Remember the last time you went to Walmart?
You had just got paid and went on a bit of a spendy spree and ended up purchasing a bunch of stuff you now don’t want…
So now, you are wondering about the Walmart Return Hours. Can you bring unwanted items in any time during opening hours, including in Walmarts that are open 24/7?
Or is it more of a restricted time frame?
Let’s find out…
Walmart’s Operating Hours
Walmart hours are changing… No longer are some stores operating on a 24-hour basis. Instead, stores across America are mostly open between the hours of 6 a.m. and 11 p.m., Monday through Sunday. A select few stores have later times, namely 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Sunday.
Not sure of the exact times your local Walmart store is open?
Check out this handy Walmart Store Locator Tool and pop in your zip code to find out a complete overview of the stores near you, including the address and phone number. Also included are the operating hours of specific departments, such as the Bakery, Pharmacy, Vision Center, Garden Center, Electric Charge Stations, and McDonald’s, to name a few.
Walmart Return Hours
Walmart generally offers returns to its customers during store opening times. Returns are typically processed at the Customer Service Center (Money Center), which has opening hours slightly less than those of the actual store operating hours.
Usually, Walmart Customer Service Desks are open from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. Monday through Sunday for stores open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Always check beforehand…
Meanwhile, those operating with fewer hours typically have their Customer Service Centers operating from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. However, this may vary slightly from store to store. We advise you to double-check with your local Walmart to make sure you come at a convenient time for you, and when the Services desks are open.
Is There A Bad Time To Return Something?
Yes, there is. Right after the store opens or is about to close is probably the worst time to run in needing a return. Usually, Walmart associates are still in the process of setting up their cash registers and getting organized with their managers when the doors first open.
And it’s the same right before closing. There is a process they will need to stick to, and if you require a refund three minutes before the store or service desk closes, it’s highly likely that will interrupt the flow. It’s possible you might even get turned away for the day and asked to come back tomorrow.
What Is The Best Time To Make A Return?
From personal experience, it’s always best to do a return at Walmart when the store isn’t too busy. That means, just like rush hour on the roads, avoid the busiest times in stores. It’s advisable to steer clear of heading to Walmart to complete a return on weekends and during the lunchtime and after-work rush!
Meaning the best times to return an item to Walmart are first thing in the morning, from 8.15 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. Then, after the lunch rush around 2 p.m. – 3.30 p.m. and again quite late in the evenings, after the end of school and work rush. From around 7.30 p.m. onwards. That being said, peak times are largely dependent on the store’s location and offerings.
Can I Return Items If The Customer Services Desk Is Closed?
It is possible to make a return when the Customer Services Desk is closed. However, it can be quite a painful process to do it with an associate at the cash register as they might not be well versed in it. So, it is possible, but the services desk was created for this specific reason! To assist you with unwanted returns.
If it is something quite complicated, for example, if you don’t have your original receipt or outside of the Walmart returns policy stipulations, it is going to be pretty inconvenient for the cashier to be trying to help you with this.
You don’t want to hold up the line!
They may need to get assistance from the store manager to help with the situation. Not to mention you would most likely be holding up the line of people just wanting to buy their dinner before heading home after a long day at work.
So, if you can, head to Walmart during the customer Service Center opening hours for your return. The process will be a lot quicker and smoother for everyone involved! However, if you can’t, then make sure you have begun the returns process in your Walmart Express Mobile App and ensure you have your original purchase receipt.
What Do I Need To Make A Return?
When making any type of return at Walmart, you will need the original receipt or other proof of purchase. You will also need the original form of payment so your return can be processed easily. The item you wish to return must be in its original packaging, with all of its pieces and accessories.
Most items can be returned within 90 days of receipt of purchase. However, as always, there are some exceptions to the rules. For example, prescription glasses have to be returned within 60 days. Additionally, electronics, Verizon postpaid wireless phones, electric scooters, and hoverboards only have a 30-day returns policy. For a full rundown of specifics, check out the Walmart Corporate Returns Policy.
Can I Return An Item Without The Receipt?
Yes, you can, though how you receive the refund will be a little bit different. If you are unable to produce the original receipt, then take along a government-issued photo ID. If the server can verify your information within their system, then you will be able to return the item. So, as normal, you can exchange the item for one (or several) items to the same value as the original item.
However, this is where it changes. You are only able to get a cash refund if the value of the item is less than $10. If the value of the returned item exceeds $10, then you will be given the choice of a Walmart Gift Card or your Walmart Store Card with the value of the return placed on it.
Keep your receipts safe!
It really pays to keep track of your receipts, as Walmart will only issue each customer up to three non-receipted returns within 45 days. If you shop there a lot and prefer to try clothes on at home rather than in-store, then the returns can quickly add up, and you might be left out of pocket and with a bunch of items you really don’t want.
Learn More About Walmart Returns
To make sure you are clued up about the process works and what the restrictions are, let’s start with Can You Return An Item To A Different Walmart, or perhaps you’re wondering, Can You Return Food To Walmart or What Items Cannot Be Returned To Walmart?
Next, you’ll want to find out more about the Walmart Return Policy Without Receipt, the Walmart Return Policy After 90 Days, and if you’ve misplaced the box, check out the Walmart Return Policy Without Box Or Opened Box for 2023.
We also covered a number of specific policies that Walmart has, such as the Walmart TV Return Policy, the Walmart Car Battery Return Policy, and the Walmart Clothing Return Policy, as well as the Walmart Bicycle Return Policy, the Walmart Video Game Return Policy, and the Walmart Diaper Return Policy.
Final Thoughts
Walmart has the Customer Services Center in place to help everyone with their returns. Staff is specially trained in all areas of returns, including the ins and outs of its store policy and other specialty items that fall outside of the general 90-day timeframe.
It can get pretty hectic over the weekend and peak times like lunchtime and after work. So if you aren’t a fan of waiting in lines, it is advisable to head there during the quieter, off-peak times. Make sure you bring your original receipts and form of payment to help the process run super smoothly!
Good Luck with your Returns!