Walmart Return Policy for Opened Items (Full Guide)

Store policies differ regarding returning products that have already been opened and taken out of their original packaging significantly.

If you are a frequent shopper at Walmart, you are probably wondering what their return policy is for open items.

For most items purchased at Walmart, you have 90-days to return them for a full refund, opened or not. However, some restrictions apply for things like electronics, food items, health care equipment, and more.

If you are looking for information on what open items Walmart will take back, you have come to the right place.

In this article, we will provide you with everything you need to know when it comes to returning opened products to Walmart and how you can do it successfully.

Table of Contents

What is Walmart‘s Return Policy for Opened Items?

The typical return policy for open items purchased at Walmart states you have 90-days from the original purchase date to send the product back in undamaged condition and with a receipt in order to receive a full refund.

By presenting your receipt at the time of the refund, you will get through the process much more quickly.

What if I Don’t Have My receipt?

Without a receipt, you can still return your opened items; however, you will not have the option to get your money back in cash or returned to your credit/debit card.

Instead, you will be given store credit in the form of a gift card.

This isn’t usually a problem for most customers seeing as Walmart sells just about anything you need, so the gift card will often go to good use.

What About Electronics, Can they be Returned to Walmart Even if they are Opened?

Yes, you can return opened electronics to Walmart. However, they will be inspected to ensure they are not damaged in any way, and you will be required to provide a receipt for proof of purchase and a government-issued photo ID.

Electronics must be returned to Walmart within 30-days of the initial purchase in order to receive a full refund. Some electronics require 14-day returns, and some electronics can only be exchanged if opened.

What About Open Electronics Purchased on the Walmart Marketplace?

The Walmart marketplace returns can look a little different than the policy from Walmart stores and Walmart.com.

Many electronics bought through the Marketplace’s third-party sellers have 30-days to return the items in new condition even if they had been opened, with a few requiring a return to be initiated within 14-days.

The 14-day return window applies to the electronics listed below

Digital music players
Drones
Camcorders
Printers (excluding 3D printers)
Pre-paid and post-paid cell phones
GPS units
Digital cameras
Portable video players
Computers
Tablets
Computer and video game hardware
E-readers

Can I return Opened Items Bought in the Marketplace to a Walmart Store?

For most sellers on Walmart‘s marketplace website, customers have the option to return the items to the store for a refund as long as they are within the limits of the rules and regulations.

However, there are a few sellers who will not accept returns this way. You will have to read the information provided to find out where to return your products.

It is also important to note that not all sellers will take open electronics. While most of these companies will, some will refuse the return or refund.

Can You Return Opened Health Care Products to Walmart?

The return policy on health care products depends greatly on the item you want to return.

While most products can be returned opened within 90-days, the time frame can vary for specific items.

60-days (receipt required): Prescription Glasses, Contact Lenses, and Hearing Aids
90-days (Exchanges only): Opened/used durable medical equipment (walkers, scooters, Pulse Oximeters, crutches, walkers, slings, etc.)

The products listed below can not be returned, whether they were ever opened or not, due to health and safety reasons.

Diabetic supplies such as strips, syringes, meters, and lancet devices.
Hygienic medical equipment such as bath seats, breast pumps, bedpans, etc. (Unopened breast pumps can be returned)
Prescription medications and devices
Sex toys and vibrators
Pregnancy tests and ovulation tests
Home diagnostic testing kits (including Covid Tests)

What is the Return Policy for Opened/Used Mattresses?

Most mattresses sold by Walmart can be returned to the store or online within 90-days to receive a full refund. However, your return can be denied if the mattress is soiled, stained, or damaged in any way.

For bedding accessories, you still have the 90-day refund guarantee.

Air-mattress, on the other hand, can only be returned if it has NOT been opened. All air mattresses that have already been opened and taken out of the box can only be exchanged for the exact same product.

Can You Return Opened/Worn Clothing?

Unlike many other stores, customers can take back open and worn clothing to Walmart within 90-days and still get a full refund in return.

Again, the clothing must not be stained up or damaged in any way in order for the returns to be accepted; however, Walmart has been known for accepting some questionable items.

Can You Return Opened Food Items to Walmart?

Yes, you can actually take your opened items to Walmart for an exchange or refund as long as you have proof of purchase. Walmart is one of the few companies that will take back opened food items with very few questions asked.

These products can be returned to any local retailer or can be mailed back to the company within 30-days of the original date of sale for a full refund. If you don’t have proof of purchase, more often than not, you will be given store credit for the product or the opportunity to exchange it for another like product.

How do You Return Open Items to Walmart?

You can return open products by taking them back to the store you purchased them from or by initiating a return online through your personal account page.

On the website, choose the item you want to return and then select the manner that works best for you.

Most products can be returned to Walmart for free, where the company provides the customer with a pre-paid shipping label.

Can Walmart Refuse Open Items?

Even if the policy states your particular item is eligible for a return even if it was opened, the company and all of its employees have the right and responsibility to refuse the return for a number of reasons.

More often than not, you won’t have any issues taking your products back to Walmart, even though they have been taken out, opened up, and even used.

However, if you are known for returning items frequently, or the employee feels the product was damaged by the customers, they do not have to accept the product, and you won’t get a return.

Summing Things Up

If you purchased an item from Walmart, whether online or in stores, and decide you no longer want it, like it, or it isn’t what you hoped for, you won’t have any problems getting this company to take the item back.

This is one of the qualities this retailer possesses that you won’t find at many other places, and it makes the competition go crazy.

References

https://corporate.walmart.com/policies#return-policy

https://www.walmart.com/cp/returns/1231920