One. If you choose to integrate via a Solution Provider, you select a third-party Solution Provider to help you manage your Walmart Supplier account. Solution Providers all operate differently; some may specialize in item setup, while others specialize in shipping. You should identify the areas you would like help with and then search for a Solution Provider that can meet your needs. To help you find the right fit, we highly recommend asking the following questions when evaluating a Solution Provider:

• Do they offer:  
  • Item integration, including variation and swatch support?  
  • Order integration, including order cancellation and shipment services?
  • Inventory integration?
• Can they synchronize eCommerce data across multiple selling platforms?
• How much do they charge, including launch fees, setup fees, and monthly support fees?
• What type of support do they offer (e.g., phone, email, chat)?
• What level of support do they offer (e.g., response time SLA, dedicated agents, etc.)?

3. Do I need to choose a Solution Provider?You don't have to use a Solution Provider. You can manage your account yourself as long as you are capable of maintaining the daily operational tasks and/or you have in-house technical support staff. Remember, you can always add your items using either the Bulk Upload or individually, update your inventory, and manage your orders all through Supplier One.

4. I'm not sure if I want to use a Solution Provider. When do I need to decide? We recommend making a decision as soon as possible so you can get your items live on Walmart. Remember, you don’t have to use a Solution Provider if you can manage the daily operational tasks once your account is live.

5. Do I have to pay a Solution Provider to help me manage my account? How much does it cost? Every Solution Provider has its own distinct contract and agreement. You should contact the Solution Provider to find out more about their pricing.

6. How can a Solution Provider become authorized to work with Walmart Suppliers? Solution Providers can contact a Walmart/Jet Business Development representative. The process to become one of our approved partners takes around 8-12 weeks.  

7. Do you have a rating system for Solution Providers?No, at the moment we don't provide ratings for our approved Solution Providers. However, we do carefully monitor their performance using a wide variety of metrics. 

8. Do all Solution Providers support both Marketplace Sellers and Drop Ship Vendors?No. The Walmart Marketplace Solution Provider program had a two-year head start. See the list of Solution Providers that support Walmart Marketplace.

Read more and view Walmart-Approved partners for suppliers in Integrate Using a Connected Content Partner. If you are a private brand supplier, please review the article Connected Content Partner (CCP) Program for Private Brands. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Selecting a Solution Provider 

1. Which Solution Provider is right for my company?

It is the supplier's responsibility to vet potential Solution Providers to determine whether they are a good fit for your company. Walmart cannot provide any recommendations or advice relating to business decisions. You should select the option that best suits your business’ needs. For more information, refer to the list of Walmart-approved Solution Providers listed in this article.

2. What services does each Solution Provider offer? 

Please contact the Solution Provider(s) directly to learn more about the services they offer.

3. I currently sell on Walmart Marketplace and use a Solution Provider. Can Walmart allow them to handle my dropship business too?

The DSV API/ EDI connections are separate integrations that the Solution Provider has to complete and separate Walmart selling channels, even though products from both appear side-by-side on Walmart.com. Suppliers currently have to onboard separately with Walmart for each program. 

4. Can I use a Solution Provider that isn't on the list you provided?

All third-party Solution Providers are required to go through our integration process. During the integration process, they must demonstrate that their systems are fully integrated and ready to support Drop Ship Vendors.

5. I found a Solution Provider that states on their website that they are integrated with your systems but they aren't on your list of Walmart-approved Solution Providers. What's going on?

We rigorously vet all of our approved Solution Providers to ensure they are capable of updating Walmart’s APIs within their systems. Our APIs are open-source (accessible to anyone). Some Solution Providers have built functionality to support integration with Walmart, however, they haven’t completed the integration process directly through us. 

6. I want to use a specific Solution Provider that isn't on your list. Should I wait to integrate with Walmart until they become one of your official partners?

That is entirely up to you. Keep in mind that if a Solution Provider isn’t currently authorized or integrated, it may take 8-12 weeks for them to become ready to support your account.

7. Can I use more than one Solution Provider? For example, can I choose to use different Solution Providers for specific services? 

Yes, you can utilize multiple Solution Providers to manage your Walmart account. For example, you can use one Solution Provider to manage your shipping integration and a different one to handle inventory management. Remember, you must consult with the Solution Provider to verify which services they offer. 

Managing My Account

1. Are there any special agreements or contracts I need to sign with the Solution Provider before I can begin the Onboarding process with Walmart?

Usually, a Solution Provider covers all selling channels in their standard agreement. There are some Solution Providers that require a separate contract to add a new channel. Each Solution Provider has a distinct operational model; contact them directly to learn about their contractual requirements.

2. If I use a Solution Provider for Item Setup, how does the process work?

You should contact the Solution Provider directly for more information about how their item setup process works.

3. If I don't like the Solution Provider I've chosen, can I switch to a different one? And can I decide to perform direct integration in the future? Would those changes affect my account? 

Yes, you can switch to another Solution Provider or opt to use our direct integration method at any time. This will not have any impact on the status of your account.

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Related Articles

• Connected Content Partner (CCP) Program for Private Brands
• Item Setup: Using a Connected Content Partner (CCP)
• Integrate Using a Connected Content Partner