Summer heatwaves means it‘s time to purchase fans and air conditioners. But what happens if that brand new AC unit dies after 2 weeks? Or the fan stops working? Thankfully, Walmart offers return options for unsatisfied customers.
As the nation‘s largest retailer with over 4,700 stores, Walmart sells thousands of air conditioners and fans every summer. They stand behind these products with return policies to please their customers.
In this detailed guide, I‘ll explain everything a Walmart shopper needs to know about returning air conditioners or fans. You‘ll learn:
- Exact time limits and requirements
- Step-by-step instructions for in-store and online returns
- If you can return without the receipt or original packaging
- How to take advantage of Walmart‘s pick-up service for large item returns
Let‘s start with a quick overview of the return policy for both air conditioners and fans:
Walmart‘s Air Conditioner and Fan Return Policy
| Product | Return Window | Receipt Required? | Original Packaging Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Conditioner | Within 30 days | Yes | Yes |
| Fan | Within 90 days | No, but recommended | Yes |
As you can see, air conditioners have a much shorter return window than fans and other electronics. This 30 day policy is quite strict for Walmart.
Next, let‘s look at the step-by-step process of returning each product.
Returning an Air Conditioner to Walmart
Walmart wants to ensure air conditioner returns are from legitimate customers, not from resellers or scammers. That‘s why they enforce the 30 day window and packaging/receipt requirements.
Based on Walmart‘s official return policy, here is exactly how to return an air conditioner:
Step 1) Pick a Walmart Store
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You must return the air conditioner to the exact store location where you originally bought it.
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Look up the store address on your receipt or find it in your Walmart account purchase history.
Step 2) Bring the Air Conditioner and Receipt
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Place the unopened air conditioner back in its original manufacturer‘s packaging.
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Make sure you bring the complete air conditioner unit, including all accessories like window mounting hardware, remote controls, etc.
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Grab the original receipt showing the purchase date and details. Without the receipt, Walmart will not accept the return.
Step 3) Visit the Returns Desk
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Take the air conditioner and receipt to the returns desk or any register at your Walmart.
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Politely explain to the employee you need to return an unopened air conditioner within the 30 day window.
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Be prepared to briefly explain why, e.g. "it didn‘t fit my window properly" or "it stopped working after 1 day".
Step 4) Get Your Refund
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The employee will scan the UPC barcode on the packaging and your receipt into their system.
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If approved, you will receive a refund in your original payment method – whether cash, credit card, etc.
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Congrats! You just returned an air conditioner to Walmart.
Troubleshooting an Air Conditioner Return
Sometimes an air conditioner return doesn‘t go smoothly. Here are some common issues and how to handle them:
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Missing receipt – Without the original receipt, Walmart will not take back the air conditioner. Only exception is if you look up the purchase on a Walmart account.
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Opened packaging – Again, this violates the strict 30 day policy. But you may ask a manager to make an exception if it was clearly faulty and unused. Don‘t get your hopes up though.
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Outside the 30 day window – At this point Walmart will refuse the return. Your only option is trying to return it to the manufacturer instead.
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Online purchase – No problem. You can return online purchases via any Walmart store. Or initiate a return through the Walmart.com returns portal.
The bottom line is Walmart stands firm on the 30 day restriction. As a customer, make sure you return air conditioners within this period in new condition to avoid headaches.
Returning a Fan to Walmart
Luckily, the process to return a fan is much more flexible than air conditioners. Walmart gives customers 90 days to bring back fans for any reason.
Here are the steps:
Step 1) Locate the Original Packaging
- Find the fan‘s original box, manuals, and all included parts. You‘ll need these for the return.
Step 2) Head to Any Walmart Store
- Grab the fan in its packaging and walk into any nearby Walmart. No need to go to the original purchasing location.
Step 3) Visit Returns Desk
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Explain to an employee you want to return an unopened fan within the 90 day window.
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Having the receipt makes it easier, but it‘s not required.
Step 4) Get Your Refund
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With the receipt, you‘ll receive the refund in your original form of payment.
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Without the receipt, Walmart will likely offer a store credit or even exchange.
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For online purchases, print a return shipping label from Walmart.com and mail it back.
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Congrats, you just returned a fan at Walmart!
Troubleshooting a Fan Return
Fan returns are generally smooth, but here are some tips if you hit obstacles:
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No packaging – Ask nicely if the manager will make an exception. If not, see if the manufacturer allows returns without the original box.
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Missing parts – Ensure the fan is fully reassembled with all accessories before returning. Otherwise, you may only get a partial refund.
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Online purchase – Return via any store or the Walmart.com return center described earlier. Print your shipping label!
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Over 90 days – Unfortunately at this point you cannot return it to Walmart. But the manufacturer may still allow a return or repair.
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No receipt – Not ideal, but Walmart will likely grant store credit without a receipt, especially if unopened.
The more flexible 90 day policy makes it easy for customers to return fans that are broken, defective, or simply not wanted. Take advantage of it!
Can You Return an Air Conditioner or Fan Without the Original Packaging?
According to Walmart‘s official return policy, air conditioners and fans must be unopened in the original manufacturer‘s packaging to be returned.
However, some stores may make exceptions on a case-by-case basis:
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If the item is clearly new/unused with tags still attached, a manager may approve a return without the box.
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Plead your case politely and calmly. Explain why you no longer have the packaging.
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Without the original box, you will likely only get store credit rather than a refund. Walmart resells open box items.
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Returns without packaging are less likely to be approved for air conditioners than fans, due to the stricter 30 day policy on ACs.
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If you purchased online, returns without the manufacturer‘s packaging will be automatically rejected when shipped back. Always return in the original box.
While possible in some cases, returning an air conditioner or fan without the complete original packaging is challenging. Your best bet is finding the original box or keeping it when you first purchase the item.
Returning an Air Conditioner or Fan Without the Receipt
Can you return an air conditioner or fan to Walmart without proof of purchase? Here are the policies:
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Air Conditioner – Walmart will not accept an air conditioner return without the original receipt or online order number. No exceptions. The receipt proves the purchase date is within 30 days.
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Fan – Fans can be returned with or without a receipt, although having the receipt makes the process faster. Sans receipt, you will receive a store credit rather than a true refund.
If you‘ve lost the paper receipt, try looking up past Walmart purchases in your account. You can access Walmart.com receipts and order numbers there. As a last resort, ask if the store can look up the purchase under your credit card or rewards account.
No receipt means no air conditioner return. But fans can still be taken back with just the original packaging.
Does Walmart Charge Restocking Fees on Returns?
One question many shoppers have is whether Walmart charges restocking fees when you return an item. Thankfully, the answer is no – Walmart does not charge any restocking fees.
When you return an unopened air conditioner, fan, or any other product in new condition with the receipt, you receive a full refund. Walmart does not deduct any fees from the amount.
Of course, restocking fees are common at other retailers like Best Buy, Home Depot, and Lowe‘s. But Walmart‘s return policy offers a perk by avoiding fees.
As long as your air conditioner or fan is unopened and meets the return timelines above, you get a full refund or credit back. This hassle-free policy makes Walmart an attractive place to purchase appliances and electronics.
Will Walmart Pick Up an Air Conditioner Return?
Lugging a 50 pound air conditioner across town back to Walmart is no easy feat. That‘s why Walmart offers a convenient large item return pick-up service.
If you need to return an air conditioner or other bulky appliance, simply contact the Walmart store and schedule a pick-up:
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Find the customer service phone number for the store on Walmart.com.
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Call and explain you need to arrange a pick-up return of a large appliance purchase. Provide your order details.
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Schedule a date and reasonable 4-hour pick-up window with the store.
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Have the air conditioner ready in its original packaging on the scheduled pick-up day.
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A Walmart associate will arrive in a truck to retrieve your return item directly from your home. No need to lift a finger!
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Once brought back to the store, the return will be processed and your refund issued.
This free pick-up service ensures air conditioner returns are stress-free. Other stores like Home Depot also offer appliance pick-ups. Take advantage of it if you need to return a heavy air conditioner!
Key Takeaways – Walmart Return Policy for Air Conditioners and Fans
To wrap up, here are the key facts and suggestions to keep in mind about returning air conditioners and fans at Walmart:
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Air conditioners have a strict 30 day return period and require the original receipt. Fans can be returned within 90 days.
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Always keep the complete original manufacturers packaging for any return. Walmart may reject returns without the box.
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Returns are fastest with the original receipt, but fans can sometimes be returned without a receipt for store credit.
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Contact the nearest Walmart and schedule a free pick-up return for heavy air conditioners or any bulky items.
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If an in-store employee refuses to accept a return, politely ask if a manager can make an exception in special cases.
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For online purchases, tap into Walmart.com‘s convenient mail return system to send items back hassle-free.
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Walmart does not charge restocking fees! Returns within the policy give full refunds.
Understanding the nuances of Walmart‘s return policies for air conditioners versus fans saves major headaches. Just make sure any returns are within the time limit in original packaging.
With summer heat bearing down, don‘t sweat it if an air conditioner or fan doesn‘t live up to expectations. You have options to return them and get a refund. Now you know the ins and outs of Walmart‘s return policy on cooling appliances. Stay cool!
