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Anytime you need to go through the steps of returning something, whether it was an impulse buy you regret, a gift from an in-law or just something that doesn’t quite live up to your standards, you should be able to do so without too much hassle. With the right knowledge and preparation of Walmart return hours and process, you can streamline this errand instead of it being a back-and-forth fiasco.
Considering its high sales volume, Walmart makes it relatively easy for you to return purchases and gifts to a Walmart store — in some cases, without needing to get out of your car. But you do need to head to the store during Walmart return hours.
What Are Walmart Return Hours?
If you need to make a return to Walmart, you can do so during regular business hours. Though hours may vary by location and holiday, in general, Walmart stores are open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. and you can return items at any time during these hours. Here are some other key takeaways:
- You can use the store locator on the Walmart website to determine the store hours of your local Walmart.
- You can also find the phone numbers for a local Walmart brick-and-mortar using the store locator so you can call and confirm a store’s return hours.
- If you have a Walmart.com account, you can use the Walmart app or log into the website to start your return and get the return hours for a specific store.
- If you have a Walmart Supercenter near you it’s likely that it is open 24 hours a day which means you can make returns at any time.
How To Return a Purchase to a Walmart Store
Most Walmart stores allow you to drop returns at the customer service desk, and with some items, you can take advantage of curbside returns. If you have a Walmart account, make returns as easy as possible by using the Walmart app or logging into Walmart.com to process the return, so all you have to do is drop it off at the store.
To start a return with the app or website:
- Log into the Walmart app or the Walmart website.
- Select the item(s) to return.
- Select a reason for the return.
- Choose “Return to Store” or “Curbside Return” if the option is available to generate a return barcode and review the return details, including the assigned store for a curbside return. If necessary, you can change the assigned store.
- Submit the return.
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You will receive an email confirmation for the return, which you must bring to the store with your Walmart items, receipts and any original packaging. You do not need to box or package returns, but if the original packaging has any shipping labels, mark through them to avoid any refund delays.
Take these additional steps for curbside returns:
- Before leaving home to drop off your return, use the app to notify the store you’re on the way. You can select a new drop-off location if necessary.
- Once you arrive at the store, park in a designated pickup parking spot and use the app to notify the store which spot you are in.
- When a Walmart associate comes to your car, show them the return barcode on the Walmart app and the associate will complete your return.
Tips To Help Make the Return Process Smoother
Here are some tips to know to ensure a hassle-free return experience at Walmart:
- Know Walmart’s return policy: Before heading to the store, familiarize yourself with Walmart’s return policy. Generally, most items can be returned within 90 days with a receipt, but electronics and certain other items may have shorter return periods or specific requirements.
- Keep your receipt and packaging: Walmart typically requires a receipt for returns, and having the original packaging helps verify the condition of the product.
- Check for special return requirements: Some items, such as electronics or large appliances, may require special handling or return procedures. Make sure to check Walmart’s website or contact customer service if you’re unsure about how to return a particular item.
- Choose the right time to return: Walmart stores can be busy, especially during peak hours. To avoid long wait times and crowds, try to schedule your return during off-peak hours, such as weekday mornings or early afternoons.
- Use the Walmart app: Walmart’s mobile app can be a valuable tool for returning items. You can initiate a return through the app, which generates a QR code that you can scan at the store’s return counter, speeding up the process significantly.
- Be prepared to provide information: When returning an item, be ready to provide relevant information such as your name, contact details and the reason for the return. Having this information readily available can help expedite the process.
- Be courteous and patient: While returning an item can be frustrating, it’s important to remain courteous and patient with Walmart’s staff. They are there to assist you and following proper etiquette can help ensure a positive experience for everyone involved.
- Consider alternative methods: If returning an item in person is inconvenient, Walmart offers alternative return methods, such as mail-in returns for certain items. Check their website or contact customer service to explore these options.
What Is the Time Limit for Walmart Returns?
According to Walmart’s return policy, you have up to 90 days from the purchase or receipt of most items to make a return or exchange, depending on the item. That means some items have different return windows. For instance, wireless phones and luxury items only have a 14-day return window. Also, Walmart often extends the window for returning holiday purchases and gifts.
Here’s an overview of the types of returns you may complete with a receipt, including the window of return time:
- 2 days: Major appliances
- 14 days: Wireless phones
- 30 days: HVAC electronics, computers, vacuums and Walmart Protection Plans
- 60 days: Contact lenses, hearing aids, prescription glasses, contacts
- 90 days: Walmart+ Membership, home and garden equipment, tires, photo products
- 365 days: Perennials, trees and shrubs — but note, you can only return these in person
The return window may also differ for Walmart.com Marketplace purchases. Purchases from dealers and resellers on Walmart.com are not eligible for returns.
Can You Return an Opened Item to Walmart?
The Walmart return policy does not preclude the return of opened items, although Walmart does reserve the right to refuse any return.
Not all opened products are eligible for a refund. If you’ve purchased and opened one of the following types of products, you can only exchange it for the exact or a similar product:
- Drones
- Unlocked wireless phones
- Air mattresses and air beds
- Medical equipment
- Funeral products
Can You Return a Gift to Walmart Without a Receipt?
Yes, you can return a gift to Walmart without a receipt. However, you may only exchange the item or receive a Walmart gift card for the refunded amount if the price is more than $10. You can receive a cash refund without a receipt for items under $10.
Final Take To GO
You have a few options for returning Walmart merchandise in-store or by mail. If you live near a Walmart, an in-store return will get you the fastest refund and you won’t have the hassle of packing a box for shipping or printing a shipping label. If your return is eligible for curbside return service, you can simply park in a Walmart pickup spot during Walmart return hours and avoid any line at the Customer Service desk.
Caitlyn Moorhead contributed to the reporting for this article.
