By Bethany Davis, President, Bentonville Team
(from our Walmart retail expert video series)

Walmart’s Open Call is one of the most exciting, and nerve-wracking, events of the year for brands hoping to land a spot on store shelves. The energy is incredible, but every year, too many great products miss out because of a few simple, avoidable mistakes.

Here are five quick, practical tips to help you stand out as a serious, shelf-ready brand when you meet with your Walmart merchant:

1. Mention your Dun & Bradstreet supplier score.
This is a non-negotiable for Walmart agreements. If you’re not sure what it is or how to get it, reach out to us, it’s worth understanding before you pitch.

2. Confirm that you have EDI set up.
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is how Walmart manages orders. Having this system in place shows you’re ready to do business efficiently and at scale.

3. Highlight your production facility.
Be transparent about where and how your product is made. Walmart needs to know you’re manufacturing in an approved, compliant facility, not a home setup.

4. Name-drop recognizable retailers.
If you already work with known retail partners, mention them. It instantly builds credibility and proves you can meet big retail expectations.

5. Call out your logistics partner or 3PL.
A strong shipping and fulfillment setup gives buyers confidence that you can deliver on time and in full, every time.

These five points should take no more than 10 seconds of your pitch, but they make a big impact. They signal to Walmart buyers that you’re not just passionate, you’re prepared, professional and ready to partner.

Pro tip: Merchants are already thinking about all of these details while you’re talking. When you cover them upfront, you’ll have them nodding, taking notes and picturing your product on shelf.

Want expert help perfecting your Open Call pitch? Contact us. Your secret weapon team is ready to help you turn your Walmart opportunity into a success story.