13 Mistakes We Make When Shopping at Walmart
Walmart is the land of rollbacks, savings, and endless aisles of everything. You can buy anything you want and at an affordable price. But there are ways that you utilize to spend even less.
Whether you’re there for groceries, gadgets, or to people-watch (don’t worry, we’ve all been there), it’s easy to be tricked into spending more. You might end up with a cart full of items you didn’t plan to buy and a receipt that makes you do a double-take.
But, just like in any big-box store, it pays to shop smart. Here are 13 common mistakes people often make at Walmart. With a bit of know-how, you can make the most of your next Walmart haul and keep more money in your wallet.
1. Not Sticking to Your Budget
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Walmart’s irresistible low prices are a blessing and a curse. They can help you save big, but they can also tempt you into spending more than you planned. Tossing an extra item or two into your cart is easily justifiable. Convincing yourself is no big deal when everything’s affordable.
But those little extras can add up faster than you think. To avoid this, decide on your budget and bring the exact amount in cash before walking through the doors. Temptations or not, your shopping trip is over once the money’s gone.
2. Thinking All Deals Are Good Deals
Just because something is labeled as a “deal” or “sale” doesn’t mean it is. Yes, Walmart is full of deals, but not all are as good as they seem. Retailers (like Walmart) know that slapping a sale sticker can make anything more tempting, even if the discount is non-existent.
If something is labeled “50% off,” but the original price has already been severely inflated, what’s the real deal here? Always check the original price and compare it to prices at other stores. It’s better to miss out on a mediocre deal than to kiss your money goodbye.
3. Skipping the Bakery and Deli Sections
Larger and fuller grocery aisles often overshadow Walmart’s bakery and deli sections. But if you skip these areas intentionally, you’re missing out on some seriously good stuff at prices that won’t make you cringe. The bakery offers everything from customizable cakes to Artisan bread at lower prices than a full-blown bakery.
And the deli? It’s a great place to grab fresh meat, cheese, and more affordable ready-to-eat meals than most fast-food joints. Don’t forget to check these sections out on your next trip. Plus, the smell of freshly baked cookies can make anyone’s day.
4. Impulse Buying at the Checkout
The Walmart checkout line is the universe’s last attempt to get you to spend just a little more before you leave the store. Thick candy bars, batteries, and headsets are placed there to catch you in a moment of weakness.
You might think, “Just one more thing won’t hurt.” The next time you’re in line, challenge yourself to fight the temptation. If you’re really tempted, ask yourself if you would have added that item to your cart from anywhere else in the store. If the answer is no, it’s something you can live without.
5. Buying in Bulk Without Checking Unit Price
Bulk buying seems like a no-brainer, right? Unless you’re buying 10 pounds of something you won’t use before it expires. Also, the bulk price is sometimes higher than smaller or individual quantities. Always check the unit price to ensure you’re getting a true bargain.
It’s crucial to check the unit price (that’s, price per ounce, pound, or other measurement) to see if you’re really saving money. Also, make doubly sure you have the space to store it or if it’s more than you’ll use before it expires. Otherwise, you might have a year’s supply of expired pickles.
6. Not Using the Walmart App
Looking for something specific? The Walmart app will guide you straight to it in the store. Want to skip the checkout line? Use the “scan and go” feature to scan items as you shop and pay through the app.
The Walmart app is like having a personal shopping assistant who’s always on the clock. It also offers exclusive discounts and deals, which you can track and check prices for as soon as they pop up.
7. Falling for Eye-Level Traps
Ever wonder why the most expensive things are always right where you can see them? No, it’s not a coincidence; it’s marketing 101. How? We’re more likely to grab what’s right in front of us. Take a moment to reach up or cop-a-squat and explore the shelves above and below.
Just because these items didn’t get the prime placement treatment doesn’t mean they don’t belong in your cart. They can often be just as good, if not better, and cheaper than the ones placed front and center.
8. Missing out on Rollback Deals
Walmart’s rollback deals are a shopper’s dream. Rollback refers to a limited-time discount on items offered in Walmart’s physical stores and website. These discounts can apply to everything from electronics to groceries.
However, they don’t last forever, so if you see a rollback on something you need (or just really, really want), grab it while you can. And the best part is that you don’t need a special coupon or membership; these deals are available to everyone.
9. Pretending Walmart’s Return Policy Doesn’t Exist
Walmart’s return policy is surprisingly generous, but many people forget to use it. Bought something on a whim that turned out to be a dud? No problem. If you’re unhappy with a purchase, don’t just sigh and accept it; return it.
Walmart accepts returns on most items within 90 days, even without a receipt, as long as you have the card you used to make the purchase. However, check the return policy for items like electronics, as they may have shorter return windows.
10. Ignoring Expiration Dates
Think about it. Why are those low-fat strawberry yogurt packs suddenly discounted? Because they’re nearing the end of their shelf life. Before you toss them into your cart, check the expiration dates. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than getting home and realizing that the yogurt you just bought will expire in two days, especially if you’re not a big yogurt eater.
The same goes for canned goods. While they have a longer shelf life, they’re not immune to expiration. Try to pick items with the latest expiration date. It’s a small step that can prevent a lot of frustration and wasted yogurt (and money).
11. Not Taking Advantage of Price Matching
Walmart’s price-matching policy is one of the easiest ways to save money, but many people don’t know it exists. If you find a lower price at a competing store, bring in the ad or show it on your phone, and Walmart will try to match it.
This policy can save you from running around town looking for the best deal. The key is to be polite and prepared when asking for a price match, as policies can vary depending on the item, store, or cashier. But when done right, price matching can turn a good deal into a great one.
12. Shopping at Rush Hour
Going to Walmart during peak hours can lead to longer checkout times, failure to find the desired product, or worse, a wasted trip. Additionally, the store is packed, and every other shopper is after the same thing you are. The next thing you know, your “quick” trip has become a disaster.
Try shopping during off-peak hours, such as early mornings, to avoid the rush-hour madness. You’ll breeze through the aisles, find what you need, and have your sanity intact.
13. Skipping Walmart+
If you’re a frequent Walmart shopper, you need to know about Walmart+. For a $98 yearly or $12.95 monthly fee (plus tax), Walmart+ offers many benefits that can help you save time and money. These include unlimited free delivery, discounts on gas, scan-and-go, and early access to special deals.
The savings on gas alone can make the membership worth it, as the membership pays for itself quickly. Plus, who doesn’t love the idea of free shipping with no minimum order?
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