Walmart has updated its Marketplace Seller Code of Conduct to strengthen account security and maintain a trusted marketplace for sellers and customers.
The main update focuses on account switching, account brokering, and unauthorized access to seller accounts. Walmart makes it clear that attempts to bypass these rules or misrepresent account ownership may result in suspension or termination.
What does “account switching” mean?
The important thing for sellers to understand is that this is not about simply switching between Walmart accounts that you are legitimately authorized to manage.
Walmart is targeting situations where seller accounts are transferred, shared, sold, rented, or otherwise used by someone who is not properly authorized to operate the account. It can also include using another seller’s account to get around restrictions, suspensions, or other Marketplace requirements.
For example, a seller should not:
- Buy or rent an existing Walmart seller account
- Give their account to another business to operate
- Use another company’s seller account as their own
- Transfer an account to a new owner without following Walmart’s requirements
- Use another account to bypass a suspension or other Marketplace restriction
This is also why accurate account ownership information is important. The business operating the Walmart account should be properly represented, and access should only be provided to people who are authorized to manage the account.
For legitimate businesses, employees, agencies, and service providers can still need access to manage Walmart operations. The key distinction is that this access should be authorized and properly associated with the seller’s business, rather than effectively transferring or disguising ownership of the account.
Selling a Walmart Seller Account
This Reddit post from a few years ago is a good example of what Walmart’s updated rules prohibit. The seller was offering to sell an established Walmart seller account based on its age, sales history, and good standing. You cannot sell or simply transfer a Walmart seller account. However, this does not mean you cannot sell your business. If you sell the entire business and the Walmart account is part of that business, the new owner can work with Walmart to properly update or transfer the account according to Walmart’s requirements. The key difference is selling the account itself versus selling the business that legitimately owns the account.
Other important areas
Treat customers and other sellers fairly
Walmart prohibits practices such as manipulating reviews, misusing customer information, sending inappropriate marketing messages, or interfering with other sellers.
Keep your business information accurate
Sellers must provide accurate business and account information. Seller accounts should not be sold, rented, transferred, or accessed in ways that violate Walmart’s policies.
Don’t move customers off Walmart
Sellers cannot use Walmart Marketplace to redirect customers to other websites or marketplaces or encourage transactions outside Walmart.
Communicate responsibly
Customer communication should be relevant to orders and customer service. Customer information obtained through Walmart should not be used for unrelated marketing.
Maintain good seller performance
The Code of Conduct also reinforces Walmart’s Seller Performance Standards, including metrics such as Order Defect Rate, On-Time Delivery, Valid Tracking, and Seller Response Rate.
What does this mean for sellers?
For most legitimate sellers, there is no major change to day-to-day operations. The update mainly reinforces Walmart’s expectations around account ownership, security, customer communication, and fair marketplace practices.
Keeping your account information accurate and following Walmart’s policies is the best way to avoid unnecessary account issues as the Marketplace continues to grow.
