If you’ve ever purchased something from Walmart and had to return it, you may wonder about their return policy. Walmart has a well-known reputation for having a generous return policy, but what exactly does that mean for you as a customer?
Walmart’s return policy allows you to return most items within 90 days of purchase unless noted in their exceptions list. However, this policy has a few exceptions, such as big-ticket items (within 2 days), wireless mobiles ( within 14 days), and many electronic items within 30 days.
In addition to its 90-day return policy, Walmart offers a few other return options. If you have a receipt, you can receive a full refund in the original form of payment.
What is Walmart Return Policy
If you’re unsatisfied with your Walmart purchase, you can return it for a refund or exchange.
You can visit any Walmart store or initiate a return online to return an item.
If you’re returning an item to a store, you must bring the item and a copy of the receipt or order confirmation email.
If you’re returning an item online, you can print a return label, ship it back to Walmart, or drop it off at a UPS location.
Some items are not eligible for return, such as opened software, digital downloads, and prepaid cards.
Additionally, some items may have different return policies, such as electronics, with a 14-day return window and require a receipt.
Here is the return policy for different items:
Return within 2 days
- Full Size Refrigerators
- Freezers
- Dishwashers
- Oven Ranges Cooktops and Furnaces
- Trash Compactors
- Wall Ovens
- Washing Machine & Dryer Sets,
- Range Hoods
- Washing Machines
- Dryers
- Ice makers
Return within 14 days
Most wireless phones
Return within 30 days
- AppleCare+
- Cooling & Heating (e.g., Air conditioners, Heaters, Air purifiers, Humidifiers, De-humidifiers, Fans, Indoor fireplaces)
- Consumer Electronics
- Electric Scooters
- Hoverboards
- Most Marketplace Items
- PC Components (e.g., motherboards, RAM, graphics cards) Must be returned in the original packaging.
- Verizon Postpaid Wireless Phones
- Vacuums & Floorcare (e.g., Vacuum cleaners, Robotic vacuum cleaners, Carpet cleaners, Steam cleaners, Vacuum attachments)
- Walmart Protection Plans
Return within the 30 days of purchase
- Contact Lenses
- Hearing Aids
- Prescription Glasses
- Prescription Contacts
Return within 90 days
- Walmart+ Membership (Unless used or activated)
- Home & Garden Equipment* (e.g., lawn mowers, line trimmers, hedge trimmers, chainsaws, pressure washers)
- Tires (Tyres that have not been installed or mounted can be returned to the stores with Auto service centers)
- Photo Prints, Personalized items, and photo products* (e.g., blankets, mugs, calendars)
- Toilets, toilet bowls and urinals
Returned within 365 days
- Perennials, Shrubs, Trees (returned in-store only)
If you don’t have a receipt or order confirmation email, Walmart may still accept your return, but you must provide a valid government-issued ID. Without a receipt, you may only receive a refund or exchange for the item’s current price rather than the price you paid for it.
Overall, Walmart’s return policy is designed to be flexible and accommodating to customers. If you’re unsatisfied with your purchase, you can trust that Walmart will work with you to find a solution.
Return Periods for Different Items
General Merchandise
Regarding general merchandise, Walmart’s return policy is pretty flexible. You have 90 days from the date of purchase to return most items. This includes things like clothing, toys, and home goods.
For example, if you bought a computer or a television, you only have 30 days to return it.
Additionally, if you purchased a product with a shorter return window (such as a seasonal item), the return period will be noted on your receipt.
Electronics
Walmart’s return policy for electronics is a bit more strict than for general merchandise.
If you purchased an electronic item (such as a laptop, tablet, or phone), you only have 30 days to return it. This includes both open and unopened items.
There are a few exceptions to this rule, however. If you purchased an item that is defective or damaged, you may be able to return it outside of the 30-day window.
Additionally, if you purchased an item with a manufacturer’s warranty, you may need to contact the manufacturer directly to initiate a return.
Perishable Items
Walmart’s return policy for perishable items (such as food and flowers) differs slightly from other items.
If you purchased an expired or damaged perishable item, you can return it for a full refund or exchange at Walmart stores.
Return Methods
Walmart In-Store Return Policy
If you are not satisfied with your Walmart purchase, you have the option to return it in-store.
Walmart’s in-store return policy is simple and hassle-free. Here’s what you need to know:
- You can return most items within 90 days of purchase.
- You must have the original receipt or order confirmation email.
- The item must be in its original packaging and new condition.
- Some items, like electronics, have a shorter return window and may require a restocking fee.
- You can return online purchases in-store as well.
You can return your item to any Walmart store if you meet these requirements. The refund will be issued in the original form of payment or a Walmart gift card if you don’t have the receipt.
Online Return Policy
Walmart’s online return policy allows you to return most items within 90 days of purchase. Here’s what you need to know:
- You can initiate a return online or through the Walmart app.
- You can choose to return the item by mail or in-store.
- If you choose to return the item by mail, you will be responsible for the shipping cost.
- If you return the item in-store, you can print a pre-paid return label or scan it at the store.
- The item must be in its original packaging and new condition.
- Some items, like electronics, have a shorter return window and may require a restocking fee.
Once your return is processed, you will receive a refund in the original form of payment or a Walmart gift card if you don’t have the receipt.
Special Cases
Damaged or Defective Items
If you receive a damaged or defective item from Walmart, you can return it for a refund or exchange within 90 days of purchase.
To initiate the return, you can either visit a Walmart store or contact customer service via phone or online chat.
You must provide information about the item and the reason for the return. If you have the original packaging and all accessories, it will help expedite the process.
Gift Returns
If you received a gift from Walmart and need to return it, you can do so within 90 days of the purchase date.
You will need a gift receipt or the original packing slip to initiate the return.
If you don’t have either of these, you can still return the item, but you will receive a Walmart gift card for the item’s current price.
International Returns
If you purchased an item from Walmart while traveling abroad and need to return it, you can do so within 90 days of purchase.
However, the return policy may vary depending on the country where the item was purchased.
It’s best to check with the local Walmart store or contact customer service for specific instructions.
Walmart’s return policy is designed to provide customers with a hassle-free shopping experience.
Whether you’re returning a damaged item, gift, or international purchase, Walmart strives to make the process as easy and convenient as possible.
Refunds and Exchanges
Refund Methods
If you need to return an item to Walmart, you have a few options for receiving a refund.
The first option is to receive a refund to your original payment method.
This means that if you paid with a credit card, the refund will be credited back to that card. If you paid with cash, you will receive a cash refund.
You can still receive a refund if you don’t have the original payment method available.
Walmart offers refunds through store credit or a Walmart gift card.
This can be a convenient option if you plan on shopping at Walmart again in the future.
Exchange Policy
If you need to exchange an item at Walmart, you can do so either in-store or online.
In-store exchanges are generally the easiest option, as you can bring the item to a Walmart store and exchange it for a different item or receive a refund.
If you need to exchange an item online, you can do so through the Walmart website.
You must log in to your account and initiate the exchange process. Once you have initiated the exchange, you will receive instructions on returning the item and receiving your replacement.
Exceptions to the Policy
Despite Walmart’s generous return policy, there are a few exceptions that you should be aware of before making a purchase. These exceptions include:
- Electronics: Electronics such as computers, tablets, and smartphones must be returned within 14 days of purchase. After 14 days, you must contact the manufacturer for warranty repairs or replacements.
- Gift Cards: Walmart gift cards cannot be returned or refunded.
- Hazardous Materials: Hazardous materials such as chemicals and batteries cannot be returned to Walmart.
- Prepaid Cards: Prepaid cards such as phone cards and gift cards cannot be returned or refunded.
- Personal Hygiene Products: Personal hygiene products such as razors, toothbrushes, and feminine hygiene products cannot be returned to Walmart for health and safety reasons.
- Customized Products: Customized products such as personalized jewelry and engraved items cannot be returned to Walmart.
It’s important to note that Walmart reserves the right to refuse any return that doesn’t meet its policy requirements.
Additionally, some products may have additional restrictions or requirements for returns, so be sure to check the product page or packaging before making a purchase.
Can I return items to Walmart without a receipt?
If you have changed your mind about a purchase or received a gift that you would like to return, Walmart has a generous return policy that allows you to return most items within 90 days of purchase.
However, what if you have lost your receipt?
Can you still return the item to Walmart?
The answer is yes, but it depends on the item and the amount. If the item is under $10, you can return it without a receipt and receive a cash refund.
If the item is $10 or over, you can still return it without a receipt, but you will receive a Walmart gift card instead of cash.
It’s important to note that some items cannot be returned without a receipt, including electronics, wireless mobiles, etc.
Additionally, if you have made too many returns without a receipt, Walmart may require you to provide a government-issued ID when making future returns.
What items are not eligible for returns at Walmart?
When it comes to returns, Walmart has a fairly lenient policy. However, some items are not eligible for returns. Here are a few examples:
- Prescription medication: For safety reasons, Walmart cannot accept returns on prescription medication. If you have an issue with a prescription medication purchase, you should contact your healthcare provider or the pharmacy where you filled the prescription.
- Customized products: If you have customized a product, such as a photo book or personalized t-shirt, it cannot be returned unless there is a defect or error in the product.
- Gift cards: Gift cards cannot be returned or refunded.
- Opened software: It cannot be returned if you have opened software, such as a video game or computer program. However, you can exchange the software for the same item if it is defective.
- Metal products like Jewelery
It’s important to note that this is not an exhaustive list of items that are not eligible for returns at Walmart.
If you have questions about whether an item can be returned, contact Walmart customer service for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the return policy for electronics at Walmart?
Walmart’s return policy for electronics is the same as for most other items. You can return electronics within 90 days of purchase, and the item must be in its original packaging with all accessories included.
You can return the item for a refund or exchange if it is defective.
What is the minimum return policy at Walmart?
Walmart’s minimum return policy is 2 days for most big-ticket items. You will get full refund if you return within 2 days of purchase.
However, some items, such as electronics, have a longer return window of 90 days.
You must have the original packaging and all accessories to return items that are not defective.
What is the time frame for returns at Walmart?
The time frame for returns at Walmart varies depending on the item. Most items can be returned within 90 days, but some, such as electronics, can be returned within 30 days.
You must have the original packaging and all accessories to return items that are not defective.
Can I return an opened electronic item to Walmart?
Yes, you can return an opened electronic item to Walmart as long as it is within the 30-day return window and the item is not defective.
You must have the original packaging and all accessories to return the item. You can return the item for a refund or exchange if it is defective.