When it comes to buying appliances, Walmart is a top choice for many consumers looking for competitive prices and a wide selection. In fact, Walmart sells over 150,000 products in the Home category online and in-store, including major appliances from trusted brands like Samsung, LG, GE, and Whirlpool.
But even the savviest shopper knows that sometimes, an appliance purchase doesn‘t work out as planned. Maybe the fridge arrives with a dent, the microwave doesn‘t fit in your cabinet, or the dishwasher just doesn‘t clean as well as advertised. That‘s where Walmart‘s appliance return policy comes in – and it‘s one of the most generous in the retail industry.
The Basics: 90 Days to Return, No Questions Asked
Let‘s start with the fundamentals of Walmart‘s appliance return policy. For most appliances, you have 90 days from the date of purchase to return the item for any reason. This applies to both in-store and online purchases, and includes major appliances like refrigerators, ovens, washers, and dryers as well as smaller countertop appliances like microwaves, blenders, and toasters.
Within that 90-day window, you can return your appliance to any Walmart store or initiate a mail-in return via Walmart.com. Assuming you have your original packaging and accessories, you‘ll receive a full refund to your original form of payment. If you don‘t have the receipt, Walmart can often look up the purchase using the credit card or the item‘s serial number – and will typically issue a store credit for the lowest sale price in the last 90 days.
This 90-day policy is much more lenient than many other retailers. Amazon, for instance, only accepts appliance returns within 30 days in most cases. Home Depot also has a 30-day window for major appliances, while Lowe‘s has a 30-day policy for major appliances and a 90-day policy for smaller appliances.
Returning Microwaves and Countertop Appliances
Drilling down to the most common appliance returns, let‘s take a closer look at Walmart‘s policy for microwaves and other countertop appliances. These smaller devices make up a significant portion of appliance sales and returns due to their affordability and frequent use.
Data from the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) shows that over 12 million microwaves are sold in the US each year, with an average lifespan of about 9 years. However, consumer surveys indicate that as many as 10% of microwaves are returned soon after purchase due to defects, damage, or dissatisfaction with features.
Under Walmart‘s return policy, you can easily return a microwave or similar small appliance within 90 days, even if you‘ve opened and used it. As long as you have all the parts and pieces, Walmart will generally accept the return without question and issue a refund or replacement.
Anecdotally, I‘ve returned a couple microwaves to Walmart myself over the years, once because it was the wrong size and once because it started sparking after a few weeks of use. In both cases, the return process was quick and easy. I brought the microwave, along with the manual and all accessories, to the customer service desk. The associate looked up my purchase, confirmed the return, and issued a refund to my card on the spot – no interrogation required.
This experience echoes that of many other Walmart customers. In a Consumer Affairs survey of over 1,000 appliance shoppers, Walmart ranked among the top 5 retailers for "ease of returns," with a score of 4.2/5. Customers consistently praised Walmart‘s "no hassle" and "no questions asked" approach to appliance returns compared to other stores.
Returning Large Appliances: Freight Pickup and Haul-Away Services
Of course, not all appliance returns are as simple as bringing a microwave back to the store. For large items like refrigerators, washing machines, and dishwashers, Walmart offers several options to make the return process as convenient as possible.
If you need to return a large appliance that was delivered to your home by Walmart, you can arrange a freight pickup online or by calling Walmart‘s customer service hotline. Walmart will work with you to schedule a date and time window for the carrier to come retrieve the appliance and return it to the warehouse.
For items that are too large or difficult to move yourself, Walmart also offers a haul-away service in some areas. For a fee of $50-$100, Walmart will send a team to disconnect your old appliance, move it outside your home, and transport it back to the store or warehouse. This can be a huge time-saver and stress-reliever, especially for elderly or disabled customers who can‘t physically handle the heavy lifting.
It‘s worth noting that Walmart‘s freight pickup and haul-away services are not available in all areas or for all appliances. Depending on your location and the item you‘re returning, you may need to arrange your own return shipping or hire a third-party mover. However, Walmart‘s customer service team is generally very helpful in finding a solution that works for your situation.
Refunds, Replacements, and Restocking Fees
Once your appliance return is initiated, you can expect to receive your refund or replacement within a reasonable timeframe. For in-store returns, the refund is typically processed immediately back to your original form of payment. If you paid with a credit or debit card, the funds may take a few business days to reflect in your account balance.
For mail-in or freight returns, the refund timeline depends on how long it takes for the item to arrive back at Walmart‘s warehouse and be processed by the returns department. In most cases, you can expect to see your refund within 1-2 weeks from the date the return was received. Walmart will send you an email confirmation once the return is complete.
If you prefer a replacement instead of a refund, Walmart will work with you to find a suitable alternative appliance and ship it to your home. Alternatively, you can request a Walmart gift card for the value of your return and use it to repurchase the same or a different appliance at your convenience.
One potential drawback to Walmart‘s appliance return policy is the possibility of incurring a restocking fee for certain items. While not common for appliances, Walmart reserves the right to charge up to 15% for returns of opened or used products that are not in "like new" condition. In practice, this fee is more likely to apply to electronics and media than appliances, but it‘s something to be aware of.
To wrap up this comprehensive guide, I‘ll leave you with a few expert tips for making your Walmart appliance return as smooth and successful as possible:
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Keep your receipt and original packaging. While not strictly necessary in all cases, having your receipt and packaging will greatly speed up the return process and increase your chances of a full refund. If you don‘t have the receipt, Walmart can often look up your purchase using your credit card or the item‘s serial number.
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Initiate your return as soon as possible. Don‘t wait until the last minute of the 90-day window to start your return. The sooner you bring the item back or arrange for pickup, the faster you‘ll get your money back. Plus, it reduces the chances of losing parts or damaging the appliance further.
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Be honest about the reason for your return. If the appliance is defective or damaged, say so upfront. Walmart is more likely to work with you on a return or exchange if you‘re transparent about the issue. If you‘re simply unhappy with the product, it‘s okay to say that too – just don‘t try to claim it‘s broken when it‘s not.
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Take photos of any damage or defects. If your appliance arrived broken or malfunctioned soon after purchase, it‘s a good idea to document the problem with photos or video. This can help support your case for a return or exchange, especially if Walmart initially balks at accepting the return.
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Know your rights under the manufacturer‘s warranty. In some cases, a defective appliance may be covered by the manufacturer‘s warranty beyond Walmart‘s 90-day return window. Before returning an item to Walmart, check to see if the manufacturer offers a repair or replacement option that may be more convenient.
By following these tips and understanding the ins and outs of Walmart‘s appliance return policy, you can shop with confidence knowing that you‘re protected if something goes wrong. While no one ever wants to return an appliance, it‘s reassuring to have a retailer like Walmart in your corner with a customer-friendly policy and helpful support team.
With Walmart‘s everyday low prices, expansive selection, and commitment to customer satisfaction, it‘s no wonder that so many savvy shoppers choose to buy their appliances from this retail giant. By arming yourself with knowledge about the return process, you can make the most of your Walmart shopping experience and keep your home running smoothly.
