1. Target “Customer Favorite” Status for Maximum Savings
Walmart is rolling out major referral fee reductions for items it identifies as “Customer Favorites.” While this isn’t a badge you’ll see in your dashboard, it’s a powerful designation for top-selling, in-demand products. To unlock these savings, you must enroll in the incentive programs and meet specific criteria. The discounts are tiered based on your fulfillment method and price competitiveness.
Here’s the breakdown:
- 100% Fee Reduction: Get your entire referral fee waived on a “Customer Favorite” item (excluding toys) when you fulfill it through Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) or offer your own seller-fulfilled two-day or less shipping.
- 50% Fee Reduction: Earn a 50% discount on the referral fee for a “Customer Favorite” item (excluding toys) when you fulfill it yourself within three days.
- 30% Fee Reduction: Receive a 30% discount on a new “Customer Favorite” item simply for offering it at a competitive price, with no strict shipping SLA attached to this specific tier.

To increase your chances of a product becoming a “Customer Favorite,” consider using Walmart Sponsored Products ads. While ads don’t directly buy the status, they boost visibility and sales velocity, which are key signals the algorithm uses to determine top-performing products.
2. Master Your Pricing and Shipping Strategy
Competitive pricing and fast shipping are the two most critical levers you can pull to qualify for these discounts. Walmart’s programs are designed to reward sellers who provide an excellent value and delivery experience for the customer.

Your top priority should be to enable two-day or faster shipping for your most popular items. Using Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) is the most straightforward way to guarantee you meet the speed requirements for the 100% fee reduction. If you handle your own fulfillment, you must have a proven track record of delivering within two days to qualify for the top tier. For the 50% reduction, a reliable three-day shipping window is essential. In all cases, your item price must be competitive with other offers on and off the marketplace.
3. Boost Your Listing Quality Score
A high Listing Quality Score is fundamental to your success and visibility on Walmart. While it’s a key factor for earning the Pro Seller Badge, its components are also crucial for organic ranking and converting shoppers. The score is a reflection of the overall health and appeal of your listings. Focus on optimizing these four core areas:
- Content & Discoverability: Ensure your product titles, descriptions, images, and attributes are complete, accurate, and keyword-rich.
- Offer: This is directly tied to the fee discounts. It measures your price competitiveness, shipping speed, and in-stock rate.
- Ratings and Reviews: Consistently earning positive customer feedback is a massive signal of a quality product and a trustworthy seller.
- Post-Purchase Quality: Maintain a low order defect rate and a high on-time delivery rate to show you provide a reliable experience after the click.

4. Leverage Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS)
Using WFS is one of the most powerful strategies for consistently qualifying for the largest referral fee discounts. By handing over storage, picking, packing, and shipping to Walmart, you automatically meet the stringent two-day shipping requirement for the 100% fee reduction on “Customer Favorite” items. This not only simplifies your logistics but also ensures your products are eligible for the highest possible savings, making it a significant strategic advantage in the marketplace.

5. Capitalize on Seasonal and Category-Specific Promotions
Beyond the “Customer Favorite” program, keep an eye out for other lucrative, targeted promotions. Walmart frequently offers temporary referral fee reductions in specific categories to drive sales and help sellers grow. Currently, you can find significant discounts in high-traffic categories, including:
- Toys: A 100% referral fee reduction is available on qualifying toys, perfectly timed to boost sales during peak holiday shopping seasons.
- Pet Supplies: A 50% referral fee reduction is being offered on eligible items in this popular and consistently performing category.

Need Help Growing Your Sales?
We are here to help you scale.
YouTube Channel Link: EHP Consulting Group on YouTube
TikTok Profile Link: EHP Consulting Group on TikTok
Written By: Ahzel P. Miral
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.ehpconsultinggroup.com
Number: 925-293-3313
Date Written: July 2, 2026
