Walmart TwoDay Delivery: Boosting Your eCommerce Success with Fast Shipping

Introduction

In today's fast-paced eCommerce world, shipping speed has become a crucial factor in determining customer satisfaction and loyalty. With giants like Amazon Prime setting high expectations for quick delivery, other marketplaces are following suit to meet consumer demands. One such program is Walmart's TwoDay Delivery, which we'll be exploring in depth in this article.

Fast shipping has become more than just a luxury; it's now an expectation. According to an A.T. Kearney study, most consumers consider an acceptable eCommerce shipping time for non-urgent orders to be 2 to 3 days. This expectation is not just a passing trend - it's shaping buying decisions in significant ways:

• 50% of online purchases have been abandoned due to unfavorable shipping and fulfillment options (Econsultancy)
• 87% of shoppers identify shipping speed as a key factor when deciding whether to shop with an eCommerce brand again (Econsultancy)

These statistics underscore the importance of offering fast, reliable shipping options to your customers. Let's dive into how Walmart's TwoDay Delivery program can help you meet these expectations and boost your eCommerce success.

Understanding Walmart's TwoDay Delivery Program

Walmart's TwoDay Delivery is a fast shipping program designed to ensure free and speedy delivery for Walmart.com shoppers. This program is Walmart's answer to competing fast shipping options offered by other major eCommerce platforms.

When a listing is enrolled in the TwoDay Delivery program, shoppers will see a distinctive green 2-day shipping tag in three key locations:

1. In search results when users are browsing products
2. On the item description page when users are examining product details
3. Above the "add to cart" button when users are ready to make a purchase decision

These visual cues serve to highlight the fast shipping option to potential buyers, potentially influencing their purchasing decisions.

The Impact of Fast Shipping on Conversions and the Buy Box

In the increasingly competitive world of eCommerce, where many products are similar or even identical across different marketplaces, fast shipping has emerged as a key differentiator. The ability to offer quick delivery can set your listings apart from competitors and significantly impact your conversion rates.

Fast, reliable shipping contributes to a positive customer experience, which in turn can lead to favorable reviews and repeat business. But the benefits don't stop there. We've observed that Walmart tends to prioritize listings with fast shipping tags in search results, even when shoppers haven't specifically filtered for fast shipping options. This increased visibility can lead to more clicks, more sales, and ultimately, a larger share of the buy box.

How to Enable Walmart TwoDay Delivery

There are two primary ways to enable Walmart's TwoDay Delivery for your listings: directly through Walmart Seller Center or via a third-party fulfillment service that integrates with Walmart's fast shipping program. Let's explore both options:

Option 1: Enabling TwoDay Delivery in Walmart Seller Center

If you choose to fulfill orders yourself, you'll need to meet certain performance criteria to be eligible for the TwoDay Delivery program. Walmart's eligibility requirements include:

• Maintaining an on-time shipping and delivery rate greater than 95%
• Achieving a valid tracking rate greater than 95%
• Keeping the cancellation rate below 1.5%
• Being a seller on Walmart Marketplace for at least 90 days, or having fulfilled more than 100 orders

To apply for TwoDay Delivery badges directly through Walmart, follow these steps:

1. Log into your Walmart Seller Center account
2. Request access to the TwoDay Delivery program
3. Wait for Walmart's response (typically within 48 hours)
4. If approved, designate the regions and states where you can support 2-day delivery

It's important to note that when using this option, fast shipping tags will only appear to shoppers in the areas you've designated for 2-day delivery support.

Option 2: Enabling TwoDay Delivery through a Third-Party Fulfillment Service

Several third-party fulfillment services offer integration with Walmart's TwoDay Delivery program. These services can often provide a more streamlined setup process and nationwide coverage for 2-day delivery.

When using a third-party service, the process typically involves:

1. Setting up an account with the fulfillment service
2. Integrating your Walmart store with the service
3. Selecting which SKUs you want to enable for TwoDay Delivery

One advantage of using a third-party service is that sellers are often pre-approved for Walmart's fast shipping tags, eliminating the need to meet Walmart's eligibility requirements independently.

Benefits of Walmart TwoDay Delivery

Enabling Walmart TwoDay Delivery can provide numerous benefits for your eCommerce business:

1. Increased Visibility

Listings with the TwoDay Delivery tag are more likely to catch a shopper's eye in search results. This increased visibility can lead to more clicks and potentially more sales.

2. Higher Conversion Rates

Fast shipping is a key factor in many consumers' purchasing decisions. By offering TwoDay Delivery, you're addressing a common concern that can prevent shoppers from completing their purchase.

3. Improved Customer Satisfaction

Quick delivery times can lead to happier customers, which in turn can result in positive reviews and repeat business.

4. Competitive Edge

In a marketplace where many products are similar, offering fast shipping can set your listings apart from competitors.

5. Potential for Higher Search Rankings

Walmart's algorithm appears to favor listings with fast shipping tags, potentially boosting your products' visibility in search results.

Challenges and Considerations

While the benefits of Walmart TwoDay Delivery are significant, there are also challenges to consider:

1. Fulfillment Pressure

Meeting the 2-day delivery promise consistently can be challenging, especially for sellers managing their own fulfillment. It requires efficient processes and potentially higher shipping costs.

2. Inventory Management

To support 2-day delivery across a wide geographic area, you may need to distribute your inventory across multiple fulfillment centers, which can complicate inventory management.

3. Cost Considerations

Offering free 2-day shipping may impact your profit margins. You'll need to carefully calculate your costs to ensure the program remains profitable for your business.

4. Meeting Walmart's Performance Metrics

If you're fulfilling orders yourself, maintaining the required performance metrics can be challenging, especially during peak shopping periods.

Strategies for Success with Walmart TwoDay Delivery

To make the most of Walmart's TwoDay Delivery program, consider implementing these strategies:

1. Start Small

If you're new to fast shipping programs, start by enabling TwoDay Delivery for a small selection of your best-selling, easy-to-ship items. This allows you to learn and adjust your processes without overwhelming your operations.

2. Optimize Your Inventory Placement

If you're managing your own fulfillment, consider using multiple warehouses strategically located to cover different regions. This can help you meet the 2-day delivery promise more easily.

3. Use Automation Tools

Invest in software that can help automate your order processing, shipping label creation, and tracking updates. This can help you maintain the high performance metrics required by Walmart.

4. Monitor Your Performance

Regularly check your Walmart Seller Center dashboard to ensure you're meeting the required metrics for the TwoDay Delivery program. Address any issues promptly to maintain your eligibility.

5. Consider Third-Party Fulfillment

If managing 2-day delivery becomes too challenging, consider partnering with a third-party fulfillment service that specializes in fast shipping for marketplaces like Walmart.

6. Analyze Your Costs

Regularly review your costs associated with the TwoDay Delivery program. Ensure that the increased sales and visibility are offsetting any additional shipping or fulfillment expenses.

7. Highlight Your Fast Shipping

In your product titles and descriptions, emphasize the availability of 2-day shipping. This can help attract customers who prioritize fast delivery.

Conclusion

Walmart's TwoDay Delivery program offers a powerful opportunity for sellers to meet customer expectations for fast shipping and potentially boost their sales and visibility on the platform. By enabling this feature, either through Walmart Seller Center or a third-party fulfillment service, you can compete more effectively in the fast-paced world of eCommerce.

However, success with TwoDay Delivery requires careful planning, efficient operations, and ongoing performance monitoring. By starting small, optimizing your processes, and potentially leveraging third-party fulfillment services, you can navigate the challenges and reap the benefits of this program.

Remember, in today's eCommerce landscape, fast shipping isn't just a nice-to-have - it's increasingly becoming a must-have. By embracing programs like Walmart TwoDay Delivery, you're not just meeting customer expectations; you're positioning your business for success in the competitive world of online retail.

At FreightAmigo, we understand the complexities of modern logistics and the importance of fast, reliable shipping in eCommerce. Our Digital Logistics Platform is designed to support businesses in navigating these challenges, offering solutions that can help you streamline your operations and meet the demands of programs like Walmart TwoDay Delivery. Whether you're just starting out or looking to optimize your existing processes, we're here to help you succeed in the fast-paced world of eCommerce logistics.