Walmart, one of the largest retailers in the world, offers a wide array of products at competitive prices. However, navigating the vast aisles and countless deals can be overwhelming. Whether you’re a seasoned shopper or new to Walmart, having a few smart shopping hacks up your sleeve can help you save even more. This comprehensive guide provides more than 3000 words of the best tips and tricks to make the most out of your Walmart shopping experience.

1. Plan Ahead with the Walmart App

Utilize the Shopping List Feature

The Walmart app is a powerful tool that can enhance your shopping experience. One of its best features is the shopping list. By creating a list of items you need, you can ensure you don’t forget anything, avoid impulse buys, and stick to your budget.

Check Prices and Availability

Before heading to the store, use the app to check the prices and availability of the items on your list. This can save you time and help you find the best deals. The app also shows you if an item is available for pickup or delivery, offering added convenience.

Access Digital Coupons

The Walmart app offers digital coupons that you can easily apply to your purchases. Simply search for coupons within the app, add them to your account, and they’ll automatically be applied at checkout. This is a great way to save on items you were already planning to buy.

2. Shop Online for Convenience and Savings

Take Advantage of Free Shipping

Walmart offers free two-day shipping on orders over $35. This is a great way to save on shipping costs, especially for bulkier items or when you can’t make it to the store. Additionally, Walmart+ members get free next-day and two-day shipping without a minimum order amount.

Use In-Store Pickup

If you prefer shopping online but don’t want to wait for delivery, consider using Walmart’s in-store pickup service. You can place your order online and pick it up at a designated pickup spot at your local store. This service is free and can save you time, especially during busy shopping seasons.

Explore Walmart’s Online-Only Deals

Walmart often offers exclusive deals and discounts on their website that aren’t available in stores. Regularly checking the website for these online-only deals can help you score significant savings on a wide range of products.

3. Leverage Walmart’s Price Matching Policy

Understand the Policy

Walmart has a price matching policy that allows you to get the best price available. If you find a lower price from an online retailer, Walmart will match it. This policy applies to identical items, including the same brand, model number, and size.

How to Request a Price Match

To request a price match, simply show the lower price from the online retailer on your smartphone or a printed ad to the cashier at the time of purchase. This can be done at both Walmart stores and online. Make sure to read and understand the terms and conditions of Walmart’s price matching policy to take full advantage.

Price Matching Competitors

While Walmart no longer matches prices from local competitors, they still offer competitive pricing. Always compare prices from other retailers before making a purchase to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

4. Maximize Savings with Walmart’s Savings Catcher

How Savings Catcher Works

Walmart’s Savings Catcher is a feature within the Walmart app that helps you get the best prices without having to price match yourself. After making a purchase, you can scan your receipt using the app. Savings Catcher will then compare the prices of your purchased items to those of local competitors. If a lower price is found, Walmart will refund the difference in the form of a Walmart eGift card.

Tips for Using Savings Catcher

• Scan Every Receipt: To maximize your savings, make it a habit to scan every receipt after shopping at Walmart.
• Track Your Savings: The app keeps track of your savings over time, allowing you to see how much you’ve saved with this feature.
• Redeem Your Rewards: Once you’ve accumulated savings, you can easily redeem them for a Walmart eGift card, which can be used for future purchases.

5. Shop During Clearance and Seasonal Sales

Understanding Walmart’s Clearance Sections

Walmart regularly discounts items that are out of season or being discontinued. These clearance sections can be found throughout the store and offer significant savings on a variety of products. Be sure to check these areas regularly, as new items are frequently added.

Best Times to Shop Clearance

Clearance sales are often more prominent after major holidays and at the end of each season. For example, after Christmas, you can find great deals on holiday decorations, gift wrap, and more. Similarly, at the end of summer, look for discounts on seasonal items like patio furniture and gardening supplies.

Stack Clearance with Coupons

To maximize your savings, combine clearance items with coupons. Many clearance items can be purchased using both store and manufacturer coupons, leading to even greater discounts.

6. Use Walmart Pay for Faster Checkout

Setting Up Walmart Pay

Walmart Pay is a mobile payment option available within the Walmart app. By linking your payment methods to Walmart Pay, you can speed up the checkout process and keep track of your purchases. To set it up, simply download the Walmart app, create or log into your account, and add your preferred payment methods.

Benefits of Using Walmart Pay

• Convenience: Walmart Pay allows for quick and easy checkout by scanning a QR code at the register.
• E-Receipts: You’ll receive digital receipts for all your purchases, making it easy to track spending and returns.
• Security: Walmart Pay offers enhanced security by keeping your payment information encrypted and safe.

Use Walmart Pay with the Savings Catcher

When you use Walmart Pay, your receipts are automatically stored in the app, making it easy to use the Savings Catcher feature without having to manually scan receipts.

7. Sign Up for Walmart+

Benefits of Walmart+

Walmart+ is a membership program that offers various benefits to enhance your shopping experience. For a monthly or annual fee, you can enjoy:

• Free Unlimited Deliveries: Get free delivery from your store on orders over $35.
• Fuel Discounts: Save up to 10 cents per gallon at participating gas stations.
• Mobile Scan & Go: Use your phone to scan items as you shop and pay through the app for a contactless checkout experience.

Is Walmart+ Worth It?

If you frequently shop at Walmart or use their delivery services, a Walmart+ membership can provide significant savings and convenience. Consider your shopping habits and the potential benefits to determine if it’s a good fit for you.

8. Buy Generic Brands

Walmart’s Great Value Brand

Walmart’s private label, Great Value, offers a wide range of products at lower prices than name brands. These products often match or exceed the quality of their branded counterparts, providing excellent value for money.

Compare Quality and Price

When shopping, take the time to compare the ingredients, quality, and price of Great Value items with name brands. You’ll often find that the generic version offers similar quality at a fraction of the cost.

Save on Household Essentials

Great Value products cover a broad spectrum of household essentials, from food and beverages to cleaning supplies and personal care items. Switching to Great Value can lead to substantial savings on your grocery bill.

9. Use Walmart’s Grocery Pickup and Delivery

How to Use Grocery Pickup

Walmart’s grocery pickup service allows you to order groceries online and pick them up at a designated time without leaving your car. This service is free and saves time, especially for busy families.

How to Use Grocery Delivery

For even more convenience, opt for Walmart’s grocery delivery service. Place your order online, and Walmart will deliver your groceries to your doorstep. While there is a delivery fee, Walmart+ members enjoy free delivery on orders over $35.

Tips for Efficient Grocery Shopping

• Create a Weekly Meal Plan: Plan your meals for the week and create a shopping list based on your meal plan. This helps you avoid buying unnecessary items.
• Shop Sales and Use Coupons: Look for sales and digital coupons within the Walmart app to save on your grocery order.
• Order in Bulk: For items you use frequently, consider ordering in bulk to save money and reduce the frequency of your shopping trips.

10. Take Advantage of Walmart’s Return Policy

Understanding the Return Policy

Walmart has a generous return policy, allowing returns on most items within 90 days of purchase. Some exceptions apply, so be sure to check the return policy for specific items.

Easy Returns

Returning items to Walmart is simple. You can return items in-store, by mail, or through a scheduled pickup. If you used Walmart Pay, your digital receipts make returns even more convenient.

Keep Your Receipts

To make the return process smoother, always keep your receipts. Digital receipts stored in the Walmart app are especially handy for tracking purchases and returns.