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Performance dashboard: Return Rate

Last updated on Apr 29, 2026

Reading time: 2 min

In this guide:

Overview
What is the policy?
Additional guidelines

Overview

The Return Rate is a Seller Performance Standard that tracks the percentage of delivered items that are returned by the customer. In this guide, you’ll learn how the Return Rate is calculated and how it can be used to improve your performance.

Notes:

If you use Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS), most performance metrics will be met for you, including the Return Rate.

What is the policy?

The Return Rate is the percentage of items in the past 60 days that are returned by the customer due to the seller’s fault. Maintaining a low Return Rate helps ensure a positive customer experience and protects your performance metrics. High Return Rates can indicate issues with product quality, listing accuracy or fulfillment practices. Frequently monitor your Return Rate from the Performance dashboard in Seller Center and ensure you maintain a rate of less than or equal to 6%.

Additional guidelines

This table provides a list of Return Rate performance drivers, along with recommendations for improvements:

Driver	Definition	Recommendations
Defective	The item does not function properly or has a manufacturer's defect, such as missing parts or quality issues.	Inspect inventory to ensure all parts are included as advertised. Verify that product quality matches what is displayed on Walmart.com. Work with manufacturers to address recurring product defects. Ensure product photos and descriptions accurately reflect the item customers will receive.
Damaged	The item arrived broken, leaking or visibly damaged.	Use sturdy, protective packaging appropriate for the product type and weight. Test packaging to ensure it protects items during transit. Evaluate carrier performance to identify and address repetitive handling issues.
Incorrect item	The customer received an item different from what was ordered.	Review product listings to ensure photos and descriptions accurately represent the item. Confirm UPCs are correctly associated with the appropriate products. Implement fulfillment quality checks to prevent picking and packing errors.
Arrived late	The item was delivered to the customer after the Expected Delivery Date.	Use reliable carriers with consistent on-time delivery performance. Review carrier performance regularly to identify patterns of delay. Ensure lag times and transit settings are accurate and realistic.

Notes:

The third-party information found within this policy and the related hyperlinks is for general informational purposes only and is not considered legal or business advice. This policy may contain links to third party content, which Walmart does not warrant, endorse, or assume liability for and your reliance on such content is solely at your own discretion.