Walmart Open Call Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Walmart Open Call item submission process work?

Walmart is using RangeMe for the online application process and to review product submissions for its virtual Open Call,  Walmart’s annual sourcing event for U.S. suppliers and manufacturers. Open Call 2021.

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 will be notified by June 1st and invited to present your products to Walmart merchants on June 30th in virtual one-on-one meetings. Submitting is a commitment to attend virtual Open Call meetings on June 30th, if selected.

What is Open Call?

Walmart’s Open Call is an exciting and unique opportunity for selected American entrepreneurs to meet with Walmart merchants and potentially get their product in the hands of millions of customers. Now in its eighth 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 have been looking for. 

 What is RangeMe?

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

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 $350 billion in products made, sourced, or grown in the U.S. by 2023.

What are the key dates I should know?

March 22nd: Submissions open 

April 30th: Deadline to submit. Depending on the number of responses, the application process may close early so do not delay with application submission.

June 1st: Suppliers are notified regarding their Open Call submission status 

June 30th: Open Call event 

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

Information submitted to Walmart on RangeMe is exclusive to Walmart merchants 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 July 30st 2021 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 selecting  the Submissions tab at the top of your profile and selecting "my submissions" to view any submissions that have been made. Completed submissions will show a “view submission” button. 

If selected, suppliers must be available to attend the Open Call event on June 30th. 

My product is approved now what?

Once your product is approved and submitted by the RangeMe team, your product will be p

ublished and visible to Walmart merchants. 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 the Open Call event.

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  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? 

The following products will NOT be accepted at Open Call:  Print books, eBooks, audiobooks, or magazines; music or movie recordings; products with CBD or other ingredients not approved by the FDA. Read more here. 

Who is Sam’s Club?

Sam’s Club is owned and operated by Walmart and named after Walmart founder Sam Walton is a membership warehouse club with almost 600 locations across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Suppliers submitted to Walmart Open Call will have the opportunity to submit to only Walmart, only Sam’s Club or both Walmart and Sam’s Club depending on their capabilities. 

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.) per brand 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 merchant meeting, if invited.

If I am selected to Walmart’s 2021 Open Call, can I present more than one product?

Yes! If invited to Open Call 2021, you will have the opportunity to present all of your products within the same category to the category merchant.

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

Our friendly RangeMe support team is happy to assist.  Simply email your questions to our Walmart Open Call team  at opencall2021@rangeme.com .

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

Yes, we encourage repeat attendees for categories you have not pitched to previously, and only with merchants you have 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 March 22nd) or in the email sent on March 22nd 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 RangeMe application, product submission and RSVP related questions is available at opencall2021@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 June 30th if selected.