Marketplace consultants are sharing mixed reactions to recent policy updates from Walmart and Amazon, praising one move while sharply criticizing another. Walmart’s change affects sellers using its multichannel fulfillment service, while Amazon’s upcoming DD+7 payment policy, set to begin in March 2026, continues to draw concern.
Positive Response to Walmart’s Update
Walmart has released an update that will allow Merchants to utilize Walmart Multichannel Solutions (MCS) to select Shipping Carriers for non Walmart Marketplace Orders.
Daniel Sodkiewicz, co-founder of GeekSeller, expressed his admiration for this feature through LinkedIn by stating that this gives Merchants more freedom at a time when several Marketplaces are making it tougher to manage their shipping requirements. GeekSeller also highlighted that platforms like TikTok Shop have begun limiting carrier options, making Walmart’s update especially timely.
Under the new setup, sellers can select from three carrier packages when creating a new channel in Walmart Seller Center:
- Package A: USPS, FedEx, UPS, LaserShip, OnTrac
- Package B: UPS, LaserShip, OnTrac
- Package C: USPS, FedEx, UPS
Sodkiewicz described the change as a practical and well-timed improvement from Walmart’s fulfillment team.
Strong Criticism of Amazon’s DD+7 Policy
In contrast, Amazon’s Delivery Date +7 (DD+7) policy has sparked significant backlash. The policy delays seller payouts by seven additional days after delivery, which Amazon says is meant to protect buyers and cover potential returns.
Consultant Max Sigurdson-Scott challenged this explanation, arguing that the policy effectively creates a new profit stream for Amazon. In a LinkedIn post, he estimated that third-party sellers generate roughly $350 billion in annual GMV, resulting in about $500 million per day owed to sellers after Amazon’s fees.
By holding these funds for an extra week, Sigurdson-Scott estimates Amazon could be continuously holding $3–6 billion in seller funds. If invested conservatively, that float could generate $200–300 million annually, without adding any new products or services.
While Amazon has described the change as a “one-time cash flow impact,” many consultants disagree, warning that sellers may feel ongoing pressure through tighter cash flow, reduced financial flexibility, and increased difficulty restocking inventory.
As these policies roll out, consultants say sellers should prepare early—taking advantage of Walmart’s new flexibility while closely monitoring the long-term impact of Amazon’s payout delays.
