Hey there outdoor adventurer!
So you bought a tent at Walmart, but now you‘re worried it‘s the wrong size or it arrived with a few holes. Or maybe you already took it camping and now want to return your used tent.
Can you return a used tent to Walmart? What about an item that‘s defective or damaged?
Don‘t sweat it! In this jam-packed guide, we‘ll answer all your questions about Walmart‘s tent return policy.
You‘ll learn:
- Key stats on Walmart tent sales and return rates
- If you can return a tent you‘ve already used
- How to return a defective or damaged tent
- Steps to return a tent with or without a receipt
- When you may be able to exchange a tent
- Pro tips for easy Walmart tent returns from camping experts
Let‘s make returning tents as easy as setting up camp!
Can You Return Used Tents to Walmart?
Every year, approximately 1.6 million tents are sold at Walmart stores and on Walmart.com. With Walmart being the #1 retailer of camping gear in the U.S., that adds up to a whole lot of tents!
Yet despite the massive sales volume, only around 5-10% of Walmart tents are returned on average.
Of those returns, an estimated 65% are brand new, unopened tents that customers decided not to keep. The remaining 35% are tents that were opened or set up but need to be returned for some reason.
That‘s where Walmart‘s policy on used tent returns comes in.
According to Walmart‘s official return policy, you can return new, unopened merchandise within 90 days of purchase. Sounds simple enough!
However, tents fall into the "special return items" category. This means used tents cannot be returned to Walmart, even if it‘s still within the 90 day window.
Per Walmart associates, any tent that shows signs of use – even just having been set up once – is considered used and no longer eligible for return.
This strict used tent return policy aims to prevent customers from buying tents for a one-time event and then returning them afterward. With hundreds of thousands of tents sold each year, Walmart obviously loses a lot of profit from these types of returns.
When Walmart Might Make An Exception
While Walmart‘s official stance is no returns on used tents, associates say there are a few rare cases where they may approve a used tent return:
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Defective tent: If a tent leaks, poles break, zippers fail, etc. on the very first use, you may be able to successfully return it by showing the damage and explaining it‘s a quality issue. Having photos or video evidence helps too!
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Trip canceled: If severe weather, injury/illness, family emergency etc. abruptly ended your camping trip, Walmart may make a one-time exception for your gently used tent return. It needs to be in near-new condition though!
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Customer service help: Reach out to Walmart‘s customer service team for assistance if a store refuses your used tent return request. Especially if you‘re a regular Walmart shopper, they may override the denial.
Keep in mind these exceptions are granted on a case-by-case basis only. But being able to explain in detail why your used tent qualifies for return gives you the best odds.
Returning a Damaged or Defective Walmart Tent
Around 3-5% of Walmart tent purchases result in a return due to damage or defects, based on consumer surveys.
This happens when a tent is discovered to be ripped, have significant leakage, broken parts, or other quality flaws right out of the box.
The good news is: Walmart gladly accepts returns on damaged or defective tents as long as you start the process within 90 days of original purchase.
Some tips for successfully returning a damaged Walmart tent:
- Keep all original packaging and parts/accessories
- Point out damage to staff; explain any safety hazards
- You may need to file a vendor quality complaint report
- Don‘t try to return it if you caused the damage
- Get a receipt for best results. No receipt returns are iffy
Be aware Walmart may just swap your damaged tent for a replacement rather than provide a cash refund. But returning faulty merchandize is hassle-free as long as you act quickly!
Step-By-Step: How To Return a Tent to Walmart
Returning a tent to Walmart is a breeze when you follow these steps:
1. Locate your receipt
The original receipt makes any return faster, so dig it out! No receipt? Check below for your options.
2. Carefully repack the tent
Ensure you have ALL pieces – original packaging, poles, stakes, fly, instructions manual, carry bags, etc. Photograph how it fits into the box. Missing parts can ruin your return.
3. Take tent and receipt to any Walmart
Head to your local store or any Walmart nationwide. Inform customer service you need to make a return and show them your receipt.
4. Provide photo ID if requested
For returns without a receipt, Walmart may ask for a valid photo ID to look up your purchase history.
5. Get your refund!
Once approved, you‘ll receive your refund in the original payment form, like back on your credit card.
For cash payments, expect a gift card for the full amount or cash for under $25. Easy peasy!
Returning a Walmart Tent Without the Receipt
Uh oh, lost the receipt already? No worries, you can still return a tent to Walmart without the original receipt. Here‘s what to expect:
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Tent must be in new, unused condition with all packaging
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Be prepared to show valid photo ID so Walmart can look up your purchase
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Returns allowed up to 3 times per 12 month period
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You may only get a Walmart gift card rather than original payment form refund
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Refund amount will be limited to $25-$50 without a receipt
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Get ready for lots of scrutiny! No receipt returns take longer
Our advice? Try your hardest to find the original receipt. No receipt returns are a bigger hassle.
Exchanging a Faulty Walmart Tent
Scoring a discount on a Walmart tent only to find it‘s ripped or the wrong size totally sucks.
Luckily, you can exchange a defective tent at Walmart just like returning it.
To exchange a tent purchase, you‘ll need:
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Original packaging, receipt, accessories
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Explain reason for exchange
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Pick replacement tent of equal or higher value
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Pay any price difference if new tent is more expensive
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Let Walmart inspect the tent before exchanging
As long as your tent is unused and meets the 90 day policy, associates can process an even exchange on the spot. Much easier than going through a return!
Pro Tips for Walmart Tent Returns
Here are some insider tips from camping experts for smooth sailings when you need to return a tent to Walmart:
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Act fast – Returns within 30 days almost always sail through
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Take photos – Document any damage or missing parts
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Keep it clean – Remove dirt and residue before attempting a return
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Talk to a manager – If your return is denied, ask to speak to a supervisor
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Call for help – Contact Walmart customer service to appeal a refused return
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Try another store – Each location interprets policies differently
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Stay organized – Keep parts/instructions together and receipts handy
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Be persistent and polite – Keep calmly explaining why your return is justified
Following these pro tips will make the whole tent return experience quick and headache-free!
The Bottom Line on Walmart‘s Tent Return Policy
To quickly recap Walmart‘s tent return policy:
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90 day window for returns with receipt
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Used tents cannot be returned (some rare exceptions)
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Damaged/defective items can be returned
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Limited no receipt returns with ID provided
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Even exchanges offered for faulty tents
While individual stores have some leeway in applying the policy, following Walmart‘s guidelines will ensure the best success if you need to return a tent.
Our best advice? Inspect tents right away, keep receipts, and return any unsuitable tents ASAP. The quicker, the better!
We hope this in-depth guide has answered all your questions about returning used, damaged, or defective tents to Walmart. Time to get out there and set up your home away from home without worries!
Let us know in the comments if you have any other Walmart return questions. Happy camping!
