Walmart Return Policy: 9 Tips To Keep in Mind
Written by
Joshua Rodriguez
Edited by
Susan Kim
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Attention, Walmart shoppers: If you have made a purchase and have some buyer’s remorse, there is no need to eat the cost, as Walmart’s return policy is pretty lenient. Sure, there is the standard time frame in which you can return certain items, but there are also a few tips and tricks to ensure you’re never left holding the Walmart bag you don’t want.
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Whether you plan on returning in-store or need to figure out return shipping for an online order, there is no reason you shouldn’t be able to get a full refund or exchange for store credit to get something you truly want. By understanding a few tricks, you can make the most of Walmart’s return policy all year round.
1. Know the Time Frame
Walmart has different return windows for different items. For most items, you have 90 days to return them. But electronics, such as laptops and TVs, have a shorter return period of 30 days. Knowing these time frames can help you plan your returns effectively.
2. Keep Your Receipt
It’s important to hold on to your receipt if you think you might return something. Without it, Walmart may not accept the return or may only offer you store credit instead of a refund.
3. Packaging and Condition of the Item
Walmart typically requires items to be in their original packaging and condition, including all the item’s accessories if applicable. If you’ve opened the item but still have everything it came with, you’re usually good to go.
4. Use the Walmart App
The Walmart app can make returns easier. You can scan your receipt, track your purchases, and even start the return process before heading to the store. This can save you time, hassle and maybe even money.
5. Keep an Eye on Special Cases
Sometimes, Walmart extends its return policy for certain items. For example, during the holiday season, it often allows returns on items purchased in November and December until late January. Checking for these special cases can give you more flexibility.
6. Walmart Return Policy Options
You can return items in-store or through the mail. Choose the option that’s most convenient for you.
7. Be Polite and Patient
When returning items, being polite and patient can go a long way. Store associates are more likely to help you if you’re courteous and understanding, especially if there are any issues with your return.
8. Keep Track of Refunds
After you return an item, keep an eye on your account for the refund. Walmart typically processes refunds within a few business days, but it’s good to double-check to ensure everything went through smoothly.
9. Utilize Customer Service
If you have any questions or encounter issues with your return, don’t hesitate to contact Walmart’s customer service. They can provide guidance and assistance to ensure your return is handled correctly.
Walmart’s Return Policy: Standard Procedures
It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with Walmart’s return policy for a smoother process if you purchase something you don’t need or find to be defective later. Here are a few key takeaways if you need to return items purchased from Walmart:
- The Walmart store return policy stipulates that you typically have 90 days to return items, though there are some exceptions.
- If you’ve purchased an item from Walmart.com, eligible items can be returned or replaced by mail within 90 days of receipt.
- If an item you order online is damaged or defective when you get it, you can return it by mail for a refund or replacement or at any Walmart store.
- You should try to keep the receipt and leave the items in their original packaging to help expedite your return.
- Depending on your bank or credit card, refunds can take a few business days to post to your account.
- You may have to pay a restocking fee for items purchased from Walmart Marketplace.
Electronics Return Policy
Walmart electronics are one exception to the standard return policy. Shoppers must return their electronics purchases within 30 days of the purchase date to qualify for a refund, and you must have your receipt. These include but are not limited to:
- Verizon postpaid cellphones
- Digital cameras
- Digital music players
- Computers
- Televisions
- PC components
- Drones
- Hoverboards
- Portable video players
- GPS units
Most prepaid cell phones have a shorter return period than other electronics — they must be returned within 14 days for a refund or exchange.
Receipt Policy
You can return many items to Walmart without a receipt, but it is subject to a verification process. Can Walmart look up your return with a card? Yes, if you don’t have your receipt, Walmart may be able to look up the transaction if you have the debit card, credit card, email or phone number associated with the purchase.
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If Walmart is not able to look up your transaction, you can only make an exchange, get a cash refund if the value is under $10, or receive a Walmart gift card if the refund value is at least $10.
To return electronics or anything else that has a return window other than the standard 90 days, you must have the receipt.
Know What You Can’t Return
Although you can return most items to Walmart, the policy has some exclusions. In particular, the company won’t accept the following items as returns:
- Firearms and ammunition
- Pepper spray
- Prescription medications
- Gas-powered vehicles
- Gift cards
- Diabetic supplies — unless defective
- Test kits
- Used tires
- Precious metals
- Trading cards
- Hygienic medical equipment
If your item is not on the list above, chances are you’ll be able to return it, as long as you meet Walmart’s time frame requirements. However, it’s important to know that some items are only eligible for exchange, not a refund — like opened drones, unlocked cellphones and air mattresses.
Holiday Return Policy
Walmart’s holiday return policy applies to all items traditionally eligible for a return, regardless of the typical time frame requirements. However, there are some exceptions.
Any item excluded from Walmart’s standard return policy — like firearms, trading cards and the other items listed above — are also excluded from the holiday return policy, regardless of whether you purchased them as holiday gifts or standard purchases.
How To Return an Item to Walmart
You have several options to return an item to Walmart, including the following:
- Bring the item you plan to return to the customer service desk at your local Walmart location.
- You can return products you purchased online by mail or by dropping your return off at a FedEx location. To start a return on Walmart’s website, log in to your account, find the order in your purchase history and follow the prompts to print your return label.
- Take advantage of Walmart’s curbside returns.
Final Take To GO
You can return the vast majority of items you purchase at Walmart easily. The same goes for gifts you receive from people who purchased them at Walmart.
Need to return something now? Go to your local store or log in to your account via Walmart’s website to start a return that falls within these guidelines.
Caitlyn Moorhead contributed to the reporting for this article.
Editorial Note: This content is not provided by any entity covered in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews, ratings or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any entity named in this article.
