What is a Walmart deduction?
----------------------------

A Walmart deduction is a fee subtracted from an invoice that corresponds to a particular code. Typically, this will be reflected in an EDI 812 (Credit/Debit Adjustment). There are over 100 deduction reasons that Walmart will deduct these fees, and sometimes, multiple codes will appear on invoices.

What are the common Walmart deduction codes?
--------------------------------------------

Below is a list of common Walmart deduction codes. Each one links to a separate article detailing information about that code.

*   [Code 10: Price Difference as Documented (Allowance Difference)](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-10-price-difference-as-documented-allowance-difference/)
*   [Code 11: Pricing Overcharge (Price Difference between PO and Invoice)](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-11-pricing-overcharge-price-difference-between-po-and-invoice/)
*   [Code 12: Invoice Incorrectly Extended](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-12-invoice-incorrectly-extended/)
*   [Code 13: Substitution Overcharge](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-13-substitution-overcharge/)
*   [Code 14: Short/Damaged (Trailer Seal Intact)](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-14-short-damaged-trailer-seal-intact/)
*   [Code 15: Pallets/Shrink-wrapped Short/Damaged](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-15-pallets-shrink-wrapped-short-damaged/)
*   [Code 21: Concealed Shortages](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-21-concealed-shortages/)
*   [Code 22: Goods Billed not Shipped](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-22-goods-billed-not-shipped/)
*   [Code 23: Carton Shortage SLC](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-23-carton-shortage-slc/)
*   [Code 24: Carton Shortage/Freight Bill Signed Short](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-24-carton-shortage-freight-bill-signed-short/)
*   [Code 25: No Merchandise Received for Invoice](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-25-no-merchandise-received-for-invoice/)
*   [Code 28: Carton Damaged/Freight Bill Signed Damaged](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-28-carton-damaged-freight-bill-signed-damaged/)
*   [Code 30: Duplicate Billing](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-30-duplicate-billing/)
*   [Code 44: Freight on Returned Merchandise/Returned Goods](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-44-freight-on-returned-merchandise-returned-goods/)
*   [Code 47: Excessive Freight on Invoice Description](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-47-excessive-freight-on-invoice-description/)
*   [Code 50: Advertising Allowance (AA)](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-50-advertising-allowance-aa/)
*   [Code 51: Promotional Allowance Display/Fixture Allowance (PA)](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-51-promotional-allowance-display-fixture-allowance-pa/)
*   [Code 52: Volume Allowance (VA)](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-52-volume-allowance-va/)
*   [Code 53: Truckload Allowance (TA)](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-53-truckload-allowance-ta/)
*   [Code 54: Warehouse Allowance (WA)](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-54-warehouse-allowance-wa/)
*   [Code 55: New Location Allowance (OL or SA)](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-55-new-location-allowance-sa-or-ol/)
*   [Code 57: Quantity Discount](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-57-quantity-discount/)
*   [Code 58: DSDC Allowance (Other allowances DA, EB, SD)](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-58-dsdc-allowance-other-allowances-da-eb-sd/)
*   [Code 59: Defective Merchandise Allowance (DM)](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-59-defective-merchandise-allowance-dm/)
*   [Code 60: Handling Charge as Documented](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-60-handling-charge-as-documented/)
*   [Code 63: BOL Addressed to Wrong Location](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-63-bol-addressed-to-wrong-location/)
*   [Code 64: Early Shipment](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-64-early-shipment/)
*   [Code 66: Markdown Monies/Price Protection](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-66-markdown-monies-price-protection/)
*   [Code 67: Display Allowance](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-67-display-allowance/)
*   [Code 68: Signing Allowance](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-68-signing-allowance/)
*   [Code 69: Grocery Billback Allowance](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-69-grocery-billback-allowance/)
*   [Code 70: Co-Op Allowance](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-70-co-op-allowance/)
*   [Code 72: Labor and Handling (Ticketing/Re-Ticketing)](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-72-labor-and-handling-ticketing-re-ticketing/)
*   [Code 73: Duplicate Payment](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-73-duplicate-payment/)
*   [Code 80: Cash Discount](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-80-cash-discount/)
*   [Code 82: Anticipation – Early Payment of Invoice](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-82-anticipation-early-payment-of-invoice/)
*   [Code 87: Other](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-87-other/)
*   [Code 92: Mdse. Return (Overstock/Recall)](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-92-mdse-return-overstock-recall/)
*   [Code 93: Mdse. Return (Damaged Merchandise)](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-93-mdse-return-damaged-merchandise/)
*   [Code 94: Goods Returned/Defective Merchandise](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-94-goods-returned-defective-merchandise/)
*   [Code 95: Mdse. Return (Wrong Item)](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-95-mdse-return-wrong-item/)
*   [Code 97: Returned Goods (Handling Charge)](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-97-returned-goods-handling-charge/)
*   [Code 99: OTIF](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-99-otif/)
*   [Code 120: WMTD Claims (MDSE Return – Walmart Discretion Program)](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-120-wmtd-claims-mdse-return-walmart-discretion-program/)
*   [Code 150: Softgoods Defective Allowance](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-150-softgoods-defective-allowance/)

There are [additional deductions codes](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/additional-deduction-codes/) not listed here as well.

[![1-click disputes. Just like that. Get started.](https://media.graphcms.com/Q7hMAHQyRsiAZLX7Frp4)](https://www.supplypike.com/deductions)

Walmart Deduction Codes

If you’re sending your products to retailers you’re all too familiar with allowances and deductions. And you know the financial impact associated with these terms. But, it gets confusing. You want to be sure you know the difference between retailer deductions and allowances so you can have a clear understanding of when you need to take action.

**Deductions vs. Allowances**
-----------------------------

Whenever an invoice is sent to a retailer, it’s difficult to miss the negatives charges at the bottom of the bill. Quantity discounts and net terms seem to be standing out in red (even if they aren’t) because of the money that appears to have been a loss to no fault of your own.

These credits are called **allowances**. They are the terms that you and your retailer agree to whenever you become their supplier. Allowances entail that if a retailer does specific actions that are beneficial for you (buy in bulk, pay you by a particular time), then you will do something that is beneficial for them – by taking money off of their order.

But what about the other charges that you receive? The ones that the retailer sends back with the check? Those are called **deductions**.

**What do deductions look like?**
---------------------------------

You may have recognized them whenever you go to reconcile your purchase order, invoice, and payment together. These deductions are the line items that seemingly outnumber the few positive amounts.

**Example:**

Invoice 478971: $456.00

Adjustment code 22: -$22.53

Adjustment code 54: -$120.34

Invoice: 590729: $790.53

Adjustment Code 25: $790.53

Invoice: 908190: $592.01

Adjustment Code 51: -$23.89

The retailer sends you a deduction whenever they record something wrong with your order when it is received. Based on a list that is typically held in your retailer’s EDI 820 specs ([check out Walmart’s, for example](http://www.jobisez.com/edi-igs/Walmart/820RemittanceAdvice5010.pdf)), these deductions can seemingly penalize you for anything.

**What do the adjustment codes mean?**
--------------------------------------

These adjustment codes are a signal that something is wrong in your supply chain. For example, if you are receiving an abnormally high volume of the adjustment code 27 for Walmart, that could mean that you need to reexamine your carton’s quality and see if it’s time for an upgrade.

Your retailer manages deductions after receiving the invoice. Allowances are terms that are sent with your invoice because of what you and your retailer had agreed to when you became their supplier.

Deductions signify that something has gone awry and needs improvement, while allowances are the sign of your business at work.

It can be intimidating, but with the right knowledge, you can correct your supply chain and possibly even get some money back for invalid errors.

[Contact us today for a deduction analysis of your Walmart business](https://www.supplypike.com/deductions)!

![1-Click disputes](https://media.graphcms.com/Xdb33nmtQa0VXrmg2OTo)

The Difference Between Retailer Deductions And Allowances

Learn about:

*   Accounts Payable deductions
*   Accounts Receivable deductions
*   Disputing deductions

* * *

Deductions are a point of pain for many suppliers. It’s even worse if you’re not sure where they’re coming from. Here’s the difference between **Accounts Payable** (AP) and **Accounts Receivable** (AR) deductions.

Accounts Payable Deductions
---------------------------

AP deductions are from Walmart’s accounts payable department. AP deductions mean that Walmart paid one of your invoices but withheld payment for all or part of the invoice because of something that occurred related to that particular invoice.

AP deductions generally come with a code tied to them. We have compiled a [**list of common Walmart deduction codes**](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/categories/walmart-deductions-codes/) that you will see on your invoices. We have also gone further in-depth into the [**most common Walmart deduction codes**](https://supplypike.com/blog/what-are-the-most-common-walmart-deductions-codes/) and what you can do about them.

There are some AP deductions codes that are not tied with a particular invoice, however. Return codes such as code 94s and code 92s don’t always relate to an invoice but are still AP claims.

An AP deduction will come straight from the remittance that Walmart sends you after you have invoiced it. You can view these deductions and their codes in APIS in Retail Link. If the deductions are valid, there is no action needed on your part. The money will simply be deducted from your remittance. You may see deductions on as many as all of your checks.

AP deductions will explicitly show you the reason for your deductions on the check itself. It will show the PO number, the invoice number, the affected distribution center, and the microfilm number. These numbers will be relevant to the PO.

![Accounts Payable deduction](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/qZpXRdToUHZhjTEG9a3N2F2CljkuQyeHnb5G7htomuO0uTdVadTq6QUKOegOCSFzlmdhIAGZDLmXuBNI4pPMDZOQtfSvdasEGU-qselBUUX6BFihqynIu7g91GXjeH1E6mDzwy_g)

An accounts payable deduction

### What do I do about invalid AP deductions?

AP deductions are disputed using the Direct Commerce portal. Generally speaking, you’ll need proper documentation regarding the order, such as invoices, purchase orders, and proofs of delivery. 

[![Stop losing money and wasting time. Get started for free. ](https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/yez22ROrH8c5-GzTDBB_OZf8gxIdOtht-qv359kCLzk24KRasQBAILXGJi8QMAITUnjBosZ7Ro9XMPy5mr3oPnTdD500MpI1A2ZiUYEZJ_HHb-EkY_vofwNhqalf8u9ILaeCrjf5)](https://www.supplypike.com/deductions)

### AP Deductions visibility and easy disputes

SupplyPike’s [**Deductions Navigator**](https://www.supplypike.com/deductions) software gives you full visibility into your Walmart accounts payable deductions. We directly connect to your retailer, carriers, 3PLs, and dispute portals to give you a better understanding of your deductions and allow you to dispute with the click of a button. Get started today [**for free**](https://www.supplypike.com/deductions/pricing)**!**

![Deductions Navigator screenshot](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/rNM8in_a1CPijtdmlWb0iR1JJhXhdCdaZqS4QbWM7q2KUzXPIKjV-HoA-ewPcCXsn6yAWCkg-kCoHYb5OS3k7B4Y0oS3xwCFpL3YENPZ4rGyAaX4SKEoD5EUxF2xsObT8xn1aF6n)

Accounts Receivable Deductions
------------------------------

AR deductions are from Walmart’s accounts receivable department. AR deductions mean that at some point Walmart came across something where it felt that you owed it money, so _Walmart_ invoiced _you_. These invoice numbers often begin with “7000…”.

AR claims are for chargebacks such as [**OTIF fines**](https://supplypike.com/blog/why-is-otif-important/) for which Walmart will invoice you once a month. These charges also include Truck Ordered Not Used (TONU), Detention, Bluebox (CA), Excessive Defective Invoices, among others.

AR deductions are also for lumper fees (also known as unloading fees) that Walmart will levy in bulk increments of $50 for unloading trucks.

AR deductions can be viewed and disputed in the High Radius portal.

An AR deduction will be sent to you as an invoice. You can view these deductions in High Radius, which will show you the specific amount of the invoice. You have 30 days to pay the invoice or to challenge it. If you do not take care of it in that timeframe, then it will likely come off the next remittance Walmart sends you. For some suppliers, it won’t come off the check, but they will be dropped into a collections process. This is a more rare scenario, however.

AR deductions usually will _not_ show a deduction reason or PO number. For the store number, it will often show 9000, and for the division, 0005. The invoice number will often start with 7000, and the microfilm number will be more than five non-zero digits. 

![Accounts Receivable deduction](https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/quMiKH8dMoEQEXO6MBsrLz1Pm-nUt2nvMbM9jngBHXUWb7NrS5IJVdniwOHEeBLKFXmgfdNShS_1Ue-QdZPXK4TwcNOS60zzlsN9xQOv9Sz0llTZdafE4KqMRBrs2TReNviMdIuO)

An accounts receivable deduction

A microfilm number refers to the physical microfilm of the deduction information. Walmart keeps a hard copy of claim backup information for manually-generated claims and payments. To access this backup information, you must submit a **[Request for Backup form](https://supplieracademy.wal-mart.com/pluginfile.php/984/mod_wiki/attachments/190/Backup_Request_Form.pdf)** (requires login). Information for auto-generated claims is stored in APIS in Retail Link.

### What do I do about invalid AR deductions?

Some AR deductions may be challenged, and even [**OTIF fines can sometimes be disputed**](https://supplypike.com/blog/how-to-dispute-walmart-otif-chargebacks/). AR deductions are disputed in High Radius and may require specific documentation.

For more information on disputing AP and AR deductions, view our post on [**How to Dispute a Walmart Deduction**](https://supplypike.com/blog/how-to-dispute-a-walmart-deduction/).

[![One-click disputes. Just like that. Take the tour. ](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Y6lWjOyKao37hdQh17CnDJ32sOhEWF5C4MFoWEcJwewSj0M-HBii9SThss0_0rmtOw0WhieGIcHNMaYgfaSJ4e6KAhOYTt5qTprmJvnWwzX2WtqQmTfNvRKIQO_8Ka9AB-HTpzwL)](https://www.supplypike.com/deductions)

The Difference Between AP And AR Deductions

What is a deduction?
--------------------

Ever get a check back from Walmart with big, fat negative numbers and some mystery codes attached to them? What do they mean?

Well, Walmart will sometimes subtract **deductions** from your invoiced amount for various infractions and label them with corresponding **reason codes.** 

There are many reasons why Walmart might not pay the full invoice total, ranging from price differences between the invoice and purchase order to invoices being sent for more product than the warehouse received.

But there’s a catch – deductions are not always valid. It’s extremely common for suppliers to receive deductions in error, and suppliers can usually dispute these deductions.

![Sample Deduction Information from Walmart](https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/mXJPD089CU6dug9tBeYy26XiiH7qYK1fTdCtcWCZD6_EojJFlaLssCFZhQTLyxeJl_eoN-MtxveSC1Ku2vtampyN-rLMXFma0JQ6PX2YbGwWXaVPEtaA2ONZh4MTj06hhR3edwYF)

So what should I expect to see?
-------------------------------

There are nearly one hundred Walmart deduction codes that suppliers can receive, with some being more common than others. We have compiled a [**list of all deduction codes**](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/walmart-deduction-codes/) that can appear on your checks or in your credit/debit adjustment documents. However, there are three that most commonly plague suppliers: 22, 24, and 25.

What is deduction code 22?
--------------------------

Deduction Code 22 stands for “**Goods Billed not Shipped**.” This code occurs when you invoice Walmart for items that they did not receive. For example, if the DC signs for 10 cases but the invoice is for 12 cases, then this would trigger a Code 22 for the 2 cases which were invoiced but not shipped. However, claims for code 22s are often triggered incorrectly. There are several reasons why Walmart might give an invalid code 22, but most are due to simple human error when the shipment is checked in at a DC. 

What is deduction code 24?
--------------------------

Deduction Code 24 stands for “**Carton Shortage/Freight Bill Signed Short**.” This code refers to an order that was **signed short** by the distribution center. In this case, the BOL shows that there are more items than what arrived in the shipment, so the POD is stamped as short. Code 24s are often given for invalid reasons, like orders getting mixed up when flowing through a Walmart centerpoint or items for a PO mistakenly arriving at the DC in different shipments, causing the DC to report the PO as short initially. 

What is deduction code 25?
--------------------------

Deduction Code 25 stands for “**No Merchandise Received for Invoice**.” For this code, Walmart said they didn’t receive _any_ product for a specific invoice. How can that be? The invoice likely went out before the shipment did. Walmart will deduct the total amount of those invoices with a code 25, but don’t try to fix the problem by sending a new invoice! That will cause an adjustment code 30 for duplicate billing. Instead, dispute the code 25 by showing that the shipment was delivered after all.

What do I do now?
-----------------

Now that you know what codes 22, 24, and 25 are, here’s how you take action and get paid back:

1.  **Identify** –You can see when these deductions are withheld from your payments by viewing your checks in the **Accounts Payable Inquiry System (APIS)** in Retail Link. You’ll need to open each check to see which deductions were withheld or search for specific invoice numbers under the Claims tab. Unfortunately, Walmart does not make it easy to see all of your deductions in one place.
2.  **Research** – There are two primary ways to determine if a 22, 24, or 25 is valid. First, check the shipping documents. If shipping Prepaid, check the **signed proof of delivery (POD)** to verify that the DC received the order in full. If shipping Collect, check the **bill of lading (BOL)** to confirm that the carrier picked up the order in full. Second, run an inventory received report in the **Decision Support System (DSS)** inside Retail Link. Check the quantities that Walmart’s system says they received for a PO. Then, compare the quantities to what was invoiced. You can dispute the deduction if you have proof that the DC received the order in full. 
3.  **Dispute** – You can dispute code 22s, 24s, and 25s in the **[Direct Commerce portal](https://my.directcommerce.com/Login.jsp)**. Fill in all of the information required for a dispute, then attach the evidence you gathered from the research step showing that the deduction is invalid.
4.  **Track** – After you’ve submitted a dispute, you’ll need to keep an eye on it in case Walmart requests more information. If they do send it back, you will have seven days to submit updated information. Otherwise, the dispute will be denied. It often takes a month or more for Walmart to act on a dispute.

How can SupplyPike help?
------------------------

We know that navigating these codes can be a headache, so we’ve created an easy solution to help you dispute deductions. [**SupplyPike Deductions Navigator**](https://www.supplypike.com/deductions) software takes the pain out of every step of dealing with deduction codes 22, 24, and 25. We organize your deductions, automate the research and disputes, and provide detailed reporting.

1.  **Identify** – Deductions Navigator gives you a clean, beautiful interface where you can easily view all of your deductions. Search, filter, and sort to find exactly what you’re looking for, and use our detailed reporting to understand trends and identify root causes. Plus, you’ll have all the information you need to take action on any code with our in-depth knowledge base.
2.  **Research** – Researching shortage claims is easy with SupplyPike. We can integrate with your carriers or 3PL to automatically fetch shipping documents and associate them with your deductions. Plus, we pull inventory received information from Retail Link to show you what Walmart has received for your orders.
3.  **Dispute** – Manually disputing deductions in the Direct Commerce portal is a thing of the past. Deductions Navigator allows you to submit disputes in a single click without ever leaving the app.  
4.  **Track** – We automatically keep track of your dispute statuses, so you always know how your disputes are progressing. Plus, you can see totals for how much you’ve won back from Walmart.

![SupplyPike Deduction Details](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/LIwPP_WHBpo8l-P4z_FUnkpKjhl0GXIYIPbBZwrxKTOjwQu1vJJpm9y1CJaC2pf7cmOpGY__FbcypXwKoHKFITaoZ01XQU5N8CXkcAfIHaJyWZOs08dzqYNACsq3Rg3MDgdNA6aZ)

[Sign up for a **free trial** today](https://www.supplypike.com/deductions), no risk!

_Read more about deductions in our post **[The Difference Between Retailer Deductions And Allowances](https://supplypike.com/blog/the-difference-between-retailer-deductions-and-allowances/)**_.

[![Understand your deductions in a snap. Start for free. ](https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/fn8qRore9jpPyQZl7sJl1FIZsjFrJb6LCNIaiY4H0NMzni2HGKuMDMqqgcYaNjtIWcowRmva2wYAIvQQD67UuLJlqD0MjKp5jWNwxqQ-eJEIHwTSYIxKI7-Gc4vEdu1Z2TKBKB9C)](https://www.supplypike.com/deductions)

What Are The Most Common Walmart Deductions Codes?

Learn about:

* The types of post audit claims
* How to prevent post audits
* Disputing post audit claims

---

There is a variety of **[deductions](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/what-are-the-most-common-walmart-deductions-codes/)** that Walmart suppliers must face while doing business with the retailer. These range from accounts payable deductions, which come off invoices, to accounts receivable deductions, which come in the form of fines to the supplier. There are also **post audits**.

Walmart creates post audit claims, and the claim numbers usually are nine digits long. Walmart Post Audit conducts reviews of transactions, email correspondence, and supplier agreements between Walmart and suppliers to identify and recover funds lost while doing business. 

Walmart conducts post audit reviews after Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable have finalized their payments and deductions processes. This means that the post audit timeline runs up to two calendar years after the initial transaction. 

Depending on what claims Walmart’s accounting team generates for a supplier, they could receive multiple claims within that two-year time frame because Walmart has two additional auditing firms following up their research to ensure that they get all funds due to them. 

Upon creating claims, the auditor will send the supplier contact a copy of the entire claim package. Walmart recommends that suppliers create a generic post audit distribution address, provide that to Walmart, then manage who receives those emails internally within their organization.


## Types of Post Audit claims 

There are many types of post audit deductions. Some of the most common are for:



* Pricing 
* Allowances
* Freight & Handling Charges on Returns
* Trucks Ordered Not Used
* Failure to Combined Loads


### Pricing

Pricing post audit claims can occur when an item is price-protected, and all the units were not captured in the coop when it was calculated. Other pricing scenarios may occur as well.


### Allowances

Example **[allowances](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/the-difference-between-retailer-deductions-and-allowances/)** include cash discounts, defective allowances, and quantity allowances. These allowances are typically off-invoice, not given at the time of invoicing, and come in the form of fines.


### Freight & Handling Charges on Returns

If you are a collect supplier, you could see charges for freight and handling on returns. The auditors will calculate the cost of delivering the cargo on the damaged product and create an audit to recover the freight charges for the item.  

Walmart accounting calculates a 10% handling charge on all damaged products. This charge occurs to recover the cost of handling the product that Walmart could not sell. 


### Trucks Ordered Not Used

Trucks Ordered Not Used (TONU) is a charge that occurs anytime the supplier doesn’t use a truck, and Walmart or the supplier must reroute the driver. Suppliers may see this claim when they cancel a collect order.


### Failure to Combined Loads

Audits for Failure to Combined Loads are typically for a collect supplier that does not utilize the loads properly.  

Anytime a purchase order is removed from a truck, the logistics company dispatches a new truck to cover the load.

These are just a few examples of post audit claims.  


## How to prevent post audits

Preventing post audits depends on the type of deduction. Here are some examples.


### Pricing 

Suppliers wanting to prevent pricing post audits should email verbiage when negotiating pricing claims with your buyer. Suppliers must note in the email body that this is just an offer until an email between the supplier and the buyer confirms any updated pricing offers.


### Allowances

The most common error in allowances is not giving the allowances as the vendor agreement notes. These claims also occur when the allowance is not in the proper segment in the EDI raw data where Walmart or Sam’s state that it should be. 

It is common among suppliers to not pull all the data that is on the EDI raw data, therefore causing them to miss where the allowances should be. To prevent this, suppliers will need to ensure that they pull _all_ segments of the order’s raw data before invoicing. 


### Freight & Handling Charges on Returns

Unfortunately, Freight & Handling Charges on Returns are hard to prevent as suppliers do not always have control over damaged products. The best way to avoid these claims is to ensure proper packaging and **[palleting](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/what-is-ti-hi/)** of the supplier’s item to ensure it arrives safely.


### Trucks Ordered Not Used

A most common error on Trucks Ordered Not Used claims is when load constraints are not set up correctly in the item master. An incorrect setup could cause the loads to build incorrectly. 

Also, if a supplier has items that weigh out before they cube, the supplier needs to set them up by weight. However, suppliers may have items that cube out before they weigh out, so they would want to set them up as cube. Suppliers that have items in each area might consider setting up a department subsequence number: one for weight and one for cube. These numbers will help build suppliers’ trucks more efficiently. 


### Failure to Combined Loads

To avoid claims for Failure to Combined Loads, suppliers should double-check the logistics provider is utilizing the entire truck when it assigns their loads. The supplier may have to go back to Walmart and ask the retailer to rebuild the truck with the POs on it as requested. Building loads properly is just as much the supplier’s responsibility as it is Walmart’s. 


## What is the process for deducting Post Audit claims?

There are two types of post audit claims that suppliers can see:



* Correspondence-based, where Walmart’s auditor contacts the supplier
* Supplier agreement-based, where the supplier has a history of claims


### Correspondence-based post audits

Walmart auto-deducts post audits that are between **$500 and $100,000** and sends an email to the supplier contact on file with the entire claim packet attached. It is the supplier’s responsibility to research these post audits promptly and dispute if needed. 

The auditor works on these disputes immediately upon receipt from the supplier.  When disputing, suppliers should include all supporting documentation to prove that this post audit is not valid. 

Walmart will email post audits **over $100,000.01** to the supplier contact on file with the entire claim packet. The supplier has 15 days to respond. Once the supplier responds, the auditor will work through to create a resolution with the supplier. 

If the supplier does not answer within 15 days, the auditor will escalate the claim to the buyer for review and approval. Failure to reach an agreement with the supplier within 30 days will also result in escalation of the claim to the buyer for review and approval. 

It is the supplier’s responsibility to research these post audits on time and dispute if needed. The auditor works on these disputes immediately upon receipt from the supplier. When disputing these claims, suppliers should include all supporting documentation to prove that this post audit is not valid. 


### Supplier agreement-based post audits

If the supplier has a history of claims, Walmart will auto-deduct the claims, regardless of the amount. Then, Walmart will send an email to the supplier contact on file with the entire claim packet. 

If the supplier does not have a history of claims, Walmart will email the supplier contact on file with the entire claim packet. It is the supplier’s responsibility to research these post audits promptly and dispute if needed.


## How to dispute a post audit claim

If the supplier receives the claim packet and wishes to dispute the claim, the supplier must contact the auditor directly.

If the supplier did not receive a copy of the claim packet from the auditor, the supplier would need to contact the call center at **888-499-6377** or request a copy of the microfilm from the microfilm department. 


### Escalation Process

If the supplier does not receive a response on time from the auditor and has made several attempts to contact them, they can call the vendor call center at **888-499-6377** with their concerns.


## In summary

Post audits are a type of deduction that Walmart suppliers will see, but suppliers may dispute these claims like other deductions. These claims are also preventable if the supplier practices due diligence.


## Got other deductions?

Use SupplyPike’s **[Deductions Navigator](https://www.supplypike.com/deductions)** to fight invalid AP deductions with integrated documentation and claim information.

![](https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/fUu7RhmAdy-sicmOOg5yQ2QtVGL4SXd6MeUj4UN7BfXGyJ9sunnV6hMFPGbyvfZ3ccnPQHVVvpZv7cLNMxEFbKOSIaj32utgvKrJUeVC-qrTPY0Own3CARCcWjCDJSdtpZ63JHuN=s0)

_Deductions Navigator Dashboard_

[Put money back into your pocket! **Get started today!**](https://www.supplypike.com/deductions)

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What Is a Post Audit Claim?

Learn about:

*   Walmart allowances and why they’re used
*   How incorrect allowances can cause deductions
*   How to correct allowance errors
*   How to dispute allowance deductions

* * *

**Walmart allowances** are used to help Walmart to recover some of the cost of doing business. Most of the allowances can be given **Off Invoice (OI)**. Allowances, for the most part, are found in agreements between suppliers and Walmart.

**Allowance deductions** depend on what allowances the Walmart buyer and the supplier agree on when setting up the vendor agreement and the terms. When you are negotiating the types of allowances that you are going to give, make sure that the vendor agreement is filled out to match what you have discussed. 

The most common error when filling out the vendor agreement is to put that you are going to give Walmart an allowance but then not check how you expect to give that allowance.  By doing that, you are agreeing to give that allowance Off Invoice. 

The most common OI allowances are “New Warehouse” allowances, “Defective Merchandise” allowances, and “New Location” allowances. Most of the other allowances are better if you agree to give them on a quarterly or yearly bases.

Walmart Allowance Deductions
----------------------------

When allowances are not given correctly off the invoices you will see deductions for Walmart allowances. The deduction codes for allowances are in the 50s and generally involve allowances that are on your **Online Supplier Agreement (OSA)**. These codes are:

*   **[Code 50: Advertising Allowance](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-50-advertising-allowance-aa/)** is generated when there is an advertising allowance (negotiated to defray advertising costs on Walmart’s behalf) listed in your OSA but is missing from the invoice.
*   **[Code 51: Promotional Allowance](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-51-promotional-allowance-display-fixture-allowance-pa/)** is generated when there is a promotional allowance (for certain products during a specified period of time) listed in your OSA but is missing from the invoice.
*   **[Code 52: Volume Allowance](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-52-volume-allowance-va/)** is generated when there is a volume allowance (when Walmart buys a large amount of merchandise) listed in your OSA but is missing from the invoice.
*   **[Code 53: Truckload Allowance](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-53-truckload-allowance-ta/)** is generated when there is a freight allowance (negotiated to offset transportation costs) listed in your OSA but is missing from the invoice.
*   **[Code 54: Warehouse Allowance](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-54-warehouse-allowance-wa/)** is generated when there is a warehouse allowance (negotiated for warehouse orders to eliminate the work and expense of shipping direct to stores) listed in your OSA but is missing from the invoice.
*   **[Code 55: New Location Allowance](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-55-new-location-allowance-sa-or-ol/)** is generated when there is a new location allowance (for new warehouses, orders placed prior to the grand opening of new stores, and some purchase orders sent to distribution centers with new stores) listed in your OSA but is missing from the invoice.
*   **[Code 56: Early Buy Allowance](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-56-early-buy-allowance/)** is generated when there is an early buy allowance (negotiated in return for giving the supplier budgeting advantages) listed in your OSA but is missing from the invoice.
*   **[Code 57: Quantity Discount](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-57-quantity-discount/)** is generated when there is a quantity allowance (for purchase orders for a particular quantity ordered) listed in your OSA but is missing from the invoice.
*   **[Code 58: DSDC Allowance](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-58-dsdc-allowance-other-allowances-da-eb-sd/)** is generated when there is a DSDC (direct-to-store, shipped through DC) allowance (used to cover a margin of error within advanced shipment notice \[ASN\] packs listed on Type 73 POs) listed in your OSA but is missing from the invoice.
*   **[Code 59: Defective Merchandise Allowance](http://59)** is generated when there is a defective merchandise allowance (to offset against the merchandise costs of returns) listed in your OSA but is missing from the invoice.

[![Visibility right where you need it](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/5KijJwJWvF2fQN1lxgkz6HowcC_tDFGOt5cVA7t-6uRF9bwslGnlQa9esqU6WD-aTxm2K-T92UimLTK21zFzNxP0U8N_FqHweThqsRLF3BW8Shz1n6Gp_S988KwCNQ)](https://www.supplypike.com/deductions)

Common Allowance Errors
-----------------------

The most common reason for getting allowance deductions is not giving the allowances in the correct spot when invoicing Walmart.  Your invoice should mirror the raw EDI data from Walmart. Some suppliers do not select to pull the raw data from Walmart’s EDI transmission, so allowances are given in the wrong area of the invoice.  

An example would be if in the raw EDI data it shows that you are to give the allowance off the bottom of the invoice, but when you transmit the invoice, you are giving the allowance off each line of the invoice.  Walmart will keep the allowance that you gave to them in the incorrect locations but then take a deduction for the allowance off the entire invoice.  

Another common error occurs when you are supposed to be giving a defective allowance but you transmit the invoice as another allowance type such as a promotional allowance. Again, with this Walmart will take a deduction for the valid deduction code but keep the invalid allowance that was given off invoice. 

Walmart’s line-level matching system cannot match an allowance that is given off in the wrong area of the invoice which is why you will see an allowance deduction. This is why it is very important that when your EDI team is receiving the raw data from Walmart, they retrieve all of the segments and transmit all of the required segments.

**Correcting Allowance Errors**
-------------------------------

The first step you will need to do to correct this error is to have your EDI team pull the Walmart raw EDI data and see where the allowances are supposed to be on the invoices.  If they are not showing allowances in the raw data, then they are not pulling that segment from the raw data and will need to change the segments that they are capturing.  This is a common mistake that a lot of suppliers make.  Remember you are supposed to be mirroring the invoice to the raw EDI data.  

If the segment that you are putting the allowance in when transmitting the invoices is not the same segment, then you are transmitting the invoice incorrectly.  To correct this mistake, change the allowance to the correct segment and remove it from the incorrect segment. 

[![Get insights into your deductions](https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/nj_AQisnaVByORON7A_2HsP5kncigGrtbJ7qYBUt9Arb-Zva43eXmhXBUGl9xKFKAHILpS7hT3I2crJafBf1yK3fcmyOQlPWrGsFCEvm3Y5M6JmZLt2xkwKdmBpB0w)](https://www.supplypike.com/deductions)

**Getting Repaid for Walmart Allowance Deductions** 
----------------------------------------------------

You will need to create a spreadsheet showing all of the invoices that the invalid Walmart deductions were taken on.  On this list, you will need the invoice number, PO number, allowance code, deduction amount, check date, and check number.  Also, provide a few invoice examples showing that you gave the allowance off the invoices. 

The more information that you provide to Walmart upfront when disputing invalid deductions, the better chance of getting it resolved the first time around. If you are seeing deductions for Walmart allowances, then you would need to [dispute these](https://supplypike.com/blog/how-to-dispute-a-walmart-deduction/) in the Walmart disputes portal explaining the error.  

Sometimes the accounting team will research this error and pay the invalid deductions back without needing additional information. However, the most common response to an invalid allowance deduction is that you will have to go through your buyer to approve payback. At that point, the buyer should work with the accounting team to get the invalid deductions repaid. 

**One-Click Disputes**
----------------------

SupplyPike offers an easy software solution for disputing invalid deductions. Our [Deductions Navigator software](https://www.supplypike.com/deductions) will automatically download the necessary documents, such as POs and invoices, showing the valid allowances so you can get your money back. 

![One-Click Deduction Disputes](https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/qlBpsjUVHN4RtYdZXRiqy6rjrg1ijvZNioKPeI41wDPlasLI-tJ3AuHYotB-VlJA4Coo7JQ8Y1EfKZPx54y7ZRm1h6zB4qJxyCWjO_LV9oY9xqWeYNWEAmc24jbOYQ)

One-Click Deduction Disputes

[Get started today](https://www.supplypike.com/deductions) for free!

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How Walmart Allowances Can Go Wrong

Whenever freight shipments are being moved, it is inevitable that, even with the best carriers, shipments can wind up delivering short or damaged. It is just a part of the business when tons and tons of freight are being moved around. When this does happen and you have to file a claim to get compensation, it has to be treated with the same amount of attention and provided evidence as for when you are disputing a reclassification or a reweigh. Just as filing a dispute with a carrier is akin to going into court, basically, the same rules apply to file a freight claim. It is possible to gain findings in your favor but you still must proceed with a claim in the same manner as you would a dispute.

**Don’t sign a freight shipment until you inspect**
---------------------------------------------------

One of the most common errors that are made which negates a shortage/damage claim before it ever is filed is when shortages or damages are not noted on the BOL (Bill of Lading) or POD (Proof of Delivery) at the time the shipment is delivered. The carrier arrives with the freight, the consignee signs for it, the carrier departs, and then the freight is inspected and is found to be either short or damaged. And, by the same token, the flip side of that coin is when a shipment is picked up and the driver is not instructed to sign the BOL and notate the pallet and carton/box/case count on those pallets as listed on the BOL. However, what will negate most claims before they ever begin is on the delivery side when shortages and damages are not notated at the time of delivery by the consignee. When this happens, most any and all claims filed under that circumstance are denied almost instantly. The one recourse is that the carrier is alerted immediately after the delivery and they send a representative out to the delivery site to inspect the freight and make their own determination if the items were damaged during shipping or if actual shortages occurred. This must be carried out within three business days of the actual delivery. If the damage is actually notated on the BOL at the time of delivery then you may have up to eight months to file the claim through Ship or the freight carrier.

**[_Related Reading: What is a Bill of Lading (BOL)?_](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/bill-lading-bol-supplypike)**

**Make sure your shipment is covered**
--------------------------------------

Whenever you are quoting a shipment and making your BOL, you will be prompted to state what the insured value of your shipment is. Be advised this is not the retail value, but just the replacement value. Before your shipment is dispatched, Ship Customer Support will examine the insurance value and make sure that the carrier whom you selected has a corresponding level of liability insurance that will cover the value that you stated. In the event that the carrier’s level of liability insurance is not adequate, Ship Customer Support will be in touch with you promptly to alert you to this fact and suggest a carrier of equal capability and transit time, but who also carries the appropriate amount of liability insurance. However, this can often mean that the price of the shipment will go up due to the amount of insurance needed but this can be mitigated. If no carrier has an adequate amount of liability for the shipment, Ship Support can purchase additional third-party insurance on your behalf to make sure that your shipment is covered. Most shipments can generally be covered for somewhere in the neighborhood of $25-$50 depending on the amount of insurance needed. Also, a deductible may apply on certain shipments. Also, you should be aware that a carrier’s tariff will limit the amount of liability they can provide when the shipment meets one of the following qualifications.

1.  Volume Shipments
2.  Improperly packaged goods
3.  Internet auction items
4.  Used or reconditioned items
5.  Furniture
6.  Items of extraordinary value
7.  Freight with packaging that exceeds 10 feet in length, width or height
8.  Items that require prior written approval by the carrier

Proper packaging is critical and a carrier may not be liable for cargo that is not properly packaged. Goods should be packaged in accordance with NMFC packaging rules for commodity and packaged in accordance with industry standards to withstand the rigors of transportation.

**[_Related Reading: What is an NMFC Number?_](https://supplypike.com/blog/ltl-shipping-nmfc-number-supplypike/)**

**How to file your claim**
--------------------------

Once you have determined that a shipment was indeed damaged or shortened, you have your signed BOL and POD documenting as such, as well as your photographs, proof of commodity and every other piece of evidence necessary, Ship Customer Support will walk you through the claims process. Fortunately, we are able to process and manage the claims on your behalf with the carrier as we have our own claims team. All you would have to do is fill out a simple form, and send it back with all of the documentation that you have to provide and then await resolution on your claim.

**Patience is a virtue**
------------------------

Once your claim has been filed be prepared to play the waiting game because it can take a while. A higher rated carrier will often acknowledge and resolve a claim within a period of 30 to 60 days.  A lower rated carrier can take up to 120 days to acknowledge that a claim has been filed and at that point getting a resolution on a claim can take up to a year. Choosing a carrier is an important decision and extends further than just transit times.

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Shortages, Damages, And Claims For Freight Shipments

The ABCs of Walmart Deductions

What is a retail deduction?
---------------------------

For retail suppliers, deductions can have a drastic impact on their bottom line. **[Deductions](https://supplypike.com/blog/the-difference-between-retailer-deductions-and-allowances/)** (also known as **chargebacks**) are the fines that suppliers receive from their retailers when a perceived issue has happened in the supplier’s supply chain. Anything from shortages in shipping to a price difference between a purchase order and invoice can trigger one of these costly charges. 

Typically, these fines are in the single-digit percentage points of what a supplier invoices (amounting to potentially thousands if not millions of dollars lost). However, if there are deep-rooted issues with a supplier’s supply chain, such as not meeting the requirements for [**Walmart’s On-Time and In-Full (OTIF) program**](https://supplypike.com/blog/why-is-otif-important/), deductions have no limit, and some suppliers have seen a 30% loss of what they invoiced. 

The good news is that most retailers have programs where you can dispute the invalid charges that you have received. This process can be time-consuming, manual, and it can take months to resolve a single dispute; however, with proper preparation submitting a dispute is worth the effort. 

What kind of Walmart deductions can you dispute?
------------------------------------------------

Walmart allows for their suppliers to dispute, in some form or fashion, all of their deductions, but some fees are less likely to be approved than others. 

 Categorically, the deductions that have the highest approval rate are shipping related (For example, [**Code 22: Goods Billed not Shipped**](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-22-goods-billed-not-shipped/)**,** [**Code 24: Carton Shortage/Freight Bill Signed Short**](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-24-carton-shortage-freight-bill-signed-short/)**,** [**Code 25: No Merchandise Received for Invoice**](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-25-no-merchandise-received-for-invoice/)). 

[![Automated Shipping Document Retrieval + One Click Disputing = Magic. Find out how. ](https://supplypike.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/3-1-1024x390.png)](https://www.supplypike.com/deductions)

Where do you dispute a Walmart deduction?
-----------------------------------------

Walmart allows suppliers to dispute chargebacks based on the type of code. There are three main places that supplier can dispute a Walmart deduction:

### **Direct Commerce**

Direct Commerce handles the bulk of disputing for Walmart’s deductions. Most codes (such as shipping, returns, and pricing) can be disputed on Direct Commerce. These codes are associated with Walmart’s Accounts Payable (AP) department; because of this, the owed amount is taken out of the supplier’s next check.

![Dispute in Direct Commerce](https://supplypike.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/2-2-1024x683.png)

To view your deductions and begin the dispute process for Direct Commerce, visit: [**https://my.directcommerce.com/Login.jsp**](https://my.directcommerce.com/Login.jsp).

### **High Radius**

High Radius is a portal where you can dispute codes such as issues with [**OTIF: Code 99**](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-99-otif/). These deductions are typically related to Walmart’s Accounts Receivable (AR) and are invoiced for the supplier to pay back. 

![Dispute in Highradius](https://supplypike.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/4-1024x683.png)

### **With your Buyer**

For some deduction codes, suppliers need to reach out to their buyers in order to have the deduction redacted rather than disputed (for example, [**Code 11: Pricing Overcharge**](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-11-pricing-overcharge-price-difference-between-po-and-invoice/)). These deductions are a result of a clause on your Supplier Agreement. 

![Dispute with Walmart ](https://supplypike.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/3-2-1024x683.png)

If a supplier believes that they have received one of these chargebacks in error, they should email their buyer with an explanation of why the fine is invalid. 

What do you need to dispute a Walmart deduction?
------------------------------------------------

### **Dispute Information**

To dispute a chargeback in Direct Commerce, some information needs to be collected from the deduction in Retail Link (listed in Retail Link under Claims in the Accounts Payable Inquiry System), and some additional information must be researched and provided by the supplier.

#### **Information collected from the Claim:** 

*   Claim # (the Invoice number) 
*   Claim Date 
*   Dispute Type 
    *   US Walmart Warehouse (**US-WM-WHSE**)
    *   US Stores (**US-Stores**) 
    *   US Sam’s (**US-SAM’s**) 
    *   Puerto Rico Warehouse (**PR-WHSE**) 
    *   US Sams.com (**US-SAM’s.Com**) 
    *   US Walmart.com (**US-WM.Com**) 
    *   Puerto Rico Stores (**PR-Stores**)
    *   Puerto Rico Amigo (**PR-Amigo**) 
    *   US Walmart Grocery (**US-WM-Grocery**)
*   Two-digit Claim Code 
*   Disputed Amount 

#### **Additional information to collect:** 

*   Supplier #
*   Purchase Order # 
*   Freight Carrier
*   Location 
*   Shipping Method: 
    *   Pre-paid 
    *   Collect 
    *   Parcel 
*   Description

**Note**: The description is the supplier’s chance to explain to the auditor why the deduction is invalid, describe the documentation that is attached, and make a case for the dispute.

[![Make gathering documentation a breeze. Get the tool. ](https://supplypike.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/1-1-1024x390.png)](https://www.supplypike.com/deductions)

### **Documentation** 

Documentation is essential when you go to dispute any deduction. It is important to gather any documentation that proves that the deduction is invalid. Almost all deductions need the original **Purchase Order** and **Invoice** (from your EDI service or Retail Link) and the Claim (directly from Retail Link). 

The Claim from Retail Link shows suppliers reiterate on the amount, code, and quantity of deductions that they are disputing on. 

For shipping-related deductions having a signed **Proof of Delivery (POD)** showing the correct items and quantities that were received from the supplier’s carrier will expedite the approval process. In regards to shipping related deductions, having the Purchase Order shows that the amount ordered matches the amount received on the POD.  

How can SupplyPike help
-----------------------

Using the manual process described above can take up to 45 minutes per deduction: 

*   to research the validity of the deduction, 
*   gather necessary data and documentation, and 
*   dispute the deduction in the correct portal.  
    

When a company is dealing with deductions that equal 5% of their business, that can add up to hours a week. 

SupplyPike has taken the manual processes of disputing a deduction and automated it. It is saving users, on average, 95% of the time it previously took to dispute a deduction with Walmart. 

SupplyPike provides all of the required dispute information on hand. It’s no longer needed to go to Retail Link, pull reports from Decision Support and Accounts Payable Inquiry System, and stitch that information together. 

Documentation is now a breeze with SupplyPike, where claim & shipping documentation (such as [**Bills of Lading**](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/bill-lading-bol-supplypike/) and **[Proofs of Delivery](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proof_of_delivery)**), are collected and provided alongside your deduction information. This means suppliers can save time by not digging for the correct PDF inside of the carrier’s website (or worse still, their inbox). 

With all of a supplier’s information and documentation ready for use, SupplyPike enables companies to clear charges quickly with one click disputing. Allowing for companies to no longer transpose the information from one website to another and attach documents, it all happens, like magic, with the click of a button. 

Get started on a free 14-day trial today! 

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How To Dispute A Walmart Deduction

Learn about:

*   What Walmart’s settlement process is
*   Which deductions you can settle
*   The steps in the settlement process

* * *

If you’re in business with Walmart, you’ve likely been hit with your fair share of invoice deductions from Walmart’s Accounts Payable team. You’re not alone. Suppliers often see deductions plow through as much as 22% of their total invoices. There are two primary ways to recover this money if the deductions are invalid: **individual disputing** and Walmart’s **deductions settlement program**. 

In this article, we’re outlining every essential step in Walmart’s deduction settlement process, as well as some pros and cons compared to individual disputing to help you determine the best route for getting your money back.

What is Walmart’s deduction settlement process? 
------------------------------------------------

Walmart’s deductions settlement process involves negotiating a percentage of repayment for the deduction codes you receive for a specified timeframe. The process is designed to provide a quick way to clear out your backlog on all outstanding accounts payable claims.

**_[Related Reading: The Differences Between Disputing Deductions Individually and Settlements](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/the-differences-between-disputing-deductions-individually-and-settlements/)_**

**Some quick highlights of the deductions settlement process:**  
-----------------------------------------------------------------

*   Settlements apply to all **open invoice-related deductions** in an agreed-upon timeframe, determined by two specific check dates. To create a settlement, you must make sure that Walmart has paid all of the invoices dated within the selected timeframe.
*   You cannot submit settlements until Walmart pays all of the invoices. **Example:** 
    *   Say you submit a settlement for July 1st to October 1st. Walmart must have paid for **all** of the invoices submitted within these three months for the settlement to go through.
    *   You will only include the **deductions** taken from the checks within the specified timeframe.
    *   So, you must have received payment for all of your invoices during this period, even if all of the invoices do not have deductions and are not involved in the settlement.
*   Most settlements only apply to open shipping-related deductions (codes 22, 24, 25). However, when you submit the settlement form, always include **all** invoice-related deductions, regardless of the code. Walmart may repay some allowance codes or otherwise offer advice on what your next steps should be.
*   The settlement process excludes post-audit and Accounts Receivable claims. The process only includes **invoice-related deductions.**
*   Repayment is based on a percentage negotiation between Walmart and the supplier. Walmart will prepare an offer via email to the supplier. The supplier then has the option to accept or reject the offer.
*   There are two types of settlement offers that Walmart may send you:
    *   **Flat offer:** This settlement offer depends on the size of your settlement package.
    *   **Random sampling:** You may reject a flat offer from Walmart for the possibility of a larger return. By selecting this option, you will forfeit your flat offer.
        *   Walmart will pick a random number of invoices to research to create a new offer.
        *   You may accept or reject this settlement. If you decline it, you must pull your entire settlement and add these deductions to your next timeframe.
        *   For example, if you reject a settlement offer for July 1st to October 1st, you must change the settlement timeframe to July 1st to November 15th.

**What are the steps in the deductions settlement process?**
------------------------------------------------------------

1.  Email an Excel document to Walmart’s settlement team at [apgfrsettle@wal-mart.com](mailto:apgfrsettle@wal-mart.com) outlining all invoice-related deductions from the period in question that you believe to be invalid. See our example below. 
2.  From there, the revision phase begins with Walmart comparing the supplier’s paid details to the spreadsheet submitted. Walmart will then send back the spreadsheet with any suggested changes. 
3.  Walmart might request sample Proofs of Delivery (PODs) or Bills of Lading (BOLs) for some of the claim codes. These documents determine the validity of the claims and the percentage of payback. 
4.  Walmart’s settlement agent, Genpact, will email you an offer for you to accept or reject.
5.  Reply to that email that you accept the offer, and they will send the settlement information and letter to Walmart to approve and sign.
6.  Genpact will email you the letter for your signature(s).
7.  The settlements team will send the final copy for your record to the supplier after all the appropriate parties have signed.

### Example of a deductions settlement workbook

> **Supplier Name:**
> 
> **Supplier #:**
> 
> **Timeframe:**
> 
> **thru Check #:**
> 
> By submitting this spreadsheet, I (the supplier) confirm that all invoices dated through the above timeframe and for merchandise shipped within the timeframe have cut to Walmart checks.
> 
> _All fields are required_
> 
> _Do not combine claim codes_
> 
> _Do not place dashes in PO #_ 
> 
> _Invoice number should be as it appears on the check remittance_
> 
> _Store number should be as it appears on the check remittance_ 
> 
> _Do not include Claims filed by Walmart A/R, Traffic or Post Audit_

**PO #**

**Invoice #**

**Store #**

**Check No.**

**Check Date**

**Deduction Amt**

**Deduction Code (number only)**

### Example deductions settlement offer email

> **Subject: Settlement Offer/Supplier Name Vendor # Thru XX-XX-XXXX**
> 
> Hello \[Name\],
> 
> I have received your account reconciliation proposal for V# XXXXXX going through XX/XX/XXXX totaling $XXXXXXXX. Walmart Stores is prepared to issue Supplier Name, an offer in the sum of $XXXXXXXX to finalize and reconcile this account through XX/XX/XXXX. This flat offer is based on the funding available on your account.  Please review the attached offer presentation.  If accepting this offer, please reply back to me within the next 5 business days with the name & title of your company official who will be authorizing and signing this reconciliation. Otherwise, reply back with the offer decline.
> 
> If we don’t receive a decision within the next 5 business days, we will assume that your company is declining this offer.  At that point, we will go ahead and move forward with the cancellation and withdrawal of this offer, and we will set this reconciliation to be worked through the normal reconciliation process (pull random sampling items, research them, request POD if needed, arrive to an offer based off the sampling results).  Your settlement sampling will be placed in order which was received and worked accordingly. You should know that it may take around 5-6 additional weeks to get the rest of the sampling part completed and have an offer for you.  Also, keep in mind that an offer arrived from the sampling outcomes may result of being higher or lower than this offer we are presenting.  If an offer arrived from the sampling results turns out to be lower than this current offer, we would not go back to this offer, but would stand firm with the offer arrived from the sampling results.
> 
> Let us know of your company’s decision as soon as you can.

**When should you utilize Walmart’s settlement process?** 
----------------------------------------------------------

Typically, utilizing the settlement program is best when you lack [**a deduction disputing tool**](https://www.supplypike.com/deductions) or process that speeds up the research and submittal process of individual disputes. It also helps if you have a large number of chargebacks that you wish to dispute. Collect suppliers who do not have access to shipping documentation, such as BOLs, may find it more useful as well.

Researching individual deductions can take a long time for the average supplier, so taking a loss of 50-70% of the chargebacks submitted through the settlement process may be worth the time spent when compared to alternatives. 

Be warned, however, that utilizing Walmart’s settlement process does not mean that there is no work on your side. The settlement team still requires extensive sampling for you to prove your case. While you may not have to provide proof for every deduction in the settlement, many suppliers still spend a significant amount of time preparing proof documentation for a settlement.

**When should you avoid using the Walmart settlement process?** 
----------------------------------------------------------------

You should avoid the settlement process when you have the tools in place to quickly knock out the research and dispute of each deduction individually. 

If you want to ensure that you are getting as much money back for invalid claims as possible, disputing chargebacks individually is the way to go. A settlement process can result in a loss of more than 70% of deductions that you could have won back due to insufficient data sampling. 

In conclusion, Walmart designed its settlement process to serve as a way to increase Accounts Payable efficiency and reduce the cost of line-by-line deduction research. While it can sometimes be a timesaver, it’s still not the best option out there for winning back your deduction money.

After all, what if you could collect the necessary documentation to submit your disputes with a single click? SupplyPike’s [**deductions management platform**](https://www.supplypike.com/deductions) makes that happen.

![SupplyPike's Deductions Navigator - One-Click Disputes](https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/uI0XA4z8mfjemS4_lf_WgkmAoBqX8e2lsXFxLhxIAKmq2XQQKQT5WQSMJaGYRAozOE5IEtrN5v8UTAzG8KClOqNrq-AK9-WLmHjNHKFb3hqILITgHGvSP2Kah6r2DKyfuhhzLEUb=s0)

_SupplyPike’s Deductions Navigator – One-Click Disputes_

[![1-click disputes. Just like that. Get started.](https://media.graphcms.com/Q7hMAHQyRsiAZLX7Frp4)](https://www.supplypike.com/deductions)

How To Navigate Walmart’s Deduction Settlement Process

Learn about:

*   The pros and cons of the Walmart settlement process
*   The pros and cons of individually disputing deductions
*   How to switch between them

* * *

Walmart suppliers are familiar with the pain of shortage deductions ([**Walmart deduction codes 22, 24, and 25**](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/what-are-the-most-common-walmart-deductions-codes/)). Invalid **short-shipping claims** can take over 20% off your invoices, putting a significant strain on your cash flow. Fortunately, these deductions are disputable with the right documentation and knowhow. 

There are two ways of disputing shortage claims. One, you can utilize Walmart’s deduction settlement process, or two, you can dispute **shortage deductions** individually via Direct Commerce (DCI).

Let’s go over the pros and cons of each process.

Pros of Walmart’s Deduction Settlement Process
----------------------------------------------

The **settlement process** is a way to negotiate repayment of deductions over a specified period. With the settlement process, you batch claims together, so you’re disputing all of your open shortage deductions at once, typically every quarter.

Because of this, you only have to deal with deductions quarterly. You can take the time to gather all of your documentation and do all of your research to ensure that you get the most of your settlement back.

Typically, the settlement process involves slightly less work to research, as you are only showing the documentation for a sample set of the deductions you received over the past quarter. You do not have to provide documentation for each deduction as you would if you were disputing them individually. However, the more proof you have, the more money you’re likely to get back.

[**_Related Reading: How to Navigate Walmart’s Deduction Settlement Process_**](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/how-to-navigate-walmarts-deduction-settlement-process/)

Cons of Walmart’s Deduction Settlement Process
----------------------------------------------

Of course, the settlement process isn’t perfect. Typically, you end up settling for less than what you are owed. Anecdotally, we’ve found that suppliers who use this process only receive repayment on approximately 70% of invalid shortage claims on average.

There is also an immediate negative impact on cash flow, as it often takes six to twelve months to get paid back. Of course, it also takes time to negotiate back and forth, and even then, you aren’t guaranteed all of your money back.

Even though you only have to find a sampling, you still have to track down documentation in the form of [**Bills of Lading (BOL)**](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/bill-lading-bol-supplypike/) and Proofs of Delivery (POD).

The settlement process only typically deals with three deduction codes that are shortage-related. However, there are [**dozens of deduction codes**](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/walmart-deduction-codes/) for money lost on your checks that are disputable.

[![Win more of your money back](https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/3WosDHh89GglAz1mdQU1Aamse2YvwbSEhu1noMpGNyZZ1HLXl8O8SiVKAHfDouOWxEH8uP_g1MffN9Z0yvuLYjdWfxwcWeDqwGjC3Ud0Uh9NHhiiMk2tnl5rbt4IvE_3p1-RgnuI)](https://www.supplypike.com/deductions)

Pros of Individual Disputing
----------------------------

Utilizing the [**individual deduction dispute process**](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/how-to-dispute-a-walmart-deduction/) by disputing deductions (shortages and others) via dispute portals, such as DCI, allows you to go after every penny owed to you. You can dispute deductions as far back as two years with Walmart.

Via disputing invalid shortage deductions individually, you can win these disputes more than 95% of the time as long as you have the correct shipping documentation as proof. By avoiding a settlement, you are likely to receive more money back for more deductions.

You’ll get better cash flow by avoiding the settlement process. Individual disputes are typically paid back in one to three months instead of waiting for up to a year. 

Cons of Individual Disputing
----------------------------

However, many shortage deductions are small dollar amounts, so these often these get written off. If you don’t have a tool to make the process more seamless, then it might not make financial sense to spend the time to dispute deductions for small dollar amounts. This can leave significant money on the table.

Additionally, many suppliers see deductions taken from every **payment remittance**, so it can be challenging to keep up without the proper tools. Again, you have to weigh the ROI of receiving all of your money back versus the time you spend on individual disputes.

[**_Related Reading: Disputing Your Walmart Deductions On A Schedule_**](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/disputing-your-walmart-deductions-on-a-schedule/)

![Infographic summing up the pros and cons of settlements versus individual disputes](https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/ozv2-vFgmAdhtpckHq0AYm_I1-rc6rccc2WsfrtPxLEjR_UAmDlhWUBzQdZ6IjXve1zAPq--ej5Nmt9L-A3apeqJNfnMerloXKlZdTkYjw5v0ZaskuRR7wYbYZCO4q5wUvE39TcO)

Infographic summing up the pros and cons of settlements versus individual disputes

Switching from Settlement to Individual Disputes
------------------------------------------------

As you can see, the settlement process can sometimes save you work hours, but in the long run, you’ll receive more of your money back with individual disputes and you’ll receive it faster. Utilizing a tool for individual disputes will pay for itself when switching from settlements. 

If you find that the settlement process isn’t right for you, you can switch to **disputing claims individually**, but only after your current settlement term ends (which is usually quarterly).

However, once you switch to individual disputing, you cannot change back to being on the settlement process for one year, so you’ll need to weigh the pros and cons carefully. Take the time to find out how much money Walmart would give you back and compare that with the time it takes to properly settle a deduction.

If you find, for example, that you end up tracking down the documentation in terms of BOLs and PODs for _all_ of your deductions – and not just a sample – in order to maximize your settlement, then why not dispute them individually? The payoff and turnaround time are likely worth it.

Of course, obtaining a tool that individually disputes each deduction has a huge advantage. It would remove the hassle and time-consuming process of researching and acquiring the proper documentation for each dispute. A tool that provides this documentation for you will help you individually dispute each and every deduction (including ones that aren’t just shortage-related), allowing you to get more of your money back. Additionally, this method skips the lengthy process of negotiating back and forth, so Walmart will repay you in a much shorter amount of time.

To switch processes, send a request to Walmart to be moved off settlement at the end of your current settlement term. Request access to the **[Direct Commerce, Inc. (DCI)](https://www.directcommerce.com/)** portal to begin disputing individually. The email is **[apsettle@wal-mart.com](mailto:apsettle@wal-mart.com)**.

Tools for Disputing Deductions
------------------------------

With the right toolset, you can have the best of both worlds! Rather than spending almost an hour on each dispute or navigating the settlement process and potentially losing money, you can use [**Deductions Navigator**](https://www.supplypike.com/deductions) for **one-click disputes**. 

![Deductions Navigator - Dashboard](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/RizIjjcV8rK85mn7Il3rEvp8DBLr_4-Lg7KPUpe88BNKKoiOfkPHcWnO61YvuSj0H4lWLmu0EeLjNAf1j2Jbn1MvXYO-Ahc-kXfJCgx_nsA53fMsuMjFpBUdqygR2s5rJpiGwfKy)

Deductions Navigator – Dashboard

With our tool, you have full visibility of your deductions, helping you nail down trends and find pain points in your supply chain. SupplyPike offers automatic document retrieval, so you don’t have to go after your 3PL or logistics company for BOLs or PODs. We provide them to you automatically.

With the click of a button, you can quickly dispute an invalid deduction and get your money back.

![Deductions Navigator - 1-Click Disputes](https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/C5iH06xTVISmyLefEK_qpXtGcxDafcGE5WGy9yKth8XKmWcdcP2x1SiGBDaewmtc5nF15nb0uHSdDjODk55dUNtREQlUrdEPjkXXX0DapAbt8F-RxuVj3YCqHbUbHEFRdnMApK31)

Deductions Navigator – 1-Click Disputes

[![The right tool for the job](https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/pW3gmtoWW2KAbtW81qZmkYPqDfPiMFiGuz0FoIGGeVkNzjRT-dS-zXfPWscFbNiup5-mMW55115tNFbKPXbDzxxPLkcgJUNgpWd0zb02OjIXvP1TLmKdAcUg4MxKEJyp4Nm3NlOd)](https://www.supplypike.com/deductions)

The Differences between Disputing Deductions Individually and Settlements

We’ve talked about this before, but [**disputing** **Walmart deductions**](https://supplypike.com/blog/how-to-dispute-a-walmart-deduction/) is a pain (and they add up). Some suppliers have hundreds of thousands of dollars in deductions fees withheld from checks.

Having a ton of disputes can be overwhelming, and it’s more than just time management. Here are some thoughts on getting your disputes under control. 

Set a time limit
----------------

Walmart allows you to dispute deductions that are less than two years old. Any further back and they will not review the dispute. We suggest you start working on deductions that came in the earliest to make sure you get them done by the deadline to dispute.

However, older deductions may be harder to dispute as you can lose your paper trail. A lot of dispute claims require bills of lading and proofs of delivery, and you’ll have to check with your warehouse and logistics providers (e.g., your 3PLs) on how long they keep this documentation.

![Example of SupplyPike's Deductions Navigator ](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/N8NfBi228psu0ybiHtpj3_kHY3k780P_d2y4FhOuOqaxX2UciYOdT7yxKWmnvITo2PpBtFR41sCl--lLqK23t1o3RLZactgeUfDNK2JeDI6LIlu9dFVl3GN3KsnCbPdcRy3TRYmj)

In contrast, SupplyPike’s Deductions Navigator software will help you dispute so quickly as to make sure you get your disputes sent _before_ the two-year mark. With our software, you can stay current without worrying about deductions getting old. 

[![Disputes at the click of a button. Save time Today. ](https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/9j0YbXbpyNdHzOhBTpBkTejPfgN5jfUzCz7JVCD7sCcMpRcem5Irq0qkNkImMPoLWI3GqK2pOQoYQ_-IwWn3V2s4i29a6fHRgei7_7hlu2K_wa1VSb1K0QBH9dkyROR-88X7JlxV)](https://www.supplypike.com/deductions)

Prioritize the deduction codes you are going to dispute
-------------------------------------------------------

There are nearly 100 Walmart deductions codes that cover several reasons for not paying an invoice in full. There are a few **[prevalent deduction codes](https://supplypike.com/blog/what-are-the-most-common-walmart-deductions-codes/)** that you can usually dispute with ease, but some are harder than others. Walmart won’t approve disputes for some codes to make it worth your time (such as [**code 13**](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-13-substitution-overcharge/)). Other codes require only key documentation, such as the purchase order, invoice, and proof of delivery (POD).

Here are some of the most common invalid deduction codes that are usually worth disputing:

1.  [Code 22: Goods Billed not Shipped](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-22-goods-billed-not-shipped/)
2.  [Code 24: Carton Shortage/Freight Bill Signed Short](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-24-carton-shortage-freight-bill-signed-short/)
3.  [Code 25: No Merchandise Received for Invoice](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-25-no-merchandise-received-for-invoice/)

Check out the **[complete list of Walmart deductions codes](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/walmart-deduction-codes/)** for more of these.

With these in mind, you can put other deduction codes aside for when you have more time to research those orders and their issues.

![Deductions by Claim Code](https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/YThSRcVhGvEiqCamg7MDxILnRSwQuyhddc5_Emc15ig2ujjMhTKwu8B3ncD2G5j8Aicat0yZBWvEwCJNDdcuWjyCK-p_5Co1ANziLUeT12nT3p2JcQPzx4QU7K-7R-FAXyK1Qgiy)

View a summary of your claim codes

**[SupplyPike](https://www.supplypike.com/deductions)** helps you crank through easy deductions, such as 22s, 24s, and 25s, so you can spend your valuable time researching the more complex ones and get as much of your money back as possible.

Prioritize the amount of the deduction
--------------------------------------

Some deductions can be as small as a few cents, while others can reach tens of thousands of dollars. Of course, it is worth it to get the lower deductions as well, as a few cents can add up to big bucks, but getting the more significant amounts out of the way is rewarding. Compare your numbers: Have you lost more money on the little nibbles here and there, or are the big bites more painful? 

If you have, say, 250 deductions you can dispute for $10 apiece, that adds up to $2,500. However, if you have five deductions for $500, that $2,500 can be easier to work through. We suggest that you work the few big ones and then tackle the smaller ones. 

![Claim Identifiers](https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/rKg9e56v0eKl5Tor0P9hQ3R8MLoa5Qx9CqLwSGWUVQ2bFFPktb-ARf_i-ND9lgB4l-kNjK2PbSxsIsxLVxWZxQHaRGvNteJrT5hJvj5WbbWPLrS7o8aovsVb_6mRCnSYoG1IVJAe)

*Sort by the amount of the deduction*

SupplyPike removes the monetary threshold for disputes. Start with the big ones if you like, but with our software, you will have plenty of time to tackle the smaller disputes.

Look into hiring a dispute manager
----------------------------------

We know you’re swamped. You’re inundated with daily reports and invoicing and reconciling accounts, so deductions are the last thing on your mind. You may consider hiring a consultant or temp to help you work through your past deductions until you get them to a manageable level. Some companies have a full-time position for a dispute manager whose sole responsibility is working on deductions. That’s not for everyone, but a little help can go a long way.

![Dashboard Screenshot](https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/cb11PqM8r0D5qv-E8WdwRkRm-WApSSlgAwFh7akBOHMVmu7ZZbRgmYIeEtofNVNy296H9VNUz6hzU5ee-5J3BXdKrRj-1WviHSepexQGAzn8k0ffcCgUHcTxAUHhZlzSgA7A_Eac)

Quick viewing with your dashboard

Alternatively, split the disputes up among your team. Have one person work all the code 22s for $10-100, while someone else works the code 24s for $100-500. Have a person in charge of gathering the documentation and another person entering the data. Teamwork makes the dream work!

SupplyPike’s Deductions Navigator does the work for you. No need to split your team’s focus or pay an extra salary on someone you will have to train to manage disputes. We’ll do that for you!

[![We do all the work. Get the tool. ](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/xIuupvKdDQSWV2coaZJzmRO-fXdKcmKxgesyxuJXT7X1fHs_hGSKOXe-wxAOpDulz1l44d4avEoNlRtnidqmkbqtbpyAIcwDO3V5WTKNSVKPBhyOd924KaT3CENSGssf8wWsMH96)](https://www.supplypike.com/deductions)

Set a schedule
--------------

Finally, create a plan. Many apps remind you of tasks, or you can create an event on your calendar called “Dispute Time.” Set aside an hour or two a day and work through your prioritized deductions. Then, once you’ve gotten a handle on them, you can reduce this time to a few hours a week. Keep it consistent! Let your teammates know that you are working on disputes and saving the company money. 

![Deductions by Amount example ](https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/Asvib-grVNswmrdcJN9polzuNB5cXcM47fepaoF2FGlLkyHUa3H8mD6s4HjFwIjDCmxNYgl2lk_kmA6Or6ft10qm4zoIIeSp6JIskPrIyZ0bDP3ahx7ptPfQC5ZjJ0NoWkB19OBy)

Analyze your deductions

SupplyPike will help organize your to-do list of disputes and tell you when they will get kicked back so that you can change your “Dispute Time” from hours to minutes. 

To recap…
---------

The old days were rough. Accounting teams used to have to sit down and plan their lives around disputing deductions to get just a little bit back. If you weren’t extremely organized, dedicating hours a week to staying on top of things, and making concessions on which deductions you disputed and which you wrote off, then there was no way to keep up. It looked like this:

1.  Desperately try to stay ahead of the two-year deadline to dispute.
2.  Only dispute the codes you were familiar with, and write off the “scary” ones.
3.  Dispute the significant dollar amounts first, but run out of time to go after the little ones that add up.
4.  Spend a fortune hiring specialists to help your accounting team stay above water.
5.  Block off hours a day to research and dispute deductions.

SupplyPike has changed all of that. 

![Deductions Tool Screenshot ](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Ld0SJ--PLPY28Wb9ZtRf5uqestzIn8_WOxKvUsoSQBabaTF7E4loRRJ6zOq9gDAVJBAE83n5IdBVjKSFQ-pOTXyHbxpT4WKtP6th7WjfzPsbA7gWrE0-y5JCIS8RKaWFjkR8Doic)

Research and dispute in a few clicks

We created a software solution for disputing deductions _without_ having to go through Retail Link and Direct Commerce. We save you valuable time and energy with one-click disputes. Afterward, you can track your dispute on the Deductions tab. Quickly see the status of each dispute and check the details.

The best part? You can try our Deductions Navigator **for free**! [**Start your trial today!**](https://www.supplypike.com/deductions)

[![Disputes made easy. Start for free. ](https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/Yz_To9kED10ZfJ3WlAMgUXmk-GPt2cVSGJg-uoRMTvTT-xbXkxavr0GPgkq_OzPl1UojK6hrwCSrDTG4KyVNZpaG35HViindM1Q43y9zDD0vKcgsSXLhoTg0Jo6XtJB4MYIez-R6)](https://www.supplypike.com/deductions)

Disputing Your Walmart Deductions on a Schedule

Learn about:

*   The difference between deductions and OTIF chargebacks
*   Which chargebacks are disputable
*   How to dispute OTIF fines

* * *

Officially, Walmart has stated that [**On-Time In-Full (OTIF)**](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/walmart-otif-fundamentals/) chargebacks _are not disputable_. Although there is no documentation regarding disputes, Walmart has reversed fines before issuing them to some suppliers with valid claims proving they were compliant.

What’s the difference between a deduction claim and an OTIF chargeback?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Suppliers commonly dispute [**shipping deductions**](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/what-are-the-most-common-walmart-deductions-codes/) through **Direct Commerce**, which have specific adjustment codes stating the issue and why it occurred. If you need help fighting regular deductions, see our [**How to Dispute Deductions**](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/how-to-dispute-a-walmart-deduction/) article. 

On the other hand, OTIF fines are general chargeback fees that occur separately from the supplier’s invoicing process. Deductions occur through Walmart’s accounts payable department, whereas OTIF comes from the accounts receivable department.

Walmart will take a deduction directly from the check it issues suppliers with a specific [**claim code**](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/walmart-deduction-codes/). However, OTIF chargebacks come in the form of an invoice that **Walmart sends the supplier** through its accounts receivable department. If the supplier does not pay the invoice, Walmart will deduct the fee from a future check.

Here’s the bad news. Deductions are relatively easy to dispute by uploading a few documents and submitting them to Walmart. (We make it even easier with our [**Deductions Navigator**](https://www.supplypike.com/deductions) software.) Suppliers can address them reasonably quickly, and Walmart returns the fees within a month or so. 

OTIF disputes, on the other hand, generally must occur **before Walmart issues the fines**. Walmart has not documented the dispute process for OTIF fines, so it’s not always clear how long the process will take or what Walmart will require.

The types of disputable chargebacks
-----------------------------------

The lack of documentation on OTIF disputes means that there are no clear standards as to what would warrant a reversal, but there are some potential reasons for one:

*   Walmart’s OTIF data is incorrect.
*   Walmart or a third party dispatched by Walmart contributed to OTIF failure.
*   Walmart requested something that resulted in compliance failures.
*   There were factors outside of the supplier’s control (COVID, weather, etc.).
*   There were one-time training or education issues that the supplier has resolved.

Ideally, these issues would represent most failures for that month’s OTIF period for that metric since the goal to avoid a fine is 98% on all metrics now. 

How to dispute an OTIF chargeback
---------------------------------

Walmart will send an OTIF chargeback around four weeks after the end of each month, so to have the fee waived, the dispute must occur within four weeks of the month’s end.

Disputes are most effective when the supplier communicates with its buyer and replenishment manager. This communication should begin as soon as the supplier knows it will receive a chargeback.

Typically, the supplier would be asking for the reversal of an expected fine for a specific [**OTIF metric**](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/walmart-otif-metrics/):

*   Prepaid On Time
*   Collect Ready
*   In Full

In all cases, the supplier should support the request with any documentation it can provide to help its case. This documentation could be shipping documents, email threads, articles around weather events, screenshots, etc. 

For Prepaid issues, suppliers will want signed **Proofs of Delivery (PODs)**, invoices, and purchase orders showing the order arrived on time. For Collect issues, suppliers will want [**Bills of Lading (BOLs)**](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/bill-lading-bol-supplypike/) and screenshots of the transportation portal showing that confirmation of the shipment occurred on time.

Additional documentation, such as [**EDI 945s (Warehouse Shipping Advice)**](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/edi-945-warehouse-shipping-advice-explaining-edi/), may be helpful as well, as these documents show what the warehouse picked and put on the truck.

In addition to supporting the claim, suppliers should try and reflect on the outcomes to determine if there are changes they can make to avoid these issues in the future. Once identified, the supplier should make those changes and share that with their Walmart resource to show that they aim to prevent non-compliance in the future.

Lastly, the supplier will need to send this information to its buyer or replenishment manager.

Suppliers need to remember that Walmart is a valuable customer and aim to be as good a partner as possible. Suppliers should work with Walmart to improve their supply chain process and ensure that goods arrive when needed.

There is nothing preventing suppliers from highlighting OTIF issues with their Walmart resources along the way as they receive new data each week. When monitoring OTIF, suppliers should watch for issues they believe are in error and alert Walmart. Doing so may bring about positive outcomes for being proactive and raising issues as soon as they appear. 

How can SupplyPike help?
------------------------

Navigating your Walmart OTIF scores can be difficult, so SupplyPike has created a solution that takes the data and dissects it into easy to read metrics. Armed with this data, you can specifically call out such discrepancies where the data shows you might not be at fault.

![OTIF Radar – List of non-compliance by Origins](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/WdOqqi9CrRxPyp2Z5erJZMvZe8uLQ1OQsUo9KP2EFY0Xf4yPmjtM3tsoTpb6jq3wvVKDYPqJFccXSuFzF3dFS6X-qFiKSsMiJK0lVzvkxzlsS1g8YTy4Cuu9itSmjTu7eUggr5j-)

OTIF Radar – List of non-compliance by Origins

Disputing OTIF chargebacks is definitely not easy, so our software offers insights into accountability, breaking your shipments into digestible KPIs. 

![OTIF Radar – Carriers Prepaid On Time Performance](https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/5L8BzbkamDTc8ZzzkfZr7dXSGrYilvZixfDe26hvHwZARni94z5W-FoEGdKpu9LV5dRY-9NfKLsdkpPN4rcCIbFhU06J1MiefStKnlublqnggRacCIeqyOJU6ovKg0J22MvzNPMP)

OTIF Radar – Carriers Prepaid On Time Performance

Getting started with SupplyPike is easy. Go to our [**SupplyPike OTIF Radar page**](https://www.supplypike.com/otif) to sign up for a demo or free trial today!

[![otif in a snap. take a tour.](https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_ukFOxKFxmKZnHD_E3KYXoKC3hFz-5Evvju5ECNBNt66A-RANKThL0fojUcrpuKOJWMuD7bGu-9Ra7RfI2B87MQVZdSGQlAnCt0hALXwg2K26FBzTSb_QIss7npdTpRWmJokVwNn)](https://www.supplypike.com/otif)

How To Dispute Walmart OTIF Chargebacks

Disputing Deductions

Deductions, or **chargebacks**, can hit your wallet hard. Some of them [**you can dispute**](https://supplypike.com/blog/how-to-dispute-a-walmart-deduction/), but others are far more difficult. In the end, it’s best to just avoid them altogether. 

Here are some of the most common Walmart deduction codes that you may see and some best practices on ensuring you don’t see them again.

Codes 10 and 11
---------------

Code 10 is **“**[**Price Difference as Documented**](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-10-price-difference-as-documented-allowance-difference/)**”** and code 11 is **“**[**Pricing Overcharge**](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-11-pricing-overcharge-price-difference-between-po-and-invoice/)**”**, meaning that in the first case, an allowance is being applied incorrectly leading to a higher invoiced amount than Walmart expects, and in the second, the item’s price on the invoice isn’t correct. Walmart will deduct the difference in the prices as long as the invoice is for _more_ than the purchase price. If it ends up the difference was not in your favor, Walmart will not reimburse you.

Here are some tips for avoiding code 10s and 11s:

*   Review the purchase order (PO) for correct cost and allowances information before filling the order.
*   Review the EDI data and PO data to ensure what is sent and received matches the allowances agreed upon in **supplier agreement (OSA)**.
*   Review for correct cost, allowances, units, and weight information.
*   Confirm that invoices are being generated correctly (i.e., check your [**EDI 810s**](https://supplypike.com/blog/explaining-edi-810-invoice/)). Code 10s and 11s often come from incorrect EDI data.
*   Do not ship product if the information on the PO is not correct. Instead, Walmart recommends contacting the buying department to request a price correction.

It is a best practice to keep a table of all pricing changes and their effective dates so that you can quickly identify invalid code 11s.

Deductions are based on the PO price, so if the pricing on the purchase order (EDI 850) is incorrect, do not ship the order and contact your buyer immediately. The buyer will need to make changes on a purchase order and either send an updated EDI 850 or cancel and send a new EDI 850. Typically, disputes for pricing discrepancies require the buyer’s approval, making them more difficult to win.

Code 13
-------

Code 13 is **“**[**Substitution Overcharge**](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-13-substitution-overcharge/)**”** meaning you invoiced for one item number, but Walmart received a different item. Walmart will file a code 13 for the difference in the price of the items on the invoice.

Here are some tips for avoiding code 13s:

*   Merchandise should be shipped and billed according to the purchase order.
*   Do not substitute items when filling a PO. Instead, make sure to fill the PO exactly as ordered. If you do not agree that the requested items ordered should go into this shipment, work with your Replenishment Manager (RM) or the buyer on requesting an updated PO.
*   Make sure your packaging and labeling for different items are distinct so that it is clear to the receiver which items were shipped. Code 13s are sometimes filed when the receiver mistakenly identifies the items received.

Code 13s are notoriously difficult to dispute, so hopefully, this will help you avoid them.

[![Understand your deductions in a snap. Start for free. ](https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/fn8qRore9jpPyQZl7sJl1FIZsjFrJb6LCNIaiY4H0NMzni2HGKuMDMqqgcYaNjtIWcowRmva2wYAIvQQD67UuLJlqD0MjKp5jWNwxqQ-eJEIHwTSYIxKI7-Gc4vEdu1Z2TKBKB9C)](https://www.supplypike.com/deductions)

Codes 22 and 24
---------------

Code 22 is **“**[**Goods Billed not Shipped**](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-22-goods-billed-not-shipped/)**”** and code 24 is **“**[**Carton Shortage/Freight Bill Signed Short**](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-24-carton-shortage-freight-bill-signed-short/)**”** meaning that the quantity of an item on the invoice does not match the quantity of that item in the shipment or the order was signed short by the distribution center. Typically, this occurs when the order has been short shipped or when the bill of lading shows more items than what was counted and the proof of delivery was stamped short. Walmart will deduct the cost of the missing or falsely invoiced items for code 22s and 24s.

Here are some tips for avoiding code 22s and 24s:

*   Be sure that packaging does not obfuscate items being shipped.
*   Be sure the quantity of each line item invoiced matches the quantity shipped.
*   Confirm that fulfillment information is correctly flowing to the warehouse, i.e. check your EDI.
*   If you don’t agree with the quantity ordered, do not short ship. Rather, coordinate with the RM or the buyer to request an updated purchase order.
*   Confirm that your items are set up correctly. 
    *   For example, if Walmart requests that product is shipped as eaches on the Purchase Order (EDI 850), then make sure that your items are set up as eaches and that the Invoice (EDI 810) also reflects eaches. 
*   If there are any errors on the purchase order then do not ship; instead, reach out to the RM to request an updated PO to reflect the proper setup.
*   It is a best practice _not_ to commingle inventory for different purchase orders. Walmart expects one PO shipment per pallet or per box unless you have a written agreement with the RM stating otherwise. If you do include multiple POs in a shipment you must clearly separate them, though it is still not recommended as this is one of the most common reasons for invalid shortage claims.
*   Ensure that all cases are shipped as noted on the freight bill. Again, do not short ship if you do not agree with the quantity ordered on the PO. Ask your RM or the buyer to issue a new PO with the quantities you would like to ship.
*   Be sure all cases ordered on PO are shipped complete. Get with your warehouse or carrier to make sure that they are loading your shipments in full.
*   Be sure the driver notes the case count on the bill of lading. The bill of lading must show an accurate count of the cases in the shipment, so make sure that they are marking everything correctly. 

Code 25
-------

Code 25 is **“**[**No Merchandise Received for Invoice**](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-25-no-merchandise-received-for-invoice/)**”**, meaning that Walmart claims to have received no shipment at all for the PO for which you are invoicing. This usually occurs when the Invoice was issued too early (on before the delivery date). Walmart will deduct the cost of the entire invoice for code 25s.

*   Be sure to not invoice before the order is shipped. If Walmart receives an invoice for goods not yet received they will issue a code 25. 
*   Be sure to fill the order before the delivery date. Otherwise, you may invoice before the buyer receives the shipment. 
*   Do not re-invoice once goods are delivered, rather prove that the order was delivered. If you re-invoice after goods are received Walmart will likely hit you with a code 30 for duplicate billing.

Codes 22, 24, and 25 are [**fairly easy to dispute**](https://supplypike.com/blog/what-are-the-most-common-walmart-deductions-codes/), as, for invalid claims, they just require a signed proof of delivery and/or a bill of lading (depending on whether you are Collect or Prepaid), along with the PO and invoice.

[![Get the power of 1-click disputing. Get the tool. ](https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/Y8yuPiC9M4NxebpDGqH8qvJNOCjg_GSovc6p96P7HPO8eo55L60YuFM1T00PYEWG37Y1_tKTRnJzfy8vQyIDzaYFIYh5Ao_KIPWhiaJxy6nO4VxtfXaibCspUmwqW3FI92B-ZZkz)](https://www.supplypike.com/deductions)

Codes 50-59
-----------

The codes in the 50s are for allowances and discounts, meaning that there is an issue with the agreed-upon reduction in cost to the retailer.  These occur when a particular allowance is listed on your **Online Supplier Agreement (OSA)**, but not on the invoice. Here is the full list of codes 50-59:

*   Code 50: **“**[**Advertising Allowance**](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-50-advertising-allowance-aa/)**”** 
*   Code 51: **“**[**Promotional Allowance**](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-51-promotional-allowance-display-fixture-allowance-pa/)**”**
*   Code 52: **“**[**Volume Allowance**](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-52-volume-allowance-va/)**”**
*   Code 53: **“**[**Truckload Allowance**](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-53-truckload-allowance-ta/)**”**
*   Code 54: **“**[**Warehouse Allowance**](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-54-warehouse-allowance-wa/)**”**
*   Code 55: **“**[**New Location Allowance**](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-55-new-location-allowance-sa-or-ol/)**”**
*   Code 56: **“**[**Early Buy Allowance**](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-56-early-buy-allowance/)**”**
*   Code 57: **“**[**Quantity Discount**](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-57-quantity-discount/)**”**
*   Code 58: **“**[**DSDC Allowance**](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-58-dsdc-allowance-other-allowances-da-eb-sd/)**”** (This is a direct-to-store, shipped through distribution center allowance.)
*   Code 59: **“**[**Defective Merchandise Allowance**](https://supplierwiki.supplypike.com/articles/code-59-defective-merchandise-allowance-dm/)**”**

To avoid allowance deductions, you should first check your supplier agreement to make sure you are using the correct allowances on your invoices. If that appears in order, make sure that your EDI 810s are applying the allowances correctly. Work with your EDI provider to make sure that the correct data is being sent.

You can dispute allowance deductions as long as you can prove that the allowance was on the invoice and the allowance matches what is on your OSA. A common scenario for invalid codes in the 50s is that your OSA states that an allowance is supposed to be given off-invoice, but your EDI provider is actually giving the allowance off-line item. Disputing through the dispute portal and showing that the correct amount was already withheld can often overturn the deduction.

How SupplyPike can help you avoid deductions
--------------------------------------------

With our Deductions Navigator software, we take the guesswork and tedium out of managing deductions. We make it easy to understand every deduction and even give you the power to submit disputes with one click. From high level dashboards to detailed data from claims, checks, invoices, and purchase orders, you’ll have unprecedented insight and control of retailer deductions.

![Deductions by Claim Code](https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/3A18XzWI1HbjKVOBblKmFSXUTqVG1rbb3tYKCozTzJOC6ylPG3cdkUxjQWD_wOx7yFvKMz-7W5IDmQ0pc5rWy-BSrTYLx1hjgnG8wRK7ELM8C-5C8tR37EaRRNFy75G9ucNNEkjL)

Deductions Navigator dashboard

You can **start for free** and get visibility on all of your deductions. [**Schedule a demo today!**](https://www.supplypike.com/deductions)

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Avoiding Basic Walmart Deductions

Learn about:

*   The roles of finance and sales teams
*   The importance of communication between the two
*   Ways each team can help the other

* * *

Even if deductions are invalid and disputable, wouldn’t it be better to prevent them from happening in the first place? Getting your Sales and Finance Teams working together far before the deductions and post audits start hitting the accounts could help. 

The Finance Team is doing the “clean up” work of the Sales Team, so to speak, so with both teams on the same page, there will be less to clean up!  In today’s world, Finance Teams are generally located in the home office and the Sales Team is usually in the field closer to the customer. This allows the salesperson to be available for any last-minute meetings and to be more efficient with the customers.  Often the communication between the Finance Team and the Sales Team happens once the deductions start rolling in, but at that point, it’s often too late. Early communication is essential, so we’ve put together some of our top recommendations on how best to facilitate communication across teams.

**Be careful what you put in (or leave out of) emails** 
--------------------------------------------------------

*   The wording of emails from the supplier to the customer can be interpreted in many ways. Leaving a gray area will allow an auditor to spin their own interpretation, which leads to larger post audits. By working with your Finance Team on the wording you can eliminate the gray area.  
    *   Example: When offering a price reduction, make sure to state in your email that this is just an offer until the buyer accepts the offer in writing by replying to the email.  Possibly even give your offers numbers that you can easily track which offers are accepted. If an offer number is rejected and you want to edit and resubmit it, add a letter at the end of your offer number to allow you to track the negotiation that went on in that offer.
    *   Use exact dates – not just weeks – because Walmart weeks are different from the supplier’s weeks on a calendar and this could create some confusion.
    *   Details, details, details.  The more details you put in your email the better. 

[![More visibility, better communication CTA](https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/XkvJn1xqdkDlXzwYA2gEzjzafMqyQBUIpV5nEvWFNiVrnUQk-T4mbCfkK1a5g10dUccaUhpIL34JpwgToipnzt9yVuuRoH-gQEjRvH2ych8dyDI5FVXzD3zMKgmqz1eRqlJf3bYv)](https://www.supplypike.com/deductions)

**Sales Teams: give your Finance Team a heads up**
--------------------------------------------------

*   When knowingly accepting a deduction, communicate that information to your Finance Team and how you plan to have this deduction cleared. This will eliminate the deduction sitting on your books for an extended amount of time.
*   Copy your Finance Team on your emails with the customer. This will give them the information needed to research deductions without having to reach out to you repeatedly for more detail. 
*   Follow up on emails from Finance in a timely manner.  Remember that the Finance and Sales Teams are on the same side with the same goals (to get deductions cleared as soon as possible), so when a question is asked, follow up with the details quickly.

**Finance Teams: DO NOT email the buyer**
-----------------------------------------

*   Don’t reach out to the supplier’s buyer without getting approval from your Sales Team first. Maintaining a single point of contact is very important and causes less confusion.  Communicate with your Sales Team and ask them to reach out to the customer and copy you on the email. At that point, if there are additional questions you can assist in the email to get the issue resolved.
*   Do not escalate above the buyer if you are not getting results. Ask your Sales Team to escalate the issue to get a resolution. Again, one point of contact is very important and builds a better relationship with your customer. 
*   Give your salesperson time to answer your questions before escalating internally.  Building and maintaining a strong relationship with your Sales Team will help all parties achieve the desired outcome of clean books. 

Deductions are constant pain, but with proper communication and openness, they can be prevented. Sales and finance teams can work together to get accounts in order and make a supplier much more profitable.

SupplyPike offers a navigator for deductions, with full visibility and even one-click disputing. Our software does the hard work so you don’t have to. Easily see which deductions can be disputed and get to the root cause of the ones you can’t. Get actionable insights and view deductions by item number and location. [Try it for **free**](https://www.supplypike.com/deductions) today!

![Deductions Navigator dashboard](https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/EGIqd-QtRs1U4w8mWl27tytQDkYnTudNO10Bceefnshe7sGzADC0bkN35vVuJGVBy78bOoHjeSBoVjttbCW4-9_GioNn6hk5fSWY1dWEt2DiANpN2dC0AGONJu3oJ87ySXfzYp9b)

[![One-click disputes CTA](https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/fcKuPLyXPu63yRgFvvoNTCyx8isFJUsiJqQ2jjSklCyF-m0ax2rXgYsBzf5eB_rtui1oCfPn2m29FvP_Y_r311E8XHFTL5l1NfZ-9sIr__SMhtMv6IMGrm9rRV_fEWS3E5wgD0TH)](https://www.supplypike.com/deductions)

Walmart Deductions Explained

Overview

The ABCs of Walmart Deductions

Disputing Deductions

Avoiding Deductions

The SupplyPike Team

Legal