Overview
Walmart usually requires a unique product code (UPC, EAN, or GTIN) for each product you list. If you don't have UPCs, you can either buy them and upload them to PODtomatic or request an exemption from Walmart.
How to Apply for a UPC/GTIN Exemption
Follow these steps to request an exemption:
- Log in to your Walmart Seller Account
- Click the ? (Help icon) at the top right
- Click "Contact Support"
- Write "Request UPC/GTIN Exemptions"
- Select "Request UPC/GTIN Exemptions"
- Click "Still need help?"
- Choose your contact method - You can call, email, or chat with Walmart support
- Request exemption for specific categories - Tell them you want to apply for a UPC/GTIN exemption for these categories:
- Home (for Drinkware products)
- Household, Industrial Cleaning & Storage (for Candles)
- Occasion & Seasonal (for Ornaments)
- Fashion (for Bracelets)
- Answer additional questions - Walmart may ask a few more questions about your business
- Wait for approval - Walmart will review your request and notify you of their decision
Tip: Be prepared to explain that you're selling print-on-demand products and need exemptions for the specific categories where PODtomatic uploads products.
Required Categories for PODtomatic Products
When requesting your exemption, make sure to mention these specific categories that align with PODtomatic's product offerings:
🏠 Home Category
- Drinkware products - Coffee mugs, two-tone mugs, camping mugs
- Why needed - All PODtomatic mug products are uploaded to this category
🧹 Household, Industrial Cleaning & Storage
- Candles - Scented candles and candle accessories
- Why needed - Some PODtomatic products may fall under this category
🎄 Occasion & Seasonal
- Ornaments - Holiday ornaments and seasonal decorations
- Why needed - PODtomatic ornament products are uploaded to this category
👗 Fashion
- Bracelets - Jewelry and fashion accessories
- Why needed - PODtomatic bracelet and jewelry products are uploaded here
What If Walmart Doesn't Approve?
Walmart does not guarantee exemptions. If they don't approve your request, you have these options:
Option 1: Purchase UPC Codes
- Buy legitimate UPC codes - Purchase from GS1 or authorized resellers
- Upload to PODtomatic - Add your UPC codes to your PODtomatic account
- Automatic assignment - PODtomatic will automatically assign UPCs to new products
Option 2: Reapply Later
- Wait and reapply - Sometimes exemption policies change
- Build selling history - Establish a track record on other platforms first
- Contact different support agent - Different agents may have different approaches
Tips for Successful Exemption Requests
Increase your chances of approval with these strategies:
📝 Be Professional and Clear
- Explain your business model - Mention you're selling print-on-demand products
- Be specific about categories - List exactly which categories you need exemptions for
- Show business legitimacy - Mention your business registration if applicable
📊 Provide Context
- Mention other platforms - If you're successfully selling on Amazon, mention it
- Explain product uniqueness - Custom, made-to-order products often don't have standard UPCs
- Show commitment - Express your intention to be a serious, long-term seller
Timeline and Expectations
Here's what to expect during the exemption process:
- Initial Response - Walmart typically responds within 24-48 hours
- Review Process - The actual review can take 3-7 business days
- Follow-up Questions - Be prepared to provide additional information if requested
- Final Decision - You'll receive an email with Walmart's decision
Important: Even if approved, exemptions are typically granted on a category-by-category basis, not as a blanket exemption for all products.
Alternative: Using UPC Codes with PODtomatic
If exemptions aren't approved, PODtomatic makes UPC management easy:
🔧 UPC Integration Features
- Bulk Upload - Upload hundreds of UPC codes at once
- Automatic Assignment - PODtomatic automatically assigns UPCs to new products
- UPC Tracking - Monitor which UPCs are used and which are available
- Multi-Platform Support - Same UPCs work across Amazon, Walmart, and Shopify
💰 Where to Buy UPC Codes
- GS1 (Official Source) - Most expensive but guaranteed legitimate
- Authorized Resellers - More affordable options with proper licensing
- Bulk Discounts - Better pricing when buying 100+ codes
Need More Help?
If you're having trouble with your Walmart UPC/GTIN exemption request:
- Contact Walmart Support - Their support team can provide the most current exemption policies
- Try Different Contact Methods - If chat doesn't work, try phone or email
- Be Persistent - Different support agents may give different answers
- PODtomatic Support - Contact our team for help with UPC code integration
Remember, getting UPC/GTIN exemptions can significantly streamline your Walmart selling process, but having backup UPC codes ensures you can start selling immediately if exemptions aren't approved.