Walmart Open Call Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Walmart Open Call item submission process work?

Walmart is using RangeMe to review submissions to virtually attend their annual sourcing event for U.S. suppliers and manufacturers, Open Call 2020.

Please submit a maximum of one product per product category (Baby, Cosmetics, Snacks, etc.) to be considered by the Walmart sourcing team. Additional items within a given category should be included as variants in the submission or can be referenced at the buyer meeting if invited.

If your submission is selected on RangeMe, you’ll be notified by August 28th, and invited to present your products to Walmart buyers on October 1st in virtual one-on-one meetings. Applying is a commitment to attend virtual Open Call meetings on October 1 if selected.

What is Open Call?

Walmart’s Open Call is an exciting and unique opportunity for selected American entrepreneurs meet with Walmart buyers and potentially get their product in the hands of millions of customers. Now in its seventh year, this year’s virtual event provides information to potential suppliers, offers great networking opportunities and gives businesses of all sizes from across the nation a chance at the big break they’ve been looking for. 

Why does Walmart have an Open Call event?

Walmart believes that supporting American products and American jobs makes sense for its customers, community, and company. Walmart is leading the way through its commitment to purchase an additional $250 billion in products made, sourced, or grown in the U.S. by 2023.

What are the key dates I should know?

July 2nd: Submissions open 

August 10th: Deadline to submit. Depending on the number of responses, the application process may close early so don’t delay.

August 28th: Suppliers are notified on their Open Call submission status 

October 1st: Open Call event 

What is RangeMe?

RangeMe is the leading online platform that streamlines product discovery, sampling, and sourcing between suppliers and retailers.

I am new to RangeMe, who will have access to the information I submit?

Information submitted to Walmart on RangeMe is exclusive to Walmart buyers during Open Call. After Open Call closes your products will be discoverable by additional retailers unless you choose to remove your products.

RangeMe will contact you prior to November 2nd, 2020 about being discoverable by additional retailers.

How do I know if Walmart received my submission?

You can confirm your submission to Walmart by clicking here, or heading to the Submissions tab at the top of your profile, and selecting "my submissions" to view any submissions that have been made.

If selected, suppliers must be available to attend Open Call activities.

My product is approved now what?

Once your product is approved and submitted by the RangeMe team your product will be published and visible to Walmart buyers on the platform. Please note the RangeMe team approves products to be published on the platform only, having your product approved does NOT mean you have been selected for Open Call.

All selected suppliers must be available to attend Open Call activities.

What if I want to submit more than one product per category?

If you submit more than one product in the same category, the second submission in that category will not be reviewed -- so be sure to post your top product per category.

RangeMe will direct your product submissions to the appropriate Walmart category manager, so be sure to label your products with the appropriate categories during the submission process. Shop your local Walmart store if unsure what category is most appropriate.

What products will Walmart NOT be accepting for Open Call? 

Print books, eBooks, audiobooks, or magazines; music or movie recordings; products with CBD or other ingredients not approved by the FDA.

Can I submit multiple brands?

Yes! You are encouraged to submit products from all your brands. Please submit one product per product category (Baby, Cosmetics, Snacks, etc.) to be considered by the Walmart sourcing team. Additional items within a given category should be included as variants in the submission or can be referenced at the buyer meeting if invited.

If I’m selected to Walmart’s 2020 Open Call, can I present more than one product?

Yes! If invited to Open Call 2020 you will have the opportunity to present all your products within that category to the category buyer.

Where can I find the answers to questions not covered in this FAQ?

Our friendly RangeMe support team is happy to assist, simply email our team with Walmart Open Call questions at opencall2020@rangeme.com

I attended a previous open call – can I apply again?

Yes, we encourage repeat attendees for categories you’ve not pitched to previously, and only with buyers you’ve not met in the last 12 months.

Now that I have received the email invitation to attend meetings, how do I confirm my participation for Open Call?

Click on this registration link (active on August 28), or in the email sent on August 28th and add up to a maximum of three attendees, confirm your ability to meet Walmart’s business requirements, and click submit.

Who do I contact if I have a question about the status of my application, attendees or the overall Open Call process?

Support for all application and RSVP related questions is available at opencall2020@rangeme.com.

General Open Call questions for Walmart can be submitted at USAJobs@walmart.com.

Do I have to attend the meetings if my products are selected?

Applying is a commitment to attend virtual Open Call meetings on October 1 if selected.