Does Walmart Make Keys?
Yes, Walmart offers convenient key copying and cutting services using automated MinuteKey kiosks located inside most store locations. Customers can create duplicates of basic keys for homes, offices, vehicles, padlocks, etc. in about 1-2 minutes.
As an experienced Amazon seller, I rely heavily on automation and technology to scale my business. Walmart‘s use of MinuteKey self-service kiosks is a smart approach, allowing customers to get copies of keys anytime withoutemployee assistance.
In this detailed guide, I‘ll cover everything sellers and consumers need to know about making duplicate keys at Walmart stores.
How Walmart‘s Key Copying Process Works
Walmart uses MinuteKey kiosks to provide fast, automated key duplication services. These self-service machines guide customers through copying keys in 3 simple steps:
- Insert Original Key – The kiosk scans and captures the shape and cut pattern of your key.
- Select Key Blank – Choose from available key blanks to match your existing key.
- Cut New Key – The automated machine precisely cuts the duplicate key in about 1 minute.
After inserting a credit card to pay, your duplicated key is dispensed. The whole process takes just a couple minutes.
Benefits:
- Self-service – No employee assistance required, operates 24/7.
- Convenience – Get key copies anytime inside Walmart stores.
- Speed – Keys copied in only 1-2 minutes.
- Low Cost – No additional service fees, just the cost of the key.
For consumers and sellers needing quick key copies, Walmart‘s MinuteKey kiosks offer an easy, low-cost solution.
Availability of Key Copying Kiosks at Walmart
However, key kiosks are not available at every Walmart location. Out of over 10,000 stores in the U.S., around 1,800 have MinuteKey machines currently.
To check availability at your nearest Walmart store, use the MinuteKey Location Finder.
Top 10 metro areas ranked by number of Walmart stores with MinuteKey kiosks:
| City | Stores With Kiosks |
|---|---|
| New York City, NY | 87 |
| Los Angeles, CA | 48 |
| Chicago, IL | 56 |
| Houston, TX | 44 |
| Phoenix, AZ | 41 |
| San Antonio, TX | 37 |
| San Diego, CA | 35 |
| Dallas, TX | 34 |
| Austin, TX | 32 |
| Jacksonville, FL | 28 |
Large metro areas like New York and Chicago have the highest availability. In smaller towns, access may be more limited. Calling ahead to confirm your nearest Walmart has a kiosk is recommended.
For sellers, choosing a location with a MinuteKey machine can provide convenient key copies as needed for offices, storage spaces, etc.
Cost to Copy Keys at Walmart MinuteKey Kiosks
The cost to make duplicate keys at Walmart typically ranges from $2 – $6 per key depending on the type of key blank.
Average Costs by Key Type:
| Key Type | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Basic Nickel Silver | $2 |
| Decorative Nickel Silver | $3-4 |
| Brass | $4-5 |
| Stainless Steel | $5-6 |
Prices may vary slightly by location. Unique or antique key blanks not available at Walmart may have higher costs if sourced elsewhere first.
Unlike other retailers, Walmart does not charge any additional service fees for using their self-service kiosks. You just pay the base cost of the duplicate key.
For high volume sellers, the low prices and convenience make Walmart‘s key copying services an affordable option for office keys, storage units, etc.
Average Cost Comparison of Key Copying Alternatives:
| Key Copy Provider | Cost Per Key |
|---|---|
| Walmart | $2 – $6 |
| Home Depot | $3 – $7 |
| Ace Hardware | $5 – $10 |
| Locksmith | $5 – $15 |
Among major national retailers, Walmart‘s prices are very competitive, especially for simple duplicate keys.
However, prices at local locksmiths can vary widely, and they may offer services not available at Walmart like chip key duplication. So for specialty keys, locksmiths remain an important option.
Types of Keys That Can Be Copied at Walmart
The MinuteKey kiosks at Walmart can duplicate a variety of common key types:
House Keys – Including front doors, deadbolts, garages, and gates. Standard residential keys are typically no problem.
Office Keys – Keys for desks, cabinets, interior doors, and some commercial locks can often be duplicated.
Basic Vehicle Keys – You can copy an older basic car key without electronic chips or programming. Modern vehicle keys cannot be duplicated due to the technology inside.
Padlocks and Door Locks – Basic keys for padlocks, exterior doors, mailboxes, etc can generally be copied.
However, there are restrictions on certain specialty keys:
"Do Not Duplicate" Keys – These high-security keys cannot be legally copied without proper authorization.
Transponder/Chip Keys – Modern vehicle keys with chip technology inside cannot be duplicated on the basic machines.
Restricted Access Keys – Including government facilities, schools, apartments.
Postal Keys – It‘s a federal crime to duplicate USPS mailbox keys without authorization.
So in summary, while the kiosks can duplicate many common keys, specialty keys with security restrictions should still be taken to professional locksmiths or authorized dealers.
For most sellers, the kiosks should meet basic key copying needs. But for restricted keys, seek out pros with proper duplicating licenses.
Are There Limitations to Walmart‘s Key Duplication Services?
As a business owner, I prefer having in-house control of key copying for security. While Walmart‘s kiosks offer convenience for basic keys, there are some limitations to note:
Availability limited to around 1,800 locations out of 10,000+ Walmart stores. Access is inconsistent.
Duplication takes 1-2 minutes per key. For high volumes of keys, it may be time prohibitive.
No employee oversight for added accountability and security.
Cannot duplicate modern chip/transponder vehicle keys, high-security keys, postal keys, etc.
Only accepts credit/debit payments. No cash transactions or in-house billing.
For these reasons, I chose to purchase an affordable key duplicator machine for my office rather than relying solely on Walmart for key copies.
The upfront investment provides reliable in-house key duplication for my needs. But for occasional personal use or small batches, Walmart‘s kiosks offer a solid convenient option.
Key Takeaways – Does Walmart Make Keys?
In summary, the key facts sellers should know about Walmart‘s MinuteKey self-service kiosks:
Available at ~1,800 Walmart locations nationwide – verify availability before going
Allow customers to duplicate basic keys in about 1-2 minutes
Cost ranges from $2-$6 per key depending on blank type
Accept credit/debit only, no extra service fees
Have limitations on specialty, high-security, and electronic key duplication
Provide a convenient, low-cost option for basic duplicate keys
So while the kiosks have some restrictions, they offer an easy and affordable way for shoppers and sellers alike to get basic key copies quickly at Walmart stores across the US.
