More Canadian Amazon sellers are adding Walmart.ca as a second marketplace, and some want to move part of their fulfillment from Amazon FBA to Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS). The two programs work in a similar way, but the barcodes, prep and setup are different. This step-by-step guide explains how to switch from Amazon FBA to Walmart WFS, or run both, without disrupting your sales.
Switch or add? Most sellers do both
For most brands, Walmart is an extra sales channel, not a replacement for Amazon. Amazon usually still brings the most orders, while Walmart.ca has fewer competing sellers in many categories. The common approach is to keep FBA for Amazon orders and add WFS for Walmart orders, supplied from the same inventory.
FBA vs WFS: what changes when you move
| Amazon FBA | Walmart WFS | |
|---|---|---|
| Getting started | Open sign-up, some categories need approval | Application and approval for Walmart Marketplace |
| Unit barcode | FNSKU label for most sellers | Product GTIN/UPC on every unit. FNSKU is not used |
| Customer badge | Prime | “Fulfilled by Walmart” tag |
| Fees | Fulfillment, storage and referral fees | Fulfillment, storage and referral fees, no monthly subscription |
| Inventory sent in | Shipment plan in Seller Central | Inbound order in Walmart Seller Center |
Step-by-step: moving from FBA to WFS
- Apply to Walmart Marketplace Canada. Walmart reviews your business details, product catalogue and marketplace history, so have your Amazon performance and business registration ready.
- List your products on Walmart.ca. Walmart uses its own catalogue format. Titles, images and attributes usually need to be adapted from your Amazon listings, and each product needs a valid GTIN/UPC.
- Enroll in WFS. Start WFS onboarding in Seller Center and set your return preferences.
- Check eligibility. Perishable and regulated products are not accepted, aerosols are excluded and there are size and weight limits. Some categories need approval first.
- Change your labels. Amazon FNSKU stickers are for Amazon only. For Walmart, each unit must be scannable with its product barcode. If your units already carry FNSKU labels, cover or remove them on stock going to Walmart.
- Plan your first inbound order. Start with your best sellers and a few weeks of stock. Create the inbound order in Seller Center, print the labels and pack cartons and pallets to Walmart’s instructions.
- Ship and monitor receiving. Track your shipment until Walmart receives it, then check your items are live with the Fulfilled by Walmart tag.
- Set up replenishment. Decide reorder points for both FBA and WFS so neither channel runs out.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Sending FNSKU-labelled units to Walmart.
- Sending months of stock at once and paying for storage on slow sellers.
- Copying Amazon listings without adapting them to Walmart’s catalogue.
- Pulling all stock out of FBA before Walmart sales are proven.
- Not checking dimensions and weights, which drive fees.
Running FBA and WFS from one inventory
The simplest way to sell on both marketplaces is to keep your main inventory at a 3PL. The 3PL receives your supplier shipments, then preps and ships smaller batches to Amazon and Walmart as each one needs stock, with the right labels for each. Website and wholesale orders can ship from the same stock. Read more in Amazon FBA vs FBM in Canada and Walmart WFS vs Amazon FBA.
FBA and WFS prep in Mississauga
Newsom 3PL preps and ships inventory for both marketplaces from our Mississauga warehouse: Amazon FBA prep, Walmart WFS prep, bundling and kitting and e-commerce fulfillment. To see how the badge works, read how to get the Fulfilled by Walmart tag in Canada. Request a quote.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use FBA and WFS at the same time?
Yes. Amazon orders ship from FBA and Walmart orders ship from WFS. Many sellers supply both from one inventory held at a 3PL.
Can I use my Amazon FNSKU labels for Walmart?
No. Walmart scans the product barcode (GTIN/UPC). Units with FNSKU labels need them covered or removed before going to Walmart.
Is WFS cheaper than FBA?
It depends on your product size, weight, category and how fast it sells. Compare both fee calculators for your top products before moving stock.
How much stock should I send to WFS first?
Start with your best sellers and a few weeks of stock, then adjust once you see how fast Walmart orders come in.