Does Walmart Replace Watch Batteries? (Do This Instead)
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As a fellow seller, I know you rely on your watch to keep you on schedule. So when that battery dies, you want to get it replaced ASAP. And with Walmart being so convenient, I‘m sure you‘ve wondered – can Walmart replace my watch battery?
After investigating this myself, I unfortunately have to report that no, Walmart does not currently offer an in-store watch battery replacement service.
I know, it‘s a bummer when you‘re in a time crunch! But don‘t worry – in this article I‘ll share everything I learned about Walmart‘s policies on watch batteries. I‘ll also provide some smart alternatives to get your watch ticking again pronto.
Let‘s dive in!
Why Doesn‘t Walmart Replace Batteries?
Given Walmart‘s reputation for convenient services, it‘s natural to assume they‘d offer watch battery replacements. However, there are a few logical reasons why they currently don‘t provide this offering:
Training required: Safely replacing watch batteries requires precision and specialized skills. Walmart would have to invest significant time and money training retail employees in proper watch repair techniques.
Risk of damage: Watches contain fragile gears and electronics inside. If handled improperly during a battery swap, these components could easily be damaged, resulting in an unhappy (and less loyal) customer.
Liability concerns: If an employee accidentally broke a customer‘s expensive watch during a battery replacement, Walmart could be held responsible for covering the cost of repairs or replacement. That‘s not a small risk with watches ranging from $50 to $50,000!
Not cost-effective: Basic watch battery replacements only earn about $10-$15. The high volume, low margin nature of Walmart‘s business likely means this offering wouldn‘t generate enough revenue to justify the training and liability costs.
Lack of demand: Only about 13% of Americans wear a traditional watch nowadays according to surveys. With the prevalence of smartphones, demand for watch battery replacements is declining.
For a major nationwide retailer like Walmart, replacing millions of watch batteries doesn‘t make good business sense. While less convenient for us watch wearers, it‘s a prudent decision on their part.
What Walmart Does Offer for Watch Batteries
Though you can‘t get onsite support, Walmart does provide a few options to help with do-it-yourself battery replacement:
Batteries for purchase – Walmart sells a wide range of button cell batteries compatible with watches, including common ones like LR44, SR626, SR521, CR2025, and many more. They carry major brands like Energizer and Duracell.
Watch repair kits – They offer watch band link pin removal kits, watch hand pullers, and watch case opener kits. These help you safely open the watch case to access the battery.
Basic guidance – In some cases, associates at the jewelry counter may provide simple verbal tips on replacing batteries. However, they aren‘t allowed to perform the repair.
| Walmart | Target |
|---|---|
| Sells replacement watch batteries | Sells replacement watch batteries |
| Sells watch repair kits | Does not sell watch repair kits |
| Employees cannot replace batteries | Employees can replace batteries |
So Walmart essentially enables the DIY option, but doesn‘t directly replace batteries like competitors such as Target.
Alternatives for Replacing Your Watch Battery
While Walmart keeps their employee‘s hands off watch repairs, we still have options:
Jewelers and Watch Repair Shops
This is the best way to ensure it‘s done properly. Jewelers are professionally trained and have the tools to safely swap watch batteries while protecting the delicate internal components. The cost is usually reasonable – expect to pay around $5 to $20 depending on the shop and type of watch.
I‘d recommend this option for expensive watches or anyone uncomfortable attempting home repair. According to industry surveys, over half of watch owners now go to jewelers for battery replacements.
Other Retailers
Some retail chains like Target, Costco, Best Buy, and independent pharmacies offer in-store watch battery replacement services. However, quality and policies can vary greatly. Call ahead to check pricing and availability.
Big box stores may replace hundreds of batteries per week, so technicians likely have ample experience. But the work might still be rushed. Smaller shops may take more care.
DIY Replacement
With the right tools, tutorials, patience, and steady hands, you can swap out the battery yourself. Watch batteries cost as little as $2-5, making DIY tempting.
However, you risk severely damaging your watch if you don‘t follow proper technique. Approach this with caution!
Smartwatch Retailers
For smartwatches, your best option is to have the battery replaced by an authorized retailer or repair center. They have training and tools specifically for your make and model. This helps ensure you don‘t void the warranty.
Apple Stores, for example, will replace Apple Watch batteries for about $80. Going through unauthorized shops could void your coverage.
When to Replace Your Watch Battery
You should aim to replace watch batteries every 2-4 years for optimal performance. Here are signs it‘s time for a new battery:
Your watch stops running entirely.
Timekeeping becomes inaccurate or erratic.
Condensation or fogging appears inside the glass. This indicates a leaking battery.
You notice corrosion around the battery.
Some watches have an "end of life" indicator – the second hand starts jumping every 4-5 seconds when power is critically low. This gives you about a week to replace the battery before failure.
Run down batteries are prone to acid leaks and corrosion. So if you notice any of the above symptoms, act quickly! Seek professional help or attempt DIY replacement ASAP. An expired battery can rapidly damage watch components.
Let‘s Keep Those Ticks Ticking!
As sellers, a working watch is essential for staying on schedule and providing great customer service. While Walmart currently opts not to replace watch batteries in-store, various other affordable and convenient options exist.
I hope this insider overview gave you the knowledge you need to keep your watch running smoothly for years to come! Let me know in the comments if you have any other watch battery questions. I‘m always happy to help a fellow seller out.
