Walmart’s return policies will allow you to receive a refund for products you no longer want. However, at some point, the question arises as to whether you can return stuff to Walmart without a receipt, in case we misplace it.
When you make any purchase at Walmart you will have a 90-day window for returns and exchanges. Normally the company recommends you to keep the receipt and the original packaging so you can make your return without any problem.
Keep in mind that, ideally, products should be returned as soon as possible, especially if they are high-value items.
How to make a return at Walmart without a receipt?
Please note that if you purchase items directly from Walmart, the easiest way to return or exchange them is with the sales receipt. However, there are cases where items can be returned to Walmart without a receipt.
In these cases, you should always have the original packaging and accessories that came with your purchase. They may even refuse to accept your return if they cannot verify that it came from their store.
To do the process you must always carry a government ID with you, and the store manager will decide whether or not to accept the return. Most products may be eligible for return without a receipt, but there are exceptions such as:
- Used mattresses
- Oversized furniture
- Prescription glasses
- Contact lenses
On the other hand, any Walmart employee may also deny your return if they notice that you have excessive returns. In these cases, they will not let you return the products, and may even deny you the return if you have the receipt.
Are return policies for online purchases the same?
If you purchased in the Walmart Marketplace, the steps for returning your products may be different. But, the deadlines for returns will be the same, because you will have 90 days from the date of receipt.
There are different ways in which you can return a product online such as:
In the store
Products you purchase through Walmart’s website can be returned in-store for free just like those purchased in-store. Ideally, however, you should process your return from the website or app, so you can get a return barcode.
Simply show the return barcode to the store clerk, and the return will be processed.
Return by mail
Online returns are available free of charge by mail. These returns are processed directly from the returns website, and you will be given a USPS or FedEx label to make your return.
In some locations, there is a Walmart Plus benefit; in these cases, you can schedule a pickup directly from your home. However, this will only apply to selected locations. In cases of returns for online purchases, you can easily make your Walmart returns without a receipt because you will do it from your own user on the web.
How will I receive my refund from Walmart?
For returns at Walmart, either in-store or by mail, you will normally be refunded to your original payment method. This is especially true for online purchases.
However, if they are online store purchases, your refund will most likely be processed with a Walmart store card or gift card. This way, you will be able to use your refund to buy other things in the store.
If you go directly to the store and the purchase is not online, you may receive a cash refund for the full value of the item purchased. There is also the option to receive a replacement for the same product you purchased, this applies in case the products were defective and you still need it.
Are there items that cannot be returned at Walmart?
There are some items on which no returns will be accepted, whether you want to make your return at Walmart without a receipt or with a receipt. Among these items are:
- Ammunition
- Firearms or air weapons
- Compressed air guns
- Gasoline-powered bicycles
- Go-Karts
- Motorcycles or all-terrain vehicles
- Diabetic products
- Pepper sprays
- Prescription drugs
- Personal intimate massagers
- Electronic PIN or prepaid cellular
- Video game download cards
All other items can be returned without any inconvenience, even if you do not have a purchase receipt. However, there is a possibility that your return may not be accepted, especially in stores where you have a lot of accumulated returns.
Exemptions to Walmart’s 90-day return policy
There are certain exemptions to Walmart’s 90-day return policy and some are shorter and some are longer. These are the ones that may apply:
- 14 days: This period applies especially to electronic goods, such as contract or prepaid wireless cellular phones. In case of opening the products, it will be necessary to have a receipt in order to ask for an equal or longer one in exchange.
- 30 days: applies to drones, camcorders, e-readers, PCs, laptops, and other electronic products.
- Unused or unopened: Products such as air beds or air mattresses, must be returned unused or unopened to request a refund.
- 1-year return: This period applies to perennial plants, trees, or shrubs, which must be in perfect condition for the return to be accepted.
Do refunds have a cash limit?
All types of products can be returned, even those priced over $50. This is because Walmart does not limit returns according to the price of the product, but always with the different limitations that the store has for returns.
Please note that products such as meat or fresh produce that have quality or freshness problems must be returned within the best-before date. Non-perishables can be returned unopened within 90 days of purchase.
Walmart may even open packages that are apparently unopened. This is in order to verify the contents and to prevent fraudulent returns.
Most stores will accept your return from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day of the week including Sundays. But some locations have exceptions or holidays, so it’s a good idea to check the hours of operation at your nearest store.
Walmart’s return policy allows you to replace a broken, lost, wrongly advertised, or even unsatisfying product, but you must always respect the company’s policies in order for the return to be successful because in any case it could be denied.
REFERENCES
- Walmart (2024). Returns & Refunds. Walmart Website. https://www.walmart.com/help/article/refunds/a86a0400e237444cb9a5f3c3ce500d1b
- Walmart (2024). Walmart’s return policy. Walmart Website. https://www.walmart.com/cp/returns/1231920
- Omar (2024). Walmart Return Policy Explained (With & Without Reciept). OJ Digital Solutions. https://ojdigitalsolutions.com/walmart-return-policy/