Walmart Marketplace has grown into one of the largest online shopping platforms in the country, but that rapid growth came with a hidden cost. A CNBC investigation revealed that the company’s previous seller approval process was too easy to bypass.
Fraudulent businesses were able to pose as real brands, list counterfeit products, and ship low quality or unsafe goods to customers. The report sparked concern among industry experts and shoppers alike, especially in high risk categories such as beauty, supplements, and personal care.
Since that investigation, Walmart has started tightening its rules. Sellers in sensitive categories must now prove that they are the actual brand owners or are authorized distributors.
Walmart is also removing questionable listings and suspending accounts that cannot show proper paperwork. Entire product categories have been cleaned out as the company works to build more trust.
This story caught my attention because I use Walmart Marketplace for research when I shop. I like to compare prices and see which brands are available, but I admit that I rarely click the buy button. I have had concerns for years that many of the sellers did not have strong reputations or clear sourcing information. When a deal looks too cheap or the seller name sounds unfamiliar, I back out. I know how often counterfeit items slip through weak verification systems, and I have always been cautious.
The recent changes give me some hope. The fact that Walmart is adding stricter documentation rules shows that the company is listening to consumers who want safer and more consistent experiences. While no marketplace can eliminate risk completely, this new level of oversight is a welcome step. I may still compare carefully, but I might finally feel comfortable buying on Walmart Marketplace more often.