Can You Return Food To Walmart?

You can pretty much find anything and everything at Walmart, from diapers to sporting goods and groceries. In the past, Walmart didn’t always have the best reputation when it came to certain food items, like produce and meat.

But with the launch of its Fresh Guarantee Policy in 2013, the store started putting measures into place to up its game regarding its food selection. The policy also makes it easier to return food to Walmart if you’re not satisfied.

Walmart allows the return of non-perishable food items within 90 days of purchase under its standard return policy. You need to bring back the item to receive a refund or credit. However, the Fresh Guarantee Policy makes it possible to return most perishable food items with only a receipt within 90 days. If you don’t have a receipt, you’ll need your government-issued photo ID.

It seems simple enough, right? Walmart tries to make the return process as easy as possible for its customers, but there are always exceptions. Here’s what you need to know if you want to return food to Walmart.

According to Walmart’s Return Policy, if you have your receipt and it’s been less than 90 days, you can return items to Walmart. Most non-perishable food falls under Walmart’s Standard Return Policy (things like canned goods, dry-boxed goods, etc.). When returning these types of foods, you’ll either get a refund, credit, or exchange.

For non-perishable items, you must return the item. However, for perishable items, you won’t need to bring the item back; you just need your receipt. This perk is thanks to Walmart’s Fresh Guarantee.

In an effort to show customers it was committed to offering higher-quality produce, meat, and other goods, Walmart launched its Freshness Guarantee Policy. The policy allows customers to return perishable food items for 100% of their money back within 90 days.

Therefore, if you’re not satisfied with the freshness of the items for any reason within 90 days of purchase, no problem. Simply bring your receipt to Walmart for a full refund. You don’t have to return the item, since it’s perishable.

The Fresh Guarantee applies to deli items, frozen food, produce, dairy items, meat, seafood, and even fresh flowers. Technically, the policy doesn’t apply to spoiled food past their best or sell-by dates.

However, since you don’t need to return the item itself, there’s a bit of a gray area here. In many cases, it comes down to the good old-fashioned honesty policy.

If you buy non-perishable items on Walmart.com, you can return them similar to other items. You can return the items by mail or in a Walmart store for a full refund, although it might not cover your initial shipping charges.

You’ll get a refund back to your original method of payment, or you can select if you prefer a replacement. To initiate a return for online items, access your purchase history and request a return label. The Walmart app also makes it easy to start a return.

If you plan to return the item in the mail, package the item, print the label, and bring it to a USPS or FedEx location. Another option is to schedule an item pickup, which comes in handy if you have large items or a significant quantity.

For perishable items purchased online, you must handle the return in-store. You won’t need to return the actual item, thanks to the Fresh Guarantee. But you will need your receipt or online invoice, or packing information. It’s also helpful to bring the email you received when initiating the return process.

How long it takes to receive your refund from Walmart depends on your initial form of payment. If you use cash, you’ll receive cash back for eligible items at the point of the return. However, if you paid with a debit or credit card, the refund can take up to 10 days to be credited back to your account.

Keep your receipts from the return until you verify that the money is back on your card or in your bank account. If you no longer have the card you used, the store will provide you with a gift card for the amount. They will typically offer you cash if the value is under $10.

Bringing food back to Walmart without a receipt isn’t as easy, but you can give it a try. There are ways for the store to check various things about the product. They might grant your request if they can verify you purchased the product at Walmart.

When returning an item to Walmart without a receipt, the employee will ask to see a government-issued photo ID. The store uses this information to track customers’ return history (when returning items without receipts).

If you make a habit of returning items without a receipt, the store will know it. Therefore, if they see a habit or pattern, your return request could be denied. If you pass the verification process, you’ll be able to return the item.

However, don’t be surprised if customer service only offers an exchange or store credit. If the value of the items is less than $10, you’ll receive a gift card or credit.

You cannot return opened food to Walmart. However, if the item is perishable, you can get a refund with your receipt if it’s been within 90 days. Since you don’t need to return the actual item, it doesn’t matter if it’s open or not.

However, Walmart has the right to deny a refund if they feel someone is abusing the Fresh Guarantee or regular return policies. For example, you habitually bring your receipt for recent perishable food purchases to get a refund. If the store suspects you’re abusing the policy, they can deny your refund request.

If you’re less than satisfied with your food purchase from Walmart, you can return the items within 90 days. As long as you have your receipt, you should have no problems, since food falls within Walmart’s Standard Return Policy. You’ll need to bring back any non-perishable items to receive a refund.

However, if the items are perishable, like meat, produce, frozen food, deli items, or seafood, you don’t need to return them. Simply show your receipt; if it’s been less than 90 days, you’ll get 100% of your money back, no questions asked.

If you don’t have a receipt, or it’s been longer than 90 days, it’s more difficult to return food or other items. Depending on the situation, the store might offer you a credit, but it’s at the manager’s discretion.