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Guide
Negative Feedback Rate: Overview
Last updated on Oct 22, 2025
Reading time: 4 min
Overview

The Negative Feedback Rate is a Seller Performance standard that tracks the percentage of negative customer feedback you receive on Walmart.com. In this guide, you’ll learn how the Negative Feedback Rate is calculated and how it can be used to improve your performance.  

Notes:

The Negative Feedback Rate applies to all Marketplace sellers who have seller-fulfilled orders with customer reviews that were created on Walmart.com. 

How does it work?

Walmart.com customers rely on product and seller ratings to help them make purchasing decisions, so it’s essential to consider any negative customer feedback you’re receiving. The Negative Feedback Rate is the percentage of your Marketplace orders that have received a one- or two-star rating within the last 60 days. If an order receives a negative item review and a negative seller review, Walmart considers the lower rating of the two.

All Marketplace sellers must maintain a Negative Feedback Rate of less than or equal to 2%. Common reasons for negative feedback include product defects, concerns over product authenticity and inaccurate product descriptions.    

Notes:

Make sure to monitor your Negative Feedback Rate. Low seller and item ratings can create a poor Walmart.com experience for customers and may impact your status as a Walmart Marketplace seller.

Additional guidelines

Learn more about the Negative Feedback Rate performance drivers, and what you can do to improve your Negative Feedback Rate:

Driver

Definition

Recommendations

Assembly or instructions

Complaints about unclear, missing or confusing assembly instructions; or difficulty assembling or using the product. 

  • Provide clear, step-by-step instructions in print and online. 
  • Include all required parts. 

  • Consider creating video guides. 

Cancellation

Orders canceled without customer consent or customers facing difficulty canceling orders. 

  • To avoid auto-cancelations, keep your inventory levels up to date. 
  • Cancel orders promptly and communicate with your customer in a prompt, professional manner. 

Carrier

Complaints related to shipping providers (FedEx, USPS, UPS) such as poor handling or delays. 

  • Use reliable shipping carriers. 
  • Make sure that your packages are scanned properly when you drop them off or pick them up. 

  • Monitor your shipping carriers’ performance on a regular basis. 

Damaged

The item arrived broken, leaking or visibly damaged. 

  • Use sturdy, protective packaging and test it for weight and fragility. 

Defective

The item doesn’t function properly, including battery or charging issues. 

  • Inspect your item inventory on a regular basis. 
  • Work with your manufacturers to improve the reliability of their products. 

Incorrect item

The wrong product, size or variation was delivered. 

  • Verify your product listings for accuracy. 
  • Make sure that SKUs, barcodes and fulfillment processes match your customer orders. 

Invalid tracking

The tracking number is missing, invalid or not updating. 

  • Always provide valid tracking IDs. 
  • Audit tracking uploads before marking an order as Shipped. 

Item not as described

The product’s description, photo or condition does not match what the customer received. 

  • Maintain accurate and detailed listings. 
  • Use clear images and highlight important product details. 

Item size or comfort

The item has sizing, fit or comfort issues (common in apparel, footwear and furniture). 

  • Provide accurate size charts and notes about how an item will fit. 
  • Use photos that provide context for size reference. 

Late

The item was delivered outside of the promised delivery window. 

  • Monitor your shipping carrier’s performance. 
  • Set realistic shipping windows and proactively notify customers about delays. 

Lost

The package never arrived (lost in transit). 

  • Provide accurate tracking information and resolve package claims quickly. 

Missing item

The order arrived with missing parts, accessories or product. 

  • Conduct fulfillment audits. 
  • Use a checklist or barcode scan to confirm that an order is complete before you ship it. 

All other drivers

A customer review that doesn’t fit existing categories but impacts your seller performance. 

  • Download the detailed report to identify trends and address the cause of an issue. 

Packaging

The packaging was inadequate or excessive. 

  • Use the right amount of protective packaging.

  • Balance durability with eco-friendly practices. 

Pricing feedback

The customer mentions  high prices, hidden costs or unfair fees. 

  • Follow EDLP (Everyday Low Price) practices. 
  • Monitor your competitors’ pricing and stay competitive.

Product quality concerns

The customer has issues with product safety, authenticity, expiration or sensory qualities (taste, smell, feel). 

  • Work with trusted suppliers. 
  • Perform regular quality and expiration checks. 

Response quality

The customer feels that your seller communication is slow, unhelpful or unprofessional. 

  • Check your Message Center daily. 
  • Reply in a prompt, professional manner and provide helpful solutions. 

Return

The customer faced difficulties with returning items or getting a refund. 

  • Post your return policies in a clear and accessible location. 
  • Process returns quickly, issue refunds promptly and provide instructions that are easy to read and understand. 

Pro tip

Actively monitor your Negative Feedback Rate and look for any emerging patterns or issues. If your rate increases above 2%, investigate the cause and resolve any issues as soon as you can. Taking proactive steps to improve your performance can help you maintain a strong seller reputation.  

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