Walmart valid tracking number policy: the 99% rule and how to avoid invalid tracking
Walmart requires valid tracking on at least 99% of your shipments. Fall below it, or give invalid tracking, and Walmart says you risk selling restrictions, suspension or termination. Here’s what “valid” means.
A valid tracking number
- has the correct format for the carrier;
- contains no special characters (such as
~ ! @ # $ % - _ . /); - has at least one valid carrier scan;
- isn’t the purchase order or sales order number.
Before shipping, give your carrier authorization to share tracking data with Walmart.
Common causes of invalid tracking
- Wrong carrier selected, or a typo — if Seller Center shows an error after you enter a number, the number doesn’t match the carrier or format.
- Marking an order Shipped before the carrier has it. Change PO lines to Shipped only once the package is in the carrier’s possession.
- Relabelling a package without telling Walmart the new number.
- Stamps or prepaid envelopes — not allowed; every order needs a valid tracking number.
- Non-approved carriers. Walmart can’t validate their tracking, so shipping with them may lead to suppression, suspension or termination. Use a Walmart-approved parcel or freight carrier.
Shipping in several boxes
Use split shipments on the Orders page in Seller Center, so each box gets its own tracking.
Editing tracking
The Valid tracking number policy says you can edit a tracking number for up to 24 hours after marking an order Shipped, or until the carrier’s first scan reaches Walmart, whichever is earlier. Walmart’s Shipping & Fulfillment Policy FAQ gives four hours — so fix mistakes as soon as you spot them.
Valid tracking is also one of the Walmart Seller Performance Standards; for ship-by dates and auto-cancellation, see Walmart shipping requirements.