Walmart WFS Fees vs Amazon FBA Fees: Which Is Better?
As an e-commerce seller, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is how to fulfill your orders. Two popular options are Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) and Fulfillment By Amazon (FBA). Both services have strengths and weaknesses, and choosing between them can be challenging. We’ll explore Walmart WFS fees vs Amazon FBA fees, Which is better. So you can make an informed decision that’s right for your business.
Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) and Fulfillment By Amazon (FBA) Comparison
What is WFS? That is a service Walmart offers to its marketplace sellers. It provides competitive pricing, fast delivery options, and streamlined returns processes. However, it is only available to Walmart Marketplace sellers, while FBA, or Fulfillment by Amazon, is open to all Amazon sellers. It has a more extensive customer base, which can increase sales for sellers. The choice will depend on each seller’s specific needs and priorities.
- WFS Package Weight/Size
Walmart Fulfillment Service has a package weight of 30 pounds and a full package size of 25 inches on the longest, 20 inches on the shortest, and 14 inches on the other side. Consider a different fulfillment service if you’re shipping heavy.
- FBA Package Weight/Size
Fulfillment By Amazon has a package weight of 150 pounds and a package size of 165 inches on the longest and 108 inches on the other two sides. It means that FBA can handle larger and heavier items than WFS.
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Fulfillment Fee Comparisons: WFS vs FBA
WFS Fulfillment Fees:
Walmart charges fees for their services based on the package’s weight, dimensions, and distance it will be shipped. Check out our blog about it.
Weight | Cost per Unit |
Less than or = 1 lb | $3.45 |
Less than or = 2 lbs | $4.95 |
Less than or = 3 lbs | $5.45 |
Less than or = 4 lbs, and up to 20 lbs | $5.75 + $0.40/additional lb |
| Greater than 20 lbs (up to 30 lbs max) | Add $3.00 to the above fee |
If your package weighs over 1 lb, you should consider using the higher value between the actual and dimensional weights. To determine the dimensional weight, you can calculate it by multiplying the package’s length, width, and height and dividing the resulting value by 139. This calculation method helps in estimating the appropriate dimensional weight for shipping purposes. It will provide you with the dimensional weight for shipping purposes.
Additionally, please add 0.25 lbs (4 oz) to the weight of your product to account for the packaging materials that Walmart will add to fulfillment.
Example item #1:
- Unit weight: 6.00 lbs
- Dimensions: 12 x 10 x 10 inches
- Dimensional weight: (12 x 10 x 10)/139 = 8.63 lbs (greater value than unit weight)
- Shipment weight: 8.63 lbs + 0.25 lb packaging materials = 8.88 lbs
- Rounded up: 9.00 lbs
- Fulfillment fee: $5.75 + 5($0.40)
- $5.75 for the first 4 lbs, then +$0.40/lb above 4 kg; in this case, five extra lbs.
- Total shipment weight is 9.00 lbs, so: $5.75 + 5($0.40)
- $5.75 + $2.00
- Total fulfillment fee: $7.75
FBA Fulfillment Fees (non-apparel):
Fulfillment By Amazon (FBA) fees vary based on the package’s weight, dimensions, and the specific product category.
Size Tier | Max Dimensions | Unit Weight | Cost per Unit |
Small Standard | 15 x 12 x 0.75 inches | 10 oz. or less 10+ oz. to 16 oz. | $2.50 $2.63 |
Large Standard | 18 x 14 x 8 inches | 10 oz. or less 10+ to 16 oz. 1 to 2 lbs 2 to 3 lbs 3 to 21 lbs | $3.31 $3.48 $4.90 $5.42 $5.42 + $0.38/lb above the first 3 lb |
Small Oversize | 60 x 30 inches | 71 lbs or less | $8.26 + $0.38/lb above the first 2 lb |
Medium Oversize** | 108 inches (longest side) | 151 lbs or less | $11.37 + $0.39/lb above the first 2 lb |
Large Oversize*** | 108 inches (longest side) | 151 lbs or less | $75.78 + $0.79/lb above the first 90 lb |
- Here are some important guidelines to keep in mind when determining your shipping costs:
- For medium oversize items, the length and girth combined are 130 inches.
- For large oversize items, the length and girth combined are 165 inches.
- Add four oz. to the product weight to calculate the final shipping weight for standard category products.
- Add one pound to the product weight to determine the final shipping weight for oversize category products. It will give you an accurate estimate for shipping calculations.
- For items with lithium batteries, there is an extra charge of $0.11 per unit.
- For standard-size tier products weighing over 1 lb or oversized tier products, it is advised to consider the higher value between the unit weight and the dimensional weight.
- To calculate the dimensional weight, multiply your package’s length, width, and height, then divide by 139.
Example item #1:
- Unit weight: 6.00 lbs
- Dimensions: 12 x 10 x 10 inches
- Small oversize category
- Dimensional weight: (12 x 10 x 10)/139 = 8.63 lbs (greater value than unit weight)
- Shipment weight: 8.63 lbs + 1.00 lb packaging materials = 9.63 lbs
- Rounded up: 10.0 lbs
- Fulfillment fee: $8.26 + 8($0.38)
- $8.26 for the first 2 lbs, then +$0.38/lb above 2.00 lbs; in this case, 8.00 extra lbs.
- Total shipment weight is 10.0 lbs, so $8.26 + 8($0.38)
- Total fulfillment fee: $11.30
Example Product Fulfillment Fee Comparison
We will compare the fulfillment fees of Walmart WFS and Amazon FBA using three different examples.
Example #1:
- Unit Weight (before packaging): 6.00 lbs Unit Dimensions: 12 x 10 x 10 inches
- Walmart WFS Fulfillment Fees: $7.75
- Amazon FBA Fulfillment Fees: $11.30. As you can see,
- Amazon FBA charges a higher fulfillment fee than Walmart WFS for this product.
- However, considering other factors, such as shipping speed and customer service, is important.
Example #2:
- Unit Weight (before packaging): 2.75 lbs
- Unit Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 5 inches
- Walmart WFS Fulfillment Fees: $5.45
- Amazon FBA Fulfillment Fees: $5.42 In this example,
- Walmart WFS and Amazon FBA charge similar fulfillment fees.
- As a seller, you can choose either option based on your preference.
Example #3:
- Unit Weight (before packaging): 20.0 lbs
- Unit Dimensions: 12 x 10 x 12 inches
- Walmart WFS Fulfillment Fees: $16.40
- Amazon FBA Fulfillment Fees: $15.51 Once again,
- Amazon FBA charges a lower fulfillment fee than Walmart WFS for this product.
- However, it is important to consider other factors, such as shipping speed and customer service, before deciding.
WFS vs FBA Storage Fee Comparisons
Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) offers storage for your products at affordable rates. Here are the details of our storage fees:
- For January to September (Q1 – Q3), the cost is $0.75 per cubic foot per month.
- From October to December (Q4), the storage cost for items stored for less than 30 days is $0.75 per cubic foot monthly.
- For items stored for more than 30 days, an extra $1.50 per cubic foot per month will be charged, for a total of $2.25 per cubic foot per month.
With WFS, you can have peace of mind knowing that your products are stored at reasonable costs.
- Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) offers storage services for your products, but they come with storage fees. These fees vary depending on the time of year and the size of your products.
- From January to September (Q1 – Q3), standard-size items are charged $0.75 per cubic foot per month, while oversize items are charged $0.48 per cubic foot per month.
During this time, it’s important to consider the dimensions of your product to determine the best storage option.
- From October to December (Q4), the storage fees increase. Standard-size items are charged $2.40 per cubic foot per month, while oversize items are charged $1.20 per cubic foot per month. However, it’s important to note that oversized products get a lower charge per cubic foot. It means that while they may take up more space, the storage costs may balance out compared to standard-size items.
Note About Supply Chain Logistics
Before deciding which fulfillment service to use, it’s important to consider supply chain logistics. Supply chain logistics manages the flow of goods and services from origin to end. It includes everything from sourcing materials to delivering the final product to the customer. A well-managed supply chain can help you save money and improve customer satisfaction. Choosing an exemplary fulfillment service is an important part of this process.
FAQs
Which Option Is More Cost-Effective for Sellers: Walmart Wfs or Amazon Fba?
The cost-effectiveness of Walmart WFS or Amazon FBA depends on various factors, such as the size and weight of the product, shipping destination, and other fees. So, it’s best to compare the prices of both services and calculate which one will be more cost-effective for your business.
Are There Other Factors Besides Choosing Between Walmart Wfs and Amazon Fba Fees?
Other factors to consider when choosing include the customer base, shipping speed and reliability, product categories, and branding opportunities. You must check your business needs and goals to make an informed decision.
Can Sellers Use Both Walmart Wfs and Amazon Fba?
Yes, sellers can use both Walmart WFS and Amazon FBA. However, it can be challenging to manage both services due to different requirements, fees, and shipping procedures.
How to Do Walmart Wfs and Amazon Fba Differ in Service Quality?
Walmart WFS and Amazon FBA differ in service quality in various aspects, such as shipping speed, customer support, and inventory management. Both services have strengths and weaknesses, so reviewing your business needs and priorities is essential to decide which suits you better.
Are There Any Restrictions or Requirements for Using Walmart Wfs or Amazon Fba?
Walmart WFS and Amazon FBA have different requirements and restrictions regarding product eligibility, inventory management, and customer service standards. Hence, you must review and follow their guidelines and policies to use their services.
Where Can Sellers Find More Information About Walmart Wfs and Amazon Fba?
Sellers can find more information and guidance on Walmart WFS and Amazon FBA through their official websites and seller support centers. You can consult experienced sellers or e-commerce experts for insights and advice on using these services.
Conclusion:
WFS Walmart and Amazon FBA offer sellers unique benefits and fees. When deciding which platform to use, it is important to consider factors such as product type, sales volume, and shipping preferences. It is up to the individual seller to weigh the pros and cons and make the best decision for their business. Regardless of the chosen platform, it is important to remember that fees and logistics should not be the only factors considered when selling online. Providing excellent customer service and quality products is key to success in the e-commerce world.