Did Walmart Remove Price Scanners?

With retail sales of $459.51 billion in 2021, Walmart remains the biggest retailer in the United States. 

Being such a leader that works hard to stay ahead of the competition. Walmart has decided to shake things up within its stores when it comes to scanning the price of items. But what’s changed, you might ask?

Well, it’s all to do with the barcode scanning equipment. 

Did Walmart Remove Price Scanners?

Let’s find out if they did and what that might mean for you.

Reasons Why Walmart Would Remove Its Barcode Scanners

Walmart has been in the process of removing price scanners for a few years now. The main reasons are that the machines themselves cost a lot of money to initially purchase and then maintain. Plus, they used to take up a lot of space. So now they are gone, there is more space on the shelves for placing awesome items you might need in your life!

Did Walmart Remove Price Scanners? 

Yes, since the summer of 2023, all the price scanners in Walmart have been removed. They have steadily been doing this for a while, and now the mammoth task is finally complete. But that doesn’t mean there is nothing to replace this system, as there is!

Does The Walmart Plus App Have A Price Scanner?

Yes, nowadays, you can scan for the price of an item with your smartphone or tablet when in-store. It all works via the Walmart Plus App and is one of the convenient and free features provided within it. This built-in price-checking feature is super easy to use and can make life easier if the price tag isn’t on the item you want. It also has another very cool and “secret” aspect to it, which we will touch on a little later!

How Do I Download The Walmart Plus App?

You can download, install and start to use the Walmart Plus App in a few simple steps. 

Using The Barcode Scanner

You can now start scanning items immediately through the app. Just log in and open the “Menu” box that you will locate in the top left corner. Scroll through the drop-down menu until you see “Price Check.” Click on this button, and it will take you to the barcode scanning page.

Then, simply aim the scanner box on the center of your screen at the barcode of the item you wish to know the price of. Just like the old scanner, make sure it’s in focus, and viola! The scanner will work its magic and pull up the price along with the picture and product listing on the screen. 

For this feature to work, you will have to give the app permission to access your camera (which you will be prompted to do the first time you use it).

Can I Scan For Prices and Pay With The Walmart Plus App?

Yes, you can. The Walmart Plus App has another great service that allows you to scan items as you shop and put them in your basket. All the while without having to wait in long lines and go through the cashier. Instead, when you are finished, you will scan the QR code at the self-checkouts to pay, and you are good to go!

This feature is called “Scan & Go.” You will have to have provided your payment information to use it. This is done by adding a debit, credit, preloaded cash card, or checking account details to the wallet section of the Walmart Plus App. You also need to ensure your phone location services are switched on so the app can verify which Walmart store you are in.

How Do I Use The Scan & Go Service In-Store?

To use Scan & Go, simply sign in to your Walmart Plus Account in the App when you are in the store. Click the “Scan & Go” button and keep your phone open as you scan and shop! So as you select things, scan the barcode with your phone (which adds them to your shopping cart) before placing them in your cart.

This feature is great as it adds the price of the cart totals in real time, which helps keep you in line with your budget. When you have everything you need, scan the QR code at the self-checkout kiosk, and you will be prompted to pay.

Exit the app at any time!

When payment has been verified, the app will generate an “Exit Pass” that you need to show to the associate on your way out of the store. If something happens and you can’t complete your shop, you can actually exit the Scan & Go feature at any time. All of the items you scanned will be saved in your cart, and Walmart will not charge you.

Can I Scan And Pay For Anything At Walmart?

The scan and pay option allows you to add pretty much anything to your cart. You can scan most items in the store except for items that need to be weighed. Think fresh produce you just bagged or some fruit and nuts from the pick-n-mix bins. 

This is because it will need to be weighed on the scales at the cash register, and then the final price is given. The other thing (for obvious reasons) is alcohol. You will need to verify that you are over the age of 21 to purchase any wine, beer, or liquor. 

Does The Scan & Go Service Cost Anything?

Unfortunately, the Scan & Go feature is not free. They do offer a free 30-day trial to begin with, and there are a few payment options for when the trial is over. 

You can opt to pay a monthly subscription of $12.95, which is an annual cost of $155.40. Or you can choose to pay just once for the entire year. The cost of this is $98 and will see you save almost $60 in comparison to the monthly installments. 

Does The Price Check Feature Cost Anything?

No. This is one of the amazing free features of the Walmart+ App. Want to know about the other useful and free in-app features? 

Any Other Perks To Using Walmart App To Check Prices When In-Store?

Indeed there are! Have you ever heard of the term – Secret Clearance? This is a fun way to find awesome clearance deals in Walmart. See, the thing is, most items marked with clearance prices (the ones with those bright yellow stickers) are often cheaper than what they are marked.

This is because Walmart runs its pricing system to digitally update each day. There are so many clearance items live at any given store, at any given time. Chances are a store employee has not got around to updating the stickers on every single item. Plus, the longer an item has been there, the more chance that it has been discounted more than once.

Uncover the secrets!

Simply use the price check feature in the Walmart Plus App, and see if you can uncover any cheap treasures! When the price in the app comes up lower than the yellow sticker price, that’s known as the Walmart secret clearance. 

Need To Return An Impulsive Buy?

We’ve all been there and fallen victim to some much-needed retail therapy! So, let’s find out more about the Walmart Video Game Return Policy, the Walmart TV Return Policy, the Walmart Return Policy Without Receipt, and the Walmart Return Policy Without Box Or Opened Box if you’ve lost yours.

For the various payment methods offered, you’ll want to check out Does Walmart Accept Google Pay Samsung Pay, or if you’re on a budget, Does Walmart Accept Afterpay Buy Now Pay Later, and Does Walmart Have Layaway, along with the OTC Card Eligible Items at Walmart for 2023.

We’ve included some interesting info about Walmart, such as Who Does Walmart Use For Shipping, or perhaps Does Walmart Price Match Their Online Prices, Who Makes Great Value Products For Walmart, and when is the Best Time To Shop At Walmart?

Final Thoughts

Even though the in-store price scanners have disappeared from Walmart shelves, the replacement couldn’t be easier to use. 

Most Americans are on their mobile phones for at least three and half hours each day. While most of us are delighted to discover a new and fun way to utilize our devices. Walmart offers the option to scan for an item’s price and check for any secret clearance wins! Along with the option to complete your entire shopping trip in a few easy steps with just your phone. 

Happy scanning and shopping at Walmart!