What You Need to Know About Walmart’s Order Tracking Policy

E-Commerce Consultants

Learn why valid tracking numbers are key on Walmart, and how Low VTR can hurt your seller account. Stay compliant and protect your sales.

📦 Unlock Walmart Success: Understand Low Valid Tracking Rate (VTR)

Running a successful Walmart Marketplace business means more than just listing products. Sellers must meet performance standards that impact visibility, order volume, and long-term account health. One of the most crucial—and often overlooked—metrics is the Valid Tracking Rate (VTR). A low VTR occurs when sellers fail to upload valid tracking numbers for a significant percentage of their orders. This leads to reduced buyer trust, delivery issues, and ultimately account suspensions or penalties from Walmart. If you’re struggling to understand how this affects your performance, you’re not alone—but ignoring it could cost you your online business.

Reduce chances of account suspension with valid tracking
Build buyer confidence through transparent delivery updates
Improve seller score and visibility in Walmart search
Avoid penalties with accurate logistics reporting
Maintain top-seller status and boost repeat orders

🚨 Consequences of Not Providing Valid Tracking Numbers

Imagine placing an online order and having no clue when it will arrive—or worse, if it’s even shipped. That’s the customer experience when sellers don’t provide valid tracking. Walmart takes this seriously, as it directly affects customer satisfaction. When sellers consistently fail to enter correct tracking details, the system flags them, reduces their visibility, and may even suspend their seller account. This can be a major setback for growing businesses.

Valid tracking is not optional—it’s a core requirement. By not uploading proper tracking numbers, you’re signaling poor operations and risking your reputation. Walmart customers expect Prime-like experiences, and if you don’t deliver, they’ll go to a seller who does.

Incomplete or incorrect tracking leads to lost buyer trust
Risk of order defect rate (ODR) increase and account flags
Limited exposure in Walmart Buy Box algorithm
Reduced seller performance metrics
Increased likelihood of returns, refunds, and disputes

✅ Why Valid Tracking Rate is Crucial to Seller Success

Your Valid Tracking Rate is more than just a metric—it’s a reflection of your operational reliability and commitment to customer service. A high VTR proves to Walmart that you’re delivering orders on time, using traceable shipping methods, and ensuring customer satisfaction. This can lead to higher sales volumes, priority placement, and eligibility for premium programs like Walmart’s Pro Seller Badge.

In today’s e-commerce landscape, logistics transparency is king. By proactively maintaining a high VTR, you not only meet Walmart’s performance standards—you stand out as a reliable seller that buyers can count on.

Boosts seller credibility and customer loyalty
Ensures eligibility for premium seller programs
Enhances visibility and trust in the marketplace
Reduces disputes, returns, and negative feedback
Helps scale your Walmart store with confidence

Introduction to VTR in Walmart
What is Valid Tracking Rate (VTR)?
How Does Walmart Calculate VTR?
Why VTR Matters in Walmart Seller Central
Consequences of Low VTR in Walmart
Common Reasons for Low VTR
Best Practices to Maintain High VTR
How Low VTR Affects Customer Trust
Walmart Selling Improvement Tips
Tools to Track and Improve VTR
Comparing Walmart’s VTR Policy to Other Platforms
Seller Mistakes That Lead to Low VTR
Impact of Low VTR on Shipping Performance
How to Recover From a Low VTR Warning
Conclusion
10 FAQs with Answers
Best Hashtags for This Topic

1. Introduction to VTR in Walmart

If you’re selling on Walmart and want to stay in the game, there’s one thing you can’t afford to ignore: your Valid Tracking Rate (VTR). This tiny percentage holds big power. Walmart uses it to make sure sellers are providing real, trackable shipping details. Sounds simple, right? But many sellers lose their accounts just because of a bad VTR score. That’s why it’s important to understand what VTR is, how it works, and why it can make or break your success on Walmart Seller Central.

A high VTR score shows you’re reliable. It builds trust between you, Walmart, and your customers. But when it drops? It triggers warnings, suspensions, and unhappy buyers. And nobody wants that. So let’s dig deep into this critical metric and see how you can master it for better sales and long-term success.

VTR in Walmart tracks how many orders have valid, trackable shipping info.
Low VTR means poor performance and potential seller penalties.
Walmart expects all sellers to meet minimum VTR standards.
A good VTR helps your account stay in good standing.
It’s essential for long-term growth on Walmart Seller Central.

2. What is Valid Tracking Rate (VTR)?

The Valid Tracking Rate (VTR) is Walmart’s way of checking if you’re doing your shipping right. It’s the percentage of your shipped orders that have working, trackable numbers from approved shipping carriers. In short, it’s about whether your customers can see where their package is. If they can’t track it, you’re in trouble. And Walmart is watching.

This metric isn’t just for looks—it plays a big part in how Walmart ranks and treats your seller account. If your VTR falls below their expectations, your visibility drops and you may even face account suspension. That’s why every seller needs to know their VTR and keep it healthy.

VTR = Trackable shipments ÷ Total shipments × 100.
Walmart requires a 95%+ VTR to stay in good standing.
Only certain shipping carriers are approved for valid tracking.
Fake or reused tracking numbers hurt your VTR score.
It updates daily, so small changes can affect your rating.

3. How Does Walmart Calculate VTR?

Walmart calculates VTR using a simple formula, but it’s strict about what counts as “valid.” If your tracking number is fake, reused, or not from an approved carrier, Walmart marks it as invalid. So even one mistake can hurt your VTR score. This is why you must always double-check your shipping info before submitting it.

Let’s say you shipped 100 orders in a week, but 10 of them had no tracking or had errors. That means your VTR is only 90%—which is below Walmart’s 95% requirement. Ouch. That puts your account at risk. So it’s not just about shipping quickly—it’s about shipping correctly.

Valid tracking = Real-time status updates from shipping carriers.
Walmart-approved carriers include USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL.
Tracking must be uploaded within 24 hours of shipment.
VTR is based on trailing 7-day and 30-day metrics.
Returns and canceled orders don’t affect VTR unless mishandled.

4. Why VTR Matters in Walmart Seller Central

Your VTR in Walmart Seller Central isn’t just another number. It’s a trust signal. Walmart wants buyers to feel secure, and nothing ruins trust faster than a lost package. If buyers can’t track their orders, they file complaints, ask for refunds, and give bad reviews. And Walmart blames you.

A solid VTR keeps you in Walmart’s good books. It also helps your products rank better in search results, which leads to more visibility and more sales. It’s all connected. That’s why focusing on your VTR isn’t optional—it’s a must for anyone serious about selling on Walmart.

High VTR improves your seller score and visibility.
Poor VTR can lead to account suspension or product delisting.
Walmart ranks sellers with good shipping records higher.
Buyers feel more confident with trackable shipments.
Better VTR = Fewer chargebacks, complaints, and returns.

5. Consequences of Low VTR in Walmart

Let’s be real—low VTR is bad news. Walmart doesn’t play around with seller performance. If your VTR dips below their threshold (usually 95%), you can expect a slap on the wrist—or worse. That means warnings, penalties, even suspension from Walmart Seller Central.

What makes this worse is that it can happen fast. One bad week with a few shipping issues, and boom—your VTR tanks. And recovering your seller privileges is a long, painful process. So it’s better to keep your VTR high than to try fixing it later.

Low VTR leads to temporary or permanent account suspensions.
Orders may get canceled or de-prioritized in search.
Walmart may remove your listings from the marketplace.
Refund rates increase due to untrackable shipments.
Your seller trust score drops significantly.

6. Common Reasons for Low VTR

Wondering why your VTR in Walmart is suffering? You’re not alone. Many sellers run into the same problems. The key is knowing what causes low VTR—and fixing it fast. Often, it’s something simple like forgetting to upload tracking or using an unapproved carrier.

Sometimes sellers try to cut corners by entering fake or estimated tracking numbers just to meet deadlines. That’s a huge mistake. Walmart can detect it, and it’ll hurt your score more than missing the upload entirely.

Using shipping carriers that Walmart doesn’t recognize.
Entering fake or incorrect tracking numbers.
Not uploading tracking info within 24 hours.
Shipping orders late or beyond the expected delivery time.
Technical glitches or miscommunication with 3PL providers.

7. Best Practices to Maintain High VTR

Keeping a high Valid Tracking Rate (VTR) isn’t hard—it just takes a little discipline. By following a few simple habits, you can avoid most of the common mistakes sellers make. This protects your business and helps you grow faster on Walmart.

It starts with good communication between your warehouse and your seller dashboard. Make sure every order is packed, labeled, and scanned on time. Use reliable carriers. And always double-check that your tracking numbers are working and correct.

Always use Walmart-approved carriers.
Upload tracking numbers within 24 hours.
Test tracking links before submitting.
Integrate with third-party shipping software.
Train your staff to follow strict shipping procedures.

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8. How Low VTR Affects Customer Trust

Imagine ordering something online and not getting any tracking info. Feels shady, right? That’s exactly what your customers experience when your VTR in Walmart is low. They get worried, file complaints, and leave bad reviews. And that’s terrible for your business reputation.

Customer trust is everything in eCommerce. If your buyers don’t trust you to deliver, they won’t come back. Worse, they might tell others to avoid you too. So, keeping your VTR valid tracking rate high isn’t just about pleasing Walmart—it’s about keeping your buyers happy and loyal.

No tracking info = customers assume scam or fraud.
Late or missing tracking creates buyer anxiety.
Leads to poor seller reviews and negative feedback.
Reduces chances of repeat buyers or referrals.
Trust loss lowers your brand reputation across platforms.

9. Walmart Selling Improvement Tips

Improving your Walmart selling performance goes beyond just uploading tracking numbers. You have to create a full-circle experience that builds trust and delivers on time. From order processing to final delivery, every step should be optimized for speed and accuracy.

Walmart likes sellers who make life easy for customers. The faster and clearer your order fulfillment is, the more Walmart promotes your listings. So, refining your shipping operations directly helps you climb up the seller rankings and get more exposure.

Keep your product inventory updated in real time.
Automate shipping workflows using seller tools.
Offer competitive delivery times.
Use high-quality packaging to avoid damage returns.
Maintain open communication with buyers post-shipment.

10. Tools to Track and Improve VTR

Want to make your VTR in Walmart bulletproof? There are several tools out there designed to help sellers like you stay on top of tracking uploads, carrier integrations, and performance metrics. These tools cut down on human error and speed up your operations.

By using smart software, you can auto-fill tracking, monitor shipments in real-time, and even get alerts when something goes wrong. These tools help you stay one step ahead and ensure your tracking stays valid and consistent.

ShipStation: Automates order tracking and labels.
Walmart Marketplace APIs: For real-time tracking sync.
Deliverr or Flexport: For fast, integrated fulfillment.
AfterShip: Helps verify tracking status from carriers.
Sellbrite: Tracks fulfillment and reporting in one place.

11. Comparing Walmart’s VTR Policy to Other Platforms

Every platform has its own rules. When it comes to Valid Tracking Rate (VTR), Walmart is stricter than some but more transparent than others. For example, Amazon also monitors VTR, but focuses more on Late Shipment Rate (LSR). eBay has its own metrics, but isn’t as aggressive in penalizing low tracking as Walmart is.

So if you’re used to selling on other marketplaces, Walmart might feel intense. But that’s because they’re serious about customer satisfaction. Sellers who want to grow on Walmart must take tracking compliance seriously—or risk losing their place.

Amazon requires valid tracking for over 95% of orders.
eBay monitors tracking, but allows more flexibility.
Walmart suspends quicker than most for low VTR.
Shopify sellers have full control but no required VTR.
Walmart tracks both manual and automated uploads equally.

12. Seller Mistakes That Lead to Low VTR

We all make mistakes—but on Walmart, those mistakes can cost you your store. Many sellers accidentally drop their VTR valid tracking rate by ignoring small details. Maybe they forget to upload tracking. Or they use the wrong carrier. Or they just enter typos.

Whatever the cause, these small issues pile up fast. If you’re not watching your shipping processes closely, your VTR will suffer—and Walmart won’t hesitate to act. That’s why it’s critical to avoid the most common pitfalls that trap other sellers.

Copy-pasting tracking numbers with errors.
Using outdated carrier services.
Manually entering numbers without verification.
Not syncing orders with fulfillment partners.
Forgetting to confirm shipment in Seller Center.

13. Impact of Low VTR on Shipping Performance

When your VTR in Walmart drops, everything else starts falling apart. Your orders might still go out, but Walmart will start limiting your visibility. Your Buy Box chance shrinks. Your products drop in search. And your entire shipping profile gets flagged.

Walmart tracks every part of your shipping chain. They look at how fast you ship, how reliable your carriers are, and whether customers are complaining. A low VTR tells them you’re not doing your job right—and they react fast to protect their buyers.

Walmart may restrict your listings’ visibility.
Buy Box priority may shift to other sellers.
Delays lead to increased refund requests.
Seller Score may take a hit and hurt your metrics.
Repeat issues might trigger account suspension.

14. How to Recover From a Low VTR Warning

Got a warning about your VTR in Walmart Seller Central? Don’t panic—but don’t ignore it either. Walmart gives sellers a chance to fix things, but you need to act fast. Review the orders that triggered the warning and figure out what went wrong.

Then, adjust your process. Start using better tracking tools. Re-train your shipping staff. Respond to Walmart’s messages with a clear plan. Show them you’re serious about fixing the issue. Do it right, and they’ll give you another shot.

Review VTR metrics and identify invalid orders.
Fix shipping methods and ensure proper carrier usage.
Contact Walmart Seller Support with an action plan.
Monitor daily tracking uploads moving forward.
Use automation to avoid future human error.

15. Conclusion

Your Valid Tracking Rate (VTR) isn’t just a technical detail—it’s the backbone of your success as a Walmart Marketplace seller. It affects your visibility, your credibility, and ultimately, your revenue. The difference between a thriving store and a suspended one often comes down to a simple number: 95%.

That means making sure every order is trackable, every carrier is approved, and every customer gets clear updates. In a world where speed and trust rule online shopping, VTR in Walmart is your golden ticket. So keep it high, fix what’s broken, and watch your sales soar.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a good VTR score on Walmart?
Walmart requires a Valid Tracking Rate (VTR) of 95% or higher for all sellers.

2. What happens if my VTR falls below 95%?
You may receive a warning or suspension, and your product listings could lose visibility.

3. Can I fix a low VTR?
Yes. Investigate the cause, correct your processes, and reply to Walmart with a clear action plan.

4. What tracking carriers are accepted by Walmart?
Walmart accepts USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL, and other major approved carriers.

5. How fast do I need to upload tracking info?
Tracking numbers must be uploaded within 24 hours of shipment.

6. Does VTR affect my Buy Box eligibility?
Yes. A low VTR in Walmart can reduce your chances of winning the Buy Box.

7. Can I manually enter tracking info?
Yes, but make sure it’s correct. Manual errors often lead to invalid tracking.

8. Is VTR the same as shipping speed?
No. VTR is about trackability, while shipping speed measures how fast items are delivered.

9. Are returns included in VTR calculations?
No, unless the return process includes an invalid tracking or missed steps.

10. How often is VTR calculated?
It updates daily, based on the last 7 to 30 days of order data.