Tea-lightful revelations on Auto-Approvals

A dog at a tea party eating her cupcake quickly and

Happy August Vendorville,

We’re in the dog days of summer, but if there’s pipping hot tea, we’re lapping it up no matter the temp. 🍵

The flavor of tea in question is Walmart Auto Approvals.

Plus, read to the end of this newsletter for an easy win – $25 gift card and pictures of puppies. 🐶

What are Auto Approvals?

Since 2021, Walmart Suppliers have used the Accounts Payable Dispute Portal (APDP) to submit deduction claims. Since then, Walmart has added features to APDP to streamline its dispute process. While there’s no official documentation about auto approvals, suppliers are noticing it.

One example of automation in APDP can be observed through the end of Settlement Disputing in 2023. Walmart introduced Mass Dispute Creation to help manage supplier dispute backlog.

Genpact is still in charge of reviewing manual disputes, and their process has stayed the same.

The Good News ☀️

Auto-approvals in APDP mean that suppliers get paid faster since they’re approved on the day of the dispute rather than waiting for manual approvals, which can vary based on the influx of disputes.
The more Walmart can automatically approve disputes, the more resources it will have to churn through its backlog and respond to manual review disputes faster.

The Bad News 🌧️

If the code type you are disputing fits into the automated codes, you may get a cookie-cutter response.

If the automation isn’t designed to capture the nuance of your claim, it may not benefit your dispute resolution.
Auto Approvals may mean more work for your team. Redisputing these claims has worked for other suppliers, but redisputing claims is a headache.

The puppet Kermit the Frog sipping Lipton tea in a cafe.

Here's two major callouts on Auto Approvals from SupplyPike's insights over the last two years:

Primarily, shortages and return codes get auto-approved.
86% of auto-approvals were for disputes of less than $25.

Now What?

Know your codes.
- Not all claims are disputed in APDP. Here’s an article on what deduction codes are – and aren't.
- Once you have a winning response, build it as a template for other codes.
- If y’all haven’t seen SupplierWiki’s Rosetta Stone for AP Deductions… where have you been?!
Dispute like a dog with a bone.
- Walmart typically allows for up to three dispute attempts. If your first claim is denied, review the reason and try again.
- Since disputes under $25 are auto-approved, tackle those claims if your business has a large backlog.

Want more insights like this? It’s kinda SupplyPike’s thing. 💅 Get a free analysis of your business’s revenue loss.

Retailer News 🗞️

WSJ

Dollar General Streamlines Supply Chain Behind Its Sprawling Store Network

Retail Dive

S&P Global Ratings downgrades Walgreens, citing struggles in both pharmacy and retail

Supply Chain Dive

Kroger to add new Ocado technology to automated fulfillment centers

Rick’s Tips 💘

Much like the enigmatic Lady Whistledown from Bridgerton, Rick possesses an uncanny ability to observe and report the goings-on within the bustling world of online commerce. With a sharp wit and an eye for detail, Rick pitched a column to the NYT on the most pressing issues in the supply chain. He’s hopeful for a response one day. 😉

"Experiencing revenue loss with any of your retailers or distributors?

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Let’s Circle Back 🌀

Raise a paw if you are also working to support your good boy or girl. 🙋

If our fur babies could finally contribute financially to the household, where do you think their skills would fit into your org?

Here’s our quick take that’s up for debate.

Legal – Greyhound: Commanding presence, always in control, and doesn't back down from challenges. Knows how to protect the company's interests while looking sleek and stylish.

Customer Service – Golden Retriever: Patient, empathetic, and always ready to lend a helping paw. Goes above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction with a wagging tail.

Sales – Jack Russell Terrier: Energetic, persistent, and always chasing the next big deal. Won’t take no for an answer and bounces back from rejection with boundless enthusiasm.

Marketing – French Bulldog: Flashy, attention-grabbing, and always knows how to make an impression. Small but mighty, with a knack for making even the simplest ideas look glamorous.

Operations – Rottweiler: Strong, reliable, and always enforcing the rules. This dog keeps everything in line and ensures the team functions like a machine.

Admin Assistant – Cocker Spaniel: Loyal, organized, and always eager to help. Keeps the office running smoothly with their meticulous nature and friendly demeanor.

Did we get these right or wrong? What teams are we leaving off?