William Lipovsky
Short Answer
Walmart accepts returns of most open and unboxed items as long as you still have the original packaging and accessories. Walmart may accept your return even if the packaging is damaged. For more information about returning open and unboxed items to Walmart, see below.
Walmart’s Return Policy for Opened Items
Walmart accepts returns with an open box, but to be eligible for a refund, your return must include the original packaging and accessories. Walmart may accept the return even if the packaging is ripped or damaged, as long as the barcode is intact.[1] This policy applies to both in-store and mail-in returns.
There are a few exceptions to the policy. Unlocked wireless phones and durable medical equipment like crutches are only eligible for return if new and unopened; if open, they’re only eligible for exchange.[2] DVDs and Blu-rays should also be unopened unless they’re defective (as previously reported).
Items Without the Box
If you destroyed, recycled, or threw away the original packaging, Walmart may not accept your return, even if the item is undamaged and you have the receipt. Walmart store managers have final discretion on returns and often require the original packaging with the barcode intact to confirm that you bought the item from Walmart rather than a different store.[1] If you don’t have the original packaging, you may want to call your local Walmart store before visiting to confirm whether it’s willing to accept the return.
Fully or Partially Assembled Items
Walmart doesn’t accept returns of fully or partially assembled items. However, you can disassemble the item and return all of its parts along with the original packaging. Note that the store manager may deny your return if you damage the product while assembling or disassembling it.[1]
Return Process and Refunds
Walmart’s return policy allows customers to return most items bought in-store and online within 90 days of purchase (as previously reported). Select items, including computers and tablets, have a shorter return window of 30 days. See our related research for more details on Walmart’s return process.
If Walmart accepts your return, you’ll typically receive a refund to the original payment method. Note that no-receipt returns will only receive a cash refund if the item was under $10 (as previously reported). Returns without a receipt valued at $10 or more will receive a refund on a Walmart gift card[2] after passing Walmart’s refund verification process.
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Lindsey Desmet
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Loren Eaton
I just went to Walmart to return an air matress. The box was opened but the item was inside neatly and the box was still in great shape, but they said I couldn’t get refunded for an item that is opened. I could only exchange it for the same item, or something of similar or lesser value. Is this some new policy? I’m just going to go back home an old glue the box back shut lol. Would I be able return a Walmart item at a different Walmart from the one I purchased the item at?
Hello, Alexandre! You can return most Walmart purchases to any store. However, this policy regarding air mattresses is not new; Walmart only allows you to exchange an air mattress with an open box. We have updated our article to reflect this. We also cover the policy in detail in our article on Walmart mattress returns.
My son bought a 6 pack of Angry Orchard Rose. He barely got one bottle down. I tasted it and couldn’t drink it at all. It tastes awful. He has the other 5 bottles in the carton and the receipt. Will Walmart take this back with one bottle gone? Thank You!
Hello, Nancy! Walmart usually only allows returns of alcohol when the product is unopened/complete, and only in states that allow alcohol returns. If your state does allow alcohol returns, the Walmart store manager will have discretion over whether to accept a six-pack with one bottle missing; you may want to call your local store before visiting. For information about the return laws in your state, see our article on whether you can return alcohol. Best of luck!