Walmart Return Policy Without A Receipt (2021 Updated)

Walmart sells just about everything, which makes it easy for us to make impulsive purchases as we make our way up and down the different aisles.

When you buy something that you don’t need or want, you may want to return it.

However, what happens when you don’t have a receipt?

We will cover everything you need to know about Walmart’s return policy, including how to return an item without a receipt.

Walmart Return Policy Without A Receipt

Yes, you can still return items to Walmart without the receipt.

A receipt undoubtedly makes returning items much easier.

To return an item without the receipt, you will need to show your government-issued ID.

Keep in mind that the ID must match the information the store has in their database for them to accept the return.

Pro Tip: If the information that Walmart has on file does not match your ID, update the information with Walmart before you make your return.

You will only get a cash refund on items under $25.

In most cases, you will receive a gift card to make up for the return.

Naturally, the return must happen within the standard 90-day return policy.

While it may be difficult for the store to pinpoint exactly when you bought an item, employees will use information based on what you tell them, and other information based on the item in question.

Employees can also look up your in-store purchase using your credit card.

Online purchases are even easier to track as long as you have the email address or phone number attached to the order.

Products With Return Policy Exceptions

Certain items you can buy at Walmart fall under specialized return policy rules that require a tighter return policy than most standard items.

See the following exceptions to the return policy.

1. Items That Must Have A Receipt

The following items absolutely must have a receipt for Walmart to accept the return:

• Produce
• Flowers
• Meat
• Bakery
• Deli
• Frozen items
• Car batteries
• Home and garden equipment

2. 60 Days

Prescription glasses, contacts, and hearing aids must be returned within 60 days.

Many retailers won’t take these items back due to the customization required to make these items.

However, not all products fit properly.

Naturally, you can’t have uncomfortable tools for your eyes or ears.

3. 30 Days

Most electronics must be returned within 30 days, including laptops, tablets, cameras, and televisions.

Walmart will take back returns on electronics for most reasons, including a broken screen, within this timeframe.

However, you cannot return items that broke due to something you did, such as downloading a virus on a new laptop.

You must have all parts included with the item, including the charger, memory card, and even the user manual.

4. 14 Days

Cellphones, both prepaid and contract, must be returned to the original store that they were purchased from within 14 days.

Cellphones must be returned so quickly because of the return policies of the wireless companies.

They need things to be returned fast due to the speed of technology and how it affects the value of different products.

Returned cellphones can be refurbished and reutilized.

5. Exchange-Only Items

You cannot get a refund for the following items when opened, but you can exchange them:

• Cellphones
• Air mattresses
• Medical equipment

The idea is that since these items require special sanitation procedures to get them back on the sales floor, they want people to keep them after they buy them.

If you have the item still unopened in its original packaging, Walmart employees may be able to work with you.

6. Final Sale Items

Walmart will not accept returns on the following items under any circumstances:

• Dirt bikes
• Tires
• Firearms and ammunition
• Adult toys
• Undergarments
• Prescription medication
• Trading cards
• RV sewer lines

All of these items have clear labeling near them to explain that you will not be able to return them.

If you do buy one of these items and don’t need it, you can always look to other areas of reselling them, such as Craigslist or different smartphone apps.

Walmart’s Standard Return Policy

Walmart wants you to feel satisfied with your items.

Many people won’t shop with a retailer again if they don’t offer a fair and simple return process.

That’s why Walmart put a clear return policy in place to allow customers to return or exchange items.

When you do have a receipt, you can make a return within 90 days of buying most items, including luxury items.

You can also return items at just about any Walmart store, no matter where you bought the item.

All returned items must have all components and accessories included for you to return them.

You cannot replace items that are missing, even the smallest part.

If you used a debit card or credit card, the money would go back onto your card within 10 days (with most people reporting the funds returning faster).

If you don’t have the card on you at the time of the return, you will receive a gift card in the amount of the return.

Walmart Marketplace Items

Walmart Marketplace allows local retailers to sell their products with the super retailer.

However, these items do not fall under Walmart’s return policy.

Walmart Marketplace items follow the particular retailer’s return policy.

You may also need to return the item to a specific Walmart store where that retailer sells their items.

The good news is that Walmart puts a lot of effort into vetting its Marketplace retailers to ensure the highest level of satisfaction possible.

Returning Damaged Items

Walmart understands that things happen.

You may accidentally buy an item that somehow became damaged.

Luckily, if you notice the problem within the return period, you can exchange damaged items (within reason).

Walmart will do its part to fix the item before putting it back on the shelf for someone else to purchase it.

Alternatively, they may send the item back to the original retailer or simply throw it away if it is beyond a cost-effective repair.

Returning Large Items

You can absolutely return large items in-store.

However, you will be responsible for lugging the item back to the store.

Some items may be too large to send back via traditional mail and may require you to send them back via freight.

In some cases, Walmart would prefer not to go through the stress of returning a large or bulky item due to the cost of delivery and storage.

They may even not want to take the old item back, leaving you to dispose of the item or simply keep it.

Denied Returns

You’d be amazed at some of the things people try to return with a straight face.

Some people also try to perform scams that involve returning items they never purchased.

To ensure that Walmart doesn’t fall victim to scams, they have policies in place to protect themselves.

It’s important to note that Walmart has the right to alter its return policy for any reason at any time.

Once any changes are made, customers will have access to information about changes in a reasonable time.

However, all customers will become subject to the changes immediately.

The store manager also has the right to deny returns for any reason.

For this reason, it won’t behoove you to argue with the employee if you disagree about how to proceed regarding your return.

Some of the main reasons that a store manager may refuse a return include:

• Excessive returns with no receipt
• Missing parts/accessories
• Items with no packaging
• Grossly damaged items you admitted to breaking

How Do I Return Items Bought Online?

Walmart has recently entered the online shopping world with an effective online store that features a majority of its products.

You can get items delivered or pick them up yourself at your local store.

If you want to return something that you bought online, you can either bring it into the store, or you can mail most items back without leaving your home.

Keep in mind that you can only get a cash refund for online purchases under $10.

Otherwise, you will need to accept a gift card.

If you want to initiate a return, you can do so easily on the Walmart website.

Tips On Simple Walmart Returns

Here are some tips on how to ensure that you return your items to Walmart effectively and simply.

1. Research Products Before Purchasing

One of the simplest ways to ensure that you don’t need to make a return is to research a product before actually buying it.

We all have smartphones nowadays, so you should have no problem performing a simple online search to read reviews and get details on a product before you put it into your cart.

As a general rule, if you don’t have time to research a product in advance, buy it at another time.

Of course, you don’t only want to research the brand and product information but also the product itself.

Always examine a product for signs of damage before buying it.

Also, place the product into your cart with care to prevent damage from happening while you do your shopping.

2. Pay With A Debit Card Or Credit Card

You can find your receipt quickly and easily if you use a card to make your purchase.

To find an old receipt, you simply need to visit the Store Receipt Lookup resource on Walmart’s website.

To start, you will enter the location of the store where you shopped by using the zip code.

After you select the correct store, you will fill out the following purchase details:

• Purchase date
• Type of card
• Last four digits
• Receipt total

If you don’t have the above information, you won’t be able to use the receipt lookup tool.

However, you can find the last four digits of the credit card, the date of purchase, and the receipt total using your credit card statement if you have access to that.

It can also help to make purchases online.

When you buy items online, you can reduce the number of people in the store.

Also, you’ll have a very clear record of all of your purchases right in your app.

3. Pick Right Time And Location

It’s not a great idea to initiate an in-store return during peak shopping hours, such as Saturday during the day.

Instead, visit the store earlier or later in the day.

Some stores even offer customer service 24/7.

However, it can be wise to check at your local store before trying to make a return at 2:00 a.m. to ensure that they have staff available to help you at that hour.

If possible, you also want to make the return at the store where you purchased the item.

It can just help facilitate things and keep records straight internally.

4. Maintain A Positive Attitude

It can get frustrating when you purchase an item that you don’t want or need and need to take time out of your day to return it.

It can be just as annoying for the employees, though, too.

If you maintain a positive attitude and cooperate by providing as much information as possible, staff will be able to help you better.

The experience will be quicker and more enjoyable for everyone involved.

How Does Walmart Compare To Competitors Regarding Returns?

Walmart leads the pack in numerous ways when it comes to returns.

Of course, they don’t win in every category.

Walmart’s biggest competitors include Amazon, Best Buy, and Target.

Walmart and Target offer 90 days for most items, while Amazon only offers a 30-day return policy.

Best Buy customers typically get 15 days to return items, unless they are Elite or Elite Plus members which come with 30-day or 45-day return windows, respectively.

Walmart also gives customers the option to return items both in-store and online (Best Buy and Target do, too).

Amazon has recently made returning products a little easier.

After processing the return online, many items can be returned to a Kohl’s location instead of through the mail.

While a receipt is preferred with Walmart, it’s not always necessary.

It is necessary when it comes to making returns through Amazon, Best Buy, and Target.

Without a receipt, you will likely get turned down at other stores outside of Walmart.

Ultimately, Walmart tends to provide the best return policy.

However, each retail giant gives each other a run for their money.

Conclusion

We have all experienced the frustration of buying the wrong item or noticing a damaged item after we get home.

The situation becomes even more frustrating if you can’t find the receipt for the item that you want to return.

Don’t panic.

If you bought the item from Walmart, you may still be able to return your item for a refund or exchange it for the item you want.

Many times, you’ll be able to find the receipt if you used your debit card or credit card to make the purchase.

If you paid in cash, you still have a great chance of getting store credit as long as the product is intact and, ideally, in the original packaging.

The post Walmart Return Policy Without A Receipt (2021 Updated) appeared first on The Cold Wire.

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