For years, sellers navigating both Amazon and Walmart marketplaces faced a major operational headache: managing two separate fulfillment systems. While Amazon’s Multi-Channel Fulfillment (MCF) made it easy to process orders across platforms, Walmart’s long-standing restriction on using Amazon’s logistics network for its orders made things complicated — or outright risky.
But that just changed in a big way.
Walmart now officially allows sellers to fulfill Walmart.com orders using Amazon MCF `— a major policy shift that signals a broader evolution in multi-channel eCommerce. And if that wasn’t enough, Amazon has sweetened the deal by waiving the 5% surcharge typically applied when sellers choose non-Amazon-branded packaging — valid through January 14, 2026.
Let’s break down what this means and how sellers can take advantage of it.
A New Era of Multi-Channel Fulfillment
Until now, using Amazon’s fulfillment centers to ship Walmart orders carried considerable risk. Walmart prohibited the use of Amazon logistics, and sellers caught doing so could face penalties, including account suspension. The issue wasn’t just about competition — it came down to customer experience. Walmart didn’t want its shoppers receiving packages with Amazon logos.
Amazon responded by offering unbranded packaging through MCF, but it came with a 5% fee, making it less cost-effective for sellers managing thin margins. For many, this created an uncomfortable choice: build out a separate fulfillment operation or risk using Amazon’s network unofficially.
With Walmart’s new policy, this tension is gone. Sellers can now legally and openly use Amazon MCF to ship Walmart orders — as long as they select unbranded packaging.
Why This Update Is a Game-Changer
This shift unlocks major advantages for brands selling across multiple marketplaces:
1. Streamlined Inventory Management
No need to split inventory between multiple warehouses or fulfillment partners. You can centralize your stock in Amazon’s FCs and fulfill orders across Shopify, Walmart, and even your own website.
2. Faster Shipping, Less Overhead
Amazon’s fulfillment network is one of the fastest and most reliable in the world. With MCF, sellers can offer 2–3 day delivery times without building their own logistics infrastructure.
3. Reduced Costs — For Now
With the 5% fee waived until January 14, 2026, the cost to use MCF with unbranded packaging becomes significantly more attractive. For many, this changes the math on what fulfillment strategy makes the most sense.
4. Way better Commercial center Execution
Quick, solid shipping isn’t fair a client involvement win — it specifically impacts execution measurements like on-time conveyance rate and client fulfillment scores, which are key to winning the Purchase Box and positioning higher on Walmart.
How Sellers Can Get Started
You don’t need a complex tech stack to begin. Sellers can connect their Walmart store to Amazon MCF using third-party order management systems like OrderDesk, Pipe17, or CedCommerce. These tools automate order flow and tracking between platforms.
Alternatively, for smaller volumes, you can manually submit Walmart orders through Seller Central using the MCF dashboard. When placing the order, simply choose “Unbranded Packaging” under the fulfillment settings.
Either way, it’s now a legitimate and policy-compliant route to fulfilling Walmart orders through Amazon — with clear savings and fewer headaches.
My Perspective: This Isn’t Just a Policy Shift. It’s a Strategy Shift.
Walmart’s move isn’t just about convenience — it signals a major step in the direction of platform interoperability. In an industry that’s long been defined by closed ecosystems, this is a recognition that logistics is no longer a competitive moat — it’s infrastructure.
Amazon is quietly positioning itself as a backbone logistics provider for eCommerce at large, not just for sellers operating within its own platform. By waiving fees and pushing for broader adoption of MCF, it’s betting that more sellers will choose Amazon as their logistics hub — regardless of where the sale happens.
For brands, this creates flexibility like never before. You’re no longer forced to invest in a 3PL or maintain duplicate inventory to scale on Walmart. Instead, you can lean into Amazon’s fulfillment network without breaking policy or budget.
But there’s a window. The waived fee ends in early 2026, and Walmart’s tolerance for MCF will depend on sellers maintaining high fulfillment standards. Those who jump in early — and use this time to optimize their systems — will be far better positioned for Q4, peak sales periods, and beyond.
In Summary
Walmart’s official support for Amazon MCF is a massive unlock for multi-channel sellers. When paired with Amazon’s limited-time fee waiver, it creates a rare opportunity to simplify operations, cut costs, and improve delivery speed — all while staying compliant.
If you’ve been juggling fragmented fulfillment systems or struggling to scale on Walmart without investing in costly logistics, this is your chance to change the game.
Now’s the time to:
Evaluate your current fulfillment strategy
Test MCF workflows across your Walmart listings
Plan ahead for Q4 with this flexibility in mind
