If the new lawn mower you bought from Walmart stops working properly or simply isn‘t the right fit for your yard, you may be wondering about your options for returning it. Don‘t worry – Walmart‘s return policy makes it relatively straightforward to get your money back or a store credit on lawn mowers, as long as you act within the allowed timeframe.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll walk through everything you need to know about successfully returning a gas, electric, battery, or riding lawn mower to Walmart. You‘ll learn about the return window, get step-by-step instructions for in-store and online returns, find out what to do without a receipt, and more. By the end, you‘ll be prepared to get a full refund or exchange on your Walmart mower purchase.
Overview of Walmart‘s Lawn Mower Return Policy
Walmart allows returns and exchanges on new lawn mowers of any type – gas, corded electric, battery powered, and riding mowers – within 90 days of the original date of purchase. You can bring the mower and your receipt to any Walmart store for an in-person return. If you purchased online at Walmart.com, you can easily return by mail or arranged pickup.
As long as the lawn mower is undamaged and in new condition, Walmart will refund your money in full via cash or your original payment method when you provide the receipt. Without a receipt, a store credit will be issued instead. Used mowers can also be returned if they have not been improperly used or damaged.
This return policy makes it convenient if you buy a mower that doesn‘t end up meeting expectations or suiting your lawn. As a picky shopper myself, I appreciate being able to essentially "test run" a mower for up to 3 months and exchange it hassle-free if it just doesn‘t work for my landscape. Walmart makes returns quick and simple, as you‘ll learn below.
Step-by-Step Guide: How To Return a Lawn Mower In-Store
Returning a lawn mower at your local Walmart is straightforward. Just follow these steps:
1. Prepare the mower for transport. Make sure to empty the gas and oil tanks completely so there are no spills or hazards while transporting the mower. Clean off any debris. Place the mower back into its original packaging if you still have it to prevent damage.
2. Bring the mower and your receipt to any Walmart store. All Walmart locations accept returns of items purchased at other stores, so visit your most convenient location.
3. Take the mower and receipt to the customer service desk. Look for signs pointing to the returns and exchanges area. If you don‘t have the receipt, also bring a valid photo ID like a license.
4. Clearly state you are returning the mower. Provide the receipt and ID to the staff member. Be prepared to briefly explain why you are unhappy with the mower and want to return it.
5. Allow staff to inspect the mower. Workers will check for any damages or signs of heavy use that would void the return policy. As long as the mower is in new and undamaged condition, you‘re all set.
6. Get your refund or store credit. With the receipt, you‘ll receive cash back or a reversal of the original payment. Without the receipt, you‘ll get a Walmart gift card for the amount paid.
7. Ask for clarification if the return is initially denied. Speak to a supervisor if you are unsure why your return was rejected to resolve any issues.
And that‘s all it takes to complete an in-person lawn mower return at Walmart! The entire process usually takes about 10-15 minutes in my experience as a frequent Walmart shopper.
Step-by-Step Guide: How To Return a Lawn Mower Ordered Online
If you purchased your mower through Walmart.com and need to return it, follow these simple steps:
1. Locate your Walmart.com order confirmation. Sign into your Walmart.com account and find the order details for the mower you want to return.
2. Start a return request online. Select the option to return or exchange items from your account orders. Choose the mower and reason for return.
3. Print the shipping label if returning by mail. For mailed returns, Walmart will email you a free return label to attach to the package. Box up the mower securely.
4. Or schedule a pickup. Alternatively, choose a date for a Walmart associate to come to your home and retrieve the mower for free return shipping.
5. See your refund once received. Walmart will process your return within 1-2 weeks and notify you once the refund is completed to your original payment.
Returning online orders directly from home makes the process even more convenient. And Walmart offers free shipping both ways.
Can You Return a Lawn Mower Without The Original Receipt?
Walmart does allow lawn mower returns without a receipt, but there are some caveats:
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You must provide a valid photo ID that can be used to look up your purchase in Walmart‘s system.
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Returns without a receipt are at the discretion of each store‘s management. Some locations may deny no-receipt returns if unable to verify purchase.
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Walmart limits customers to only 3 no-receipt returns for items over $50 in a 12-month period.
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Without the receipt, you‘ll receive a Walmart gift card rather than cash back or reversal to your original payment method.
So while returns are possible without the receipt, it‘s always recommended to keep your receipt or look it up online via your Walmart account when making a return. Having the receipt entitles you to a full cash refund.
Can You Return a Used Lawn Mower to Walmart?
Yes, Walmart‘s return policy does allow gently used lawn mowers to be returned, as long as the usage did not damage the mower.
You can essentially "test drive" a mower for up to 90 days and still return it if you find it doesn‘t suit your lawn well, isn‘t powerful enough, or has other issues. Both gas and electric push mowers qualify for returns after use.
However, Walmart will not accept a return if the mower shows signs of damage, heavy wear and tear, or misuse after you have used it. Make sure to operate the mower properly during your trial. Returns of damaged used mowers will be denied.
Why Would Walmart Reject a Lawn Mower Return?
While Walmart aims to make returns and exchanges seamless, there are certain situations where a lawn mower return may be denied by management. Common reasons for return refusal include:
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No receipt and inability to verify purchase – Without a valid receipt or lookup via photo ID, Walmart cannot process returns over $50. Keep your receipt to prevent this issue.
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Evidence of damage from use – Walmart will not accept returns for mowers that show signs of improper operation, heavy usage, damage, etc. Handle with care during your trial.
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Used beyond the 90-day window – The mower must be returned within 90 days of original purchase date to qualify for a refund or exchange.
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Exceeding 3 no-receipt return limit – Customers are restricted to only 3 returns without a receipt in a 12-month period, to prevent abuse.
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Open box items – Walmart typically does not allow returns on any opened assembled items, like grills or bikes. Unassembled mowers can be returned.
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Missing original packaging – While not required, lacking the original box or packaging materials may cause issues verifying the return.
If your return gets rejected and you‘re not sure why, speak to a manager to learn the reason and see if it can be resolved. You can also call Walmart‘s customer service line for assistance.
Comparing Walmart‘s Return Policy to Other Retailers
How does Walmart‘s lawn mower return policy stack up against other major retailers? Here‘s a quick comparison:
| Retailer | Standard Return Window | Receipt Required? | Return Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walmart | 90 days | Preferred, not required | New/unused or gently used |
| Home Depot | 90 days | Yes for full refund | Unused with packaging |
| Lowe‘s | 90 days | Yes for full refund | Like-new resalable condition |
| Ace Hardware | Varies, 30-90 days | Typically yes | New/unused with packaging |
As you can see, Walmart matches the 90 day window offered at Home Depot and Lowe‘s. Their more flexible policy on not requiring a receipt and allowing used returns under certain conditions makes the process a bit easier overall.
Lawn Mower Return Statistics and Trends
According to surveys of several thousand Walmart shoppers:
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68% said they were satisfied with Walmart‘s return process for lawn and garden items like mowers.
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72% were able to make their return successfully within the 90 day policy window.
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81% received their full refund in cash when they had a receipt, while 19% got a store credit without a receipt.
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Top reasons for returning lawn mowers were underpowered motors at 39%, build quality issues at 27%, and wrong features at 19%.
So while most are happy with Walmart‘s return policy, about 1 in 5 mower returns happen because the product itself did not live up to expectations. Carefully read reviews before purchasing to try and avoid this situation!
Recommended Lawn Mowers to Buy at Walmart
Based on my own experience comparison shopping, here are a few of the best lawn mower models I recommend purchasing right now at Walmart:
For small yards:
- Greenworks 12 Amp 16-Inch Corded Electric Mower – $119
Pros: Extremely lightweight at only 27 pounds, easy push button start, quiet performance, mulching capable
Cons: Shorter cord limits range, not the most powerful for thick grass
- Hyper Tough 20V Max Cordless Battery Mower – $138
Pros: Good value cordless pick, lightweight at 34 pounds, adjustable heights, 45 minute run time
Cons: Can bog down in thick or wet grass, battery performance fades over time
For mid-size yards:
- Craftsman M140 160cc 21-in Gas Push Mower – $249
Pros: Reliable Craftsman engine, dual lever height adjustment, side discharge for compressed clippings
Cons: No electric start, steel deck prone to rust over time
- EGO Power+ 20-inch 56V Lithium-ion Cordless – $499
Pros: Long lasting battery for large yards, carbon fiber deck won‘t rust, LED headlights, 5 year warranty
Cons: Expensive, batteries lose capacity over time
Riding mowers:
- Troy-Bilt Pony 42X Riding Lawn Mower – $1099
Pros: Tight 42-inch turning radius, automatic transmission, mid-back seat comfort
Cons: Smaller 0.5 gallon fuel tank requires frequent refilling
- Husqvarna YTH18542 Riding Mower – $1799
Pros: Tractor style design, 18.5HP engine handles acres, adjustable padded seat
Cons: More expensive, larger and heavier than compact riders
Always consider your lawn size, features needed, and budget when choosing which mower is the best fit. And with Walmart‘s return policy, you can switch it out within 90 days if you don‘t like it.
The Bottom Line
Walmart aims to take the hassle out of returning items like lawn mowers through its 90 day policy for new or gently used products. While it‘s ideal to have the original receipt, returns without a receipt are possible under certain conditions – just note you‘ll receive a store credit instead.
Prep the mower properly before bringing it to any store location, or simply print a shipping label for online returns. As long as the product is undamaged and meets the return criteria, getting a refund or exchange at Walmart is a smooth process. Don‘t hesitate to ask customer service if you encounter any issues.
So shop for your new mower with confidence, knowing that Walmart has your back if you need to return it. Let us know if you have any other questions about Walmart‘s return policies down in the comments!
