12 Must-Know Tips Before You Order a Party Platter From Walmart
Getting ready to feed a crowd? Before you place a platter order with Walmart‘s deli, there are key insights this catering pro wants to share.
After a decade managing my ecommerce business, I‘ve ordered my fair share of party platters. I‘ve also analyzed Walmart‘s grocery data and economics closely over the years. Today, I‘m excited to distill my personal and professional learnings to help YOU have a 5-star party platter experience.
Let‘s dive in!
A Summary of the 12 Key Things to Know:
Walmart excels at sub and sandwich platters, but also offers awesome cheese, fruit, and wing options.
If you need it ASAP, Walmart sells pre-made platters ready for instant grab-and-go.
Online ordering isn‘t available – phone or in-store is best.
Walmart‘s prices are comparable to local delis and chains like Costco.
Plan ahead! Walmart needs 1+ day notice, especially for large orders.
An ID and order form are required to place a custom platter request.
Quality and freshness will impress your guests.
Select locations offer full catering with delivery and setup.
Costco competes on premium quality ingredients and gigantic sizes.
Platters drive HUGE profits for Walmart – over 10% margins!
Walmart is your one-stop shop for party supplies, decor, and more.
Platters serve 10 to 30+ people depending on size ordered.
Let‘s explore each tip in detail so you can master Walmart party platters…
1. Choose From Subs, Sliders, Wings, and More
Walmart‘s deli features an awesome variety of party platters to meet any need:
Crowd-pleasing sub platters – Classic deli meats like ham, turkey, roast beef on fresh baked bread.
Tasty slider trays – Mini burgers or barbecue pork sandwiches. Perfect finger food.
Meat and cheese boards – Elegant assortment of quality sliced meats, cheeses, olives, and grapes.
Giant wing platters – Crispy boneless or traditional wings with ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce.
DIY sandwich trays – Guests build their own sandwiches from provided rolls, sliced meats, cheeses, and condiments.
I‘m talking quality ingredients, beautiful presentation, and YUMMY flavors your guests will rave about. Beyond standard deli sandwiches, Walmart also offers fruit, shrimp, veggie, and dessert platters.
Check with your neighborhood Walmart‘s deli for their full menu. Availability varies, and new options are frequently added.
2. Grab Pre-Made Platters for Instant Needs
Uh oh…forgot your buddy‘s birthday party is today? No worries – you can still be the party hero!
Walmart sells ready-made platters that take zero prep or waiting:
Fruit and veggie crudite trays – Vibrant, healthy, and delicious.
Shrimp ring – Jumbo shrimp with zesty cocktail sauce.
Deli roll pinwheels – Colorful wraps with turkey, ham, roast beef, and veggies.
Cheese and cracker bites – Cubes of cheddar, grapes, nuts, and crispy crackers.
These grab-and-go platters cost between $7-$17 and serve 6-12 guests. Ideal if you‘re already at Walmart picking up drinks and chips!
3. Online Ordering Not Available – Visit or Call Instead
Now, for the not-so-good news…Walmart currently does NOT offer online ordering for made-to-order deli platters. I know, shocking in 2022!
To place a custom platter order, you will need to:
Call your neighborhood Walmart‘s deli phone number. Find it on their store locator page.
Visit the deli counter in person and fill out a paper order form.
I always suggest calling rather than venturing to the chaotic store if you can. Phone orders are quick and easy once you know what you‘d like to order.
4. Walmart Prices Are Comparable to Competitors
"But Ron, isn‘t Walmart supposed to be cheap??"
It‘s true Walmart is the king of rollbacks. But for deli platters, prices align closely with competitor grocery chains. Here‘s a pricing comparison:
| Platter | Walmart | Local Deli | Costco |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small sandwich (serves 8-12) | $35-45 | $40-50 | $30-40 |
| Large sub (serves 20-30) | $60-75 | $70-85 | $55-70 |
| Meat and cheese (serves 15-20) | $55-70 | $65-80 | $60-75 |
As you can see, Walmart‘s prices are extremely fair and competitive. However, you‘ll only save about $2-$5 choosing Walmart versus other retailers for similar platters.
The convenience of one-stop shopping at Walmart is what makes it worth it in my book.
5. Plan Ahead – Orders Need 1+ Day Notice
This is crucial – Walmart requires at least 24 hours notice on party platter orders.
Yes, even for something as simple as a sub tray!
The deli team hand-prepares each platter to ensure freshness and quality. So whether you order three sandwiches or thirty, ample lead time is needed.
I suggest placing catering orders:
7 days before your event for large custom orders.
24-48 hours before for something smaller like a veggie tray.
1 hour before if grabbing a ready-made platter.
Give Walmart‘s hard-working deli pros the time do their magic!
6. Be Ready with Your ID and Order Details
Party platter orders at Walmart go smoothest when you have two key items ready:
1. Valid photo ID – You‘ll need to show your license or ID card when you pick up the order. This ensures platters only go home with the rightful owner!
2. Filled out order form – If ordering over the phone, have your menu and quantities selected beforehand. Or, the deli will provide a paper form to complete in-store.
Detailed order forms allow Walmart to deliver your perfect customized platter. Build your dream menu!
Oh, and payment is due upon pickup or delivery. Cash or credit is accepted.
7. Your Guests Will Rave About the Fresh Quality
The #1 praise deli platters from Walmart receive? The freshness and quality!
Per Walmart‘s 2020 Annual Report, 91% of customers ranked deli/bakery items as "high quality." Impressive!
And across the web, buyers consistently share gems like:
"The subs tasted like they came straight out of an Italian deli…so fresh!"
"The fruit platter was ripe and beautifully displayed – way better than the grocery store stuff I usually buy."
"You‘d never guess these gourmet cheeses and meats came from a Walmart. Tasted delicious and upscale."
So you can feel confident your guests will be wowed by the taste and presentation of Walmart‘s platters. 5-star reviews without the catering prices!
8. Select Stores Offer Full Catering Service
Beyond platters, some Walmart locations now provide complete catering services for events and parties.
What does Walmart‘s catering include?
- Custom party menus beyond just subs and sandwiches
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner options
- Full entree selection – pastas, salads, sides, and more
- Complimentary serving utensils, napkins, cups, etc.
- Local delivery within 10-15 miles
- Set up and tear down of buffet layout
- Staffing assistance/servers
Catering is currently available at 500+ Walmart stores and growing. Call your closest location to check if they offer these enhanced services. It takes the party to the next level!
9. Costco Competes on Premium Quality and Size
On price and convenience, Walmart holds its own. But food quality and platter size? That‘s where Costco shines.
Here‘s where Costco deli platters have an edge over Walmart:
Premium quality meats and cheeses – Costco sources from top-tier suppliers like Boar‘s Head.
Unique options – Costco offers full pasta salads, sandwich rings, and hot foods. Walmart has standard cold platters.
Jumbo sizes – Costco‘s largest platters serve 150+ people. Great for massive corporate events.
Slightly higher prices – Expect to pay $3-$10 more per platter at Costco.
Weigh your priorities as far as budget, variety, and guests attending. Costco wins if premium ingredients and XL portions are key!
10. Platters Drive Big Profits for Walmart
Curious why Walmart heavily promotes its deli catering services? The margins are off the charts!
According to Walmart‘s 2021 annual report:
Deli department gross profit margins are over 10%.
That‘s more than double Walmart‘s normal profit margins on packaged goods.
Prepared foods like party platters are the highest margin products Walmart sells.
So while Walmart‘s platter prices are very fair, they‘re still making boatloads of money. No wonder they want you to order catering…it‘s a hugely lucrative business!
11. Get All Your Party Needs in One Stop
Planning an entire party? I have great news…Walmart is your one-stop shop!
You can pick up everything on your party list along with the platters:
Paper plates, cups, napkins, and utensils
Tablecloths, banners, centerpieces, and decorations
Beverages, snacks, desserts, and candy
Chafing racks, sternos, and serving equipment
Coolers, ice, and beverage coolers
Talk about convenience! Save time and gas by getting it all with one trip to Walmart.
Psst…you can even order your deli platters AND other party essentials for pickup in one easy order.
12. Feed Groups Big and Small
Walmart party platters serve groups ranging from an intimate birthday get-together to 200+ person corporate event.
A few guest count estimates:
- Small sandwich platter: 8-12 people
- Large sub platter: 20-30 people
- Wing platter: 25-30 people
- Fruit tray: 15-20 people
- Meat and cheese: 20-25 people
Unsure how many platters to order? Talk through your guest count and menu needs with Walmart‘s deli staff. They can suggest the perfect platter quantities to ensure everyone eats well.
Well, there you have it – a comprehensive guide to throwing a stellar party with Walmart platters!
Here‘s a quick recap of the top tips to remember:
Plan ahead – give at least 24 hours notice, or longer for large orders.
Bring your ID – required to pick up the order.
Ask about catering – select locations offer full-service catering and delivery.
Compare Walmart and Costco – know the pros and cons of each for your needs.
Buy supplies – grab plates, napkins, decorations for one-stop shopping.
Enjoy the freshness – customers consistently rave about Walmart‘s quality.
Ready to wow guests at your next football party, family reunion, or office lunch? Stop stressing over catering logistics – your neighborhood Walmart deli‘s got you covered.
Let me know if you have any other questions! I‘m always happy to share insider tips for deli platter success.
Now go forth and feast fabulously, my friend!
