Incomplete product content can delay purchases, increase product returns and cause a loss of brand equity. Each negative result is a very costly proposition that Walmart continues to overcome. In the eyes of the digital consumer, a product is only as good as the information associated with it, which is why Walmart, as well as other retailers such as Target, are asking for improved product information--this includes product descriptions and images.
Product Content Specifications
Walmart asks suppliers to provide digital information about all of their products—if you’re already a supplier for Walmart, you know just how important this is for the leading retailer. From thorough descriptions to high quality images, suppliers that provide this information can further improve Walmart’s ability to sell to its customers. Even if a supplier doesn’t currently sell its merchandise through Walmart, the availability of accurate product content can set them up for an opportunity to sell online or in-store in the future.
When a customer searches for a product online, but the search yields no results, Walmart keeps a running tally of those products and the geographic location of the person searching. Why? Because they want to be able to provide customers across the continent with the products they want, when they want it. For example, if enough customers in Georgia are asking for a certain chair, Walmart might soon offer that product in order to keep their customers happy. It is a way for Walmart to identify in-demand products in specific locations and plan accordingly.
Suppliers must maintain up-to-date, quality product content on their end so that Walmart can maintain the ability to quickly order new merchandise while it is still in-demand for customers--without the data, suppliers can lose out on sales because their product information could be all it takes for Walmart to begin selling online or in-store.
Choose a Product Content Service Provider
Manufacturers and suppliers continue to face significant challenges in creating the necessary product information for various retailers, such as Walmart. Within the realm of product content management, development, and exchange, suppliers remain saddled with meeting ever-increasing and significantly varied retail partner requirements. The issue with Walmart is they are constantly changing custom attributes that are often unlike other companies, and they continue to ask for more content than ever before. Attempting to keep up with constant changes often results in product content that is inconsistent and incomplete. And, as you know, that can lead to more returns, loss of brand equity and shopping cart abandonment.
Walmart works with content service providers, such as Shotfarm, to help suppliers manage their product data and related content. Shotfarm’s Switches allow suppliers to map their data according to Walmart’s specifications without adding onto the workload. With such a solution, suppliers can easily move product information from point A to point B in the simplest and most efficient way possible— the product content management solution helps suppliers push quality content to Walmart for improved results.
The ability to upload product data helps Walmart better track products, as well as assisting shoppers in making their purchase decisions. Whether a customer is shopping online or in the store, the ease of digitally updating the content helps to ensure product data is accurate and timely—creating a seamless process from brand to customer.
For more information or to schedule a demo, please call (312) 239-0823 or visit Shotfarm to begin converting your data and assets to meet Walmart specifications.
