Walmart Marketplace Return Policy 2022 (Simply Explained)

Returning an online purchase can be confusing, especially when you buy from a third-party seller on a marketplace site like Walmart Marketplace. As an avid online shopper myself, I know how frustrating it can be when you get an item that doesn‘t meet expectations or doesn‘t fit, and you have no idea how to send it back or whether the seller will even allow returns.

That‘s why I put together this guide to walk you through Walmart‘s Marketplace return policies. I‘ll explain everything in simple terms, so you can shop Marketplace worry-free knowing exactly what to expect if you need to make a return. Sound good? Then let‘s get started!

What is Walmart Marketplace?

Walmart Marketplace is an online platform where over 70,000 third-party sellers list and sell their products on Walmart.com. This means that when you buy from Marketplace, you may not be purchasing directly from Walmart itself, but rather an independent seller who is using Walmart as a sales channel.

Marketplace launched in 2009 and has grown massively since then. Over 50% of Walmart’s annual e-commerce revenue now comes from Marketplace sellers!

So when you’re browsing Walmart.com, items can be:

Sold and shipped by Walmart – First party Walmart merchandise
Sold by X and shipped by Walmart – Third party seller using Walmart fulfillment
Sold and shipped by X – Ships directly from third-party

This is important to understand when it comes to returns, because policies and processes can vary depending on the seller.

Walmart Marketplace Return Policy Basics

Here’s a quick overview of Walmart’s Marketplace return policies:

Most new items can be returned within 30 days of delivery for a refund.
Electronics have a shorter 14 day return window.
Returns can be initiated on Walmart’s website for mail returns or taken to a Walmart store.
Seller may provide a prepaid return label, otherwise you pay shipping.
Some items like hazardous materials can‘t be returned in-store.
Refund timing depends on the seller but is usually 5-10 business days.

Now let’s get into the details!

Returning Walmart Marketplace Items by Mail

If you want to return a Marketplace item by mailing it back, here are the steps:

Log into your Walmart.com account and select the item you want to return.
Choose a reason for return – common options include “wrong item sent”, “defective”, “just didn’t like it”, etc.
Indicate if you want a refund or a replacement item sent.
Select “Return by Mail” and review the instructions.
Print the prepaid return label if provided, or use your own box and shipping label.
Make sure to include any accessories, manuals, parts, etc.
Drop off the package at USPS or FedEx.

Easy enough! Just note that for mail returns, the seller may or may not provide a prepaid return label. If they don’t, you’ll have to cover the shipping costs yourself.

Return Rate Statistics

Return rates give us an indication of how often shoppers need to send items back. According to statistics:

Walmart‘s overall return rate is around 10-11%, lower than many other retailers.
For apparel, the return rate can be over 25%.
Electronics and computers see return rates around 15-20%.
Furniture and appliances are returned 5-10% of the time.
Walmart Marketplace return rates specifically are not shared, but are likely similar or slightly higher than Walmart‘s average.

Knowing these benchmarks helps you set expectations when buying in certain categories prone to higher return rates.

Returning without the Receipt or Packing Slip

Don’t sweat it if you misplaced the original receipt or packing slip! For online Walmart Marketplace orders, you do not need the receipt to start a return request. Walmart keeps your purchase records in their system.

However, for in-store returns without a receipt, you will need to provide an alternate form of purchase proof like:

The original credit/debit card used
Gift card if paid with one
Checking your Walmart account purchase history
Valid government-issued ID for age verification on restricted items

Walmart wants to make sure you actually bought the item you are trying to return. Without a receipt, you may need to have the seller verify your purchase directly before they can issue a refund.

Items Not Eligible for Return to Walmart

Some product categories cannot be returned to Walmart stores or with a Marketplace prepaid label, including:

Hazardous Materials – Batteries, flammable liquids, cleaners
SNAP/WIC Purchases – Special nutritional program items
Prescriptions – Once dispensed, meds cannot be returned
Certain Oversized Items – Appliances, outdoor equipment, furniture
Breast Pumps, CPAP Machines – Health items with contamination risks

For these types of items, you’ll need to return directly to the seller or manufacturer for safety reasons and compliance with regulations. Make sure to check the return policy before purchasing restricted products on Marketplace.

Walmart Marketplace Return Time Limits

General merchandise – 30 days from delivery to initiate a return request
Electronics – 14 days from delivery
Pantry items – 90 day return window
Holiday items – Typically more generous return windows

Electronics often have a shorter window because they can quickly lose value if opened or damaged.

Always check the seller’s return policy too, as they may set item-specific limits. Walmart enforces the overarching 30/14 day windows for simplicity.

Returning In-Store to Walmart Customer Service

For added convenience, many Walmart Marketplace items can be returned in-store at Walmart’s customer service desk or return counter.

To return in-store:

Bring the unopened, unused item in original packaging if possible.
Have your receipt or order number handy to reference.
Returns from different Marketplace sellers must be separated.
Walmart staff can print a return label if needed.
You may need to repackage item for shipping.

Just note that hazardous materials, large appliances, or heavy items cannot be returned in-store. Those would need to be handled directly with the seller.

I like doing in-store returns to get an instant refund and avoid any shipping hassle. But always check if the specific item is eligible before heading to the store.

What If A Seller is Unresponsive?

Hopefully you won’t run into any issues, but if a Walmart Marketplace seller is unresponsive to return requests or questions, Walmart will step in on the customer’s behalf.

Here’s the process if a seller is not cooperating:

You start a return and the seller does not respond within 48 hours.
Walmart contacts the seller and requires them to offer a resolution.
If they remain uncooperative, Walmart will find an alternate solution, like a refund.
Extreme cases may result in the seller being removed from Marketplace.

So don’t worry if a seller seems to have disappeared – Walmart has procedures to protect buyers in situations like these.

How Long Does a Walmart Marketplace Refund Take?

Once you’ve returned an item and the seller has received it back, how long does it take to get your money back?

Here are the typical refund timelines:

In-store returns – Usually processed right when Walmart accepts the item.
Online returns – Within 48 hours after the shipping carrier scans your package as delivered to the seller.
Return by mail – Allow 5-10 business days for the seller to receive the item and issue a refund.
To credit card – Typically 3-5 days after the refund is processed.

Delays can happen if the seller disputes the return or there are issues contacting them. Walmart will help resolve those cases.

I recommend following up if you don’t see the refund within two weeks to make sure there are no holdups.

Walmart Marketplace Returns – Canada

If you are shopping Walmart Marketplace in Canada, here are some key differences in their return policy:

Items under $150 CAD can be returned in-store to Walmart.
Items over $150 must be returned directly to the seller.
Store returns not allowed for appliances, hazardous goods, etc.
14 day return window for electronics and cell phones.
30 days for most other categories.
Some items must be unopened, like video games and headphones.

Definitely check the specific seller’s return policy for expensive or restricted items. But returning cheaper products to a Walmart store in Canada is easy.

Identifying Third-Party Sellers on Walmart Marketplace

When browsing Walmart.com, here are some tips to identify if an item is sold by a third-party seller versus Walmart itself:

Check under “Sold and shipped by” on the product page.
Seller name will be listed here if third-party.
“Pro Seller” badge indicates a top rated Marketplace merchant.
Review return policy under “Returns” tab.
Look for longer shipping times.

This info helps determine the exact return requirements and seller you’ll be working with.

Walmart Marketplace Returns Promise

For additional confidence when shopping on Walmart Marketplace, there is a Returns Promise program:

You‘ll get a refund if an item is not delivered within 90 days of expected arrival.
Issues will be resolved if something is shipped to the wrong address.
Walmart will step in if a seller denies a valid return request.

This promise ensures customers are protected even when purchasing from third-parties on Marketplace.

So don’t hesitate to shop Marketplace to take advantage of the huge selection and great deals!

The Bottom Line

I know I covered a lot of ground here, so to wrap it up:

Most Walmart Marketplace items can be returned within 30 days, 14 days for electronics.
Returns can be started online or taken to Walmart stores for convenience.
Use the seller‘s prepaid label or your own shipping.
Hazardous and oversized items generally cannot be returned in-store.
Allow 5-10 business days for refunds, timing varies.
Different policies apply for Walmart Marketplace in Canada.
Check seller name and return policy before purchasing.
Walmart provides backup if issues arise with sellers.

Hope this guide gives you clarity and confidence around Walmart Marketplace return policies! Let me know if you have any other questions. Happy shopping!