Besides financial losses, what is a key consequence of mishandling returns and refunds?

Besides financial losses, a key consequence of mishandling returns and refunds is a significant negative impact on seller performance metrics and overall account health within the Walmart Marketplace. Frequent or poorly handled returns and refunds can lead to a decrease in your seller rating, an increase in order defect rates, and ultimately, suspension of selling privileges. Walmart closely monitors these metrics to ensure a positive customer experience, and sellers who consistently fail to meet their standards are penalized. For example, a high return rate, especially if attributed to product defects or inaccurate descriptions, signals to Walmart that the seller is not providing quality products or accurate information. Similarly, delays in processing refunds or disputes over returns can result in negative feedback and escalations to Walmart customer support, further damaging the seller's reputation. This can lead to reduced visibility in search results, loss of Buy Box eligibility, and ultimately, a decline in sales and profitability. Therefore, efficient and fair handling of returns and refunds is crucial for maintaining a healthy seller account and avoiding penalties from Walmart.