So, you’re thinking about selling on Walmart.com. Awesome choice! But now comes the tricky part — how should you do it? Walmart offers two main selling models: 1P (First-Party) and 3P (Third-Party). Each one has its pluses and minuses. Don’t worry — we’ll break it all down in a fun and simple way!

What’s the Difference?

Let’s start with the basics.

• Walmart 1P: You sell your product directly to Walmart, and they sell it to the customer.
• Walmart 3P: You list and sell your product yourself on Walmart Marketplace. You’re the retailer.

Sounds simple? Great! Now let’s dive into what each model means for you and your brand.

Going 1P — Like Selling to a Big Superstore

When you become a Walmart 1P vendor, your product becomes part of Walmart’s inventory. That means Walmart buys in bulk from you. Then they decide how to price it, stock it, and deliver it.

Pros of 1P:

• Big volume: Walmart can place huge purchase orders.
• Credibility boost: Consumers trust Walmart-backed brands.
• Easier returns & customer service — all handled by Walmart.

Cons of 1P:

• Less control: Walmart sets the retail prices and may apply discounts.
• Lower margins: Walmart wants low prices, which can hurt your profits.
• Complex onboarding process: Walmart is picky about which brands they accept as vendors.

Going 3P — Be the Boss of Your Brand

With the 3P model, you control everything. You list your product on Walmart.com through their Marketplace platform. Think of it like running your own shop inside a big mall.

Pros of 3P:

• More control: You pick your prices, product descriptions, and bundles.
• Faster launch: Marketplace approval is easier than getting accepted as a 1P vendor.
• Keep more profit: Higher margins compared to selling wholesale to Walmart.

Cons of 3P:

• Logistics are on you: You take care of shipping and customer service.
• Marketing matters: You’ll need to drive your own traffic to get noticed.
• Lower volume (at first): It may take time to build big sales here.

How Do You Choose?

This depends on your brand goals, budget, and experience. Here’s a quick guide:

• Choose 1P if: You have high production volume, want national exposure, and don’t mind giving up pricing control.
• Choose 3P if: You’re a growing brand, want control, or want to start small and scale.

Some Brands Do Both!

Yes, it’s true! Some brands use a hybrid model. They sell their core products to Walmart via 1P and push new or niche items on 3P. This way, they get the best of both worlds!

Bonus Tips

• Track your performance and adjust your listings often.
• Use Walmart’s ad tools to boost your visibility.
• Offer fast shipping — buyers love it!

Final Thoughts

Walmart 1P and 3P are both strong choices. You just need to match the model with your brand’s needs. Are you ready to go big with volume? Or start strong with control?

The great news: Walmart.com keeps growing. And so can your business if you make the right choice.

Take a moment to look at your business goals, run the numbers, and then jump in. Whichever path you pick, Walmart is a huge stage. And now, you’re ready to shine!