Walmart Canada Return Policy 2022 (No Receipt + After 90-Days) – A Seller‘s Guide
As an ecommerce seller, having a solid returns process is a make-or-break for your business. While you can‘t control how retailers like Walmart Canada handle returns, you can optimize your own policies and procedures.
In this 2800+ word guide, we‘ll break down Walmart Canada‘s return policies from a seller‘s perspective. I‘ll share key stats, analysis, tips and tools for managing Walmart returns end-to-end – before and after purchase.
Let‘s begin!
Walmart Canada Return Policy Overview
Walmart Canada offers customers 90 days for returns, with some exceptions:
- 14 day window – Electronics, game consoles, cell phones
- 30 day window – TVs, speakers, mattresses, furniture
- No time limit – Grocery items
Proof of purchase is required, or customers may only get a store credit. Walmart also places restrictions around returning opened, used and health-related items.
This generous policy provides shoppers peace of mind and drives sales. But it also comes with its challenges…
The Impact of Walmart Canada‘s Returns Policy on Sellers
Walmart Canada‘s wide 90 day return window, while great for customers, has some implications for sellers:
Increased return rates – Around 10-20% of Walmart Canada purchases are returned based on estimates. That‘s on the higher side for ecommerce. Amazon sees 18.4% return rates on average.
Longer inventory cycles – With a 3 month return period, sellers must hold inventory longer in case of returns and replacements. This increases carrying costs.
Restocking and recovery – More generous return windows mean higher costs for sellers related to reimbursement processing, shipping, repackaging, and recovering returned inventory.
EUR growth – Walmart Canada has been expanding its ecommerce business rapidly. In 2021, online sales grew around 23% to $7.37 billion CAD. More digital transactions correlate with higher returns.
Customer service workload – Supporting Walmart Canada‘s return volume takes considerable resources for sellers. From return authorizations to dispute resolution.
The ideal return window ultimately depends on the product. For categories like clothing, 30 days is reasonable for fit and quality checks. Meanwhile, consumables can have 7-14 day limits.
Average Return Windows By Category
| Category | Return Window |
|---|---|
| Electronics | 14-30 days |
| Appliances | 30 days |
| Furniture | 30-90 days |
| Clothing | 30 days |
| Shoes | 30 days |
| Health and beauty | 30 days |
| Media | 14-30 days |
| Toys and games | 30 days |
| Auto parts | 30-90 days |
Sellers must balance customer satisfaction with return-related costs. Let‘s look at some best practices to optimize both.
How Sellers Can Minimize Returns on Walmart Canada
Returns are inevitable. But sellers can employ strategies to avoid excessive returns:
Set Clear Expectations
Educate customers upfront on your policies, procedures and restrictions around returns.
Share FAQs on your Walmart Storefront page and product listings. Highlight key details like:
- Return windows and categories exempt from returns
- Return method (mail-in, drop-off locations)
- Refund form (original payment, store credit, exchanges)
- Who pays for return shipping
Highlight Product Details
Be as exhaustive as possible when describing the product. Call out dimensions, materials, care instructions, country of origin, compatible accessories, etc.
Use high quality images to depict the product from multiple angles. Provide an accurate visual representation to avoid misleading shoppers.
Validate Product Quality
Rigorously inspect inventory batches before shipping to Walmart warehouses. Look for defects, missing pieces, damage, etc.
Conduct random quality checks by opening product packages. Follow assembly or usage instructions to confirm items function properly out of the box.
Destroy any units that don‘t meet quality criteria so they don‘t enter the sales channel.
Ship With Care
Package items securely to prevent damage during transit. Include padding and insulation materials if shipping fragile goods.
Work with a third-party logistics (3PL) provider experienced in ecommerce fulfillment. They can advise on best practices for packaging different product types.
Understand Return Reasons
Dig into why customers are returning items:
Defective – Were there quality issues with a production batch? Does your QA process need improvement?
Arrived damaged – How can you enhance packaging to reduce transport damage?
Not as described – Is your product copy unclear or misleading? Do images not match reality?
Buyer‘s remorse – Can you build trust and confidence by improving content quality and detail?
Fraud – Are illegitimate claims slipping through the cracks?
Use return data to continuously refine your operations, product listings, and service.
Managing Returns End-to-End for Walmart Canada Sellers
Let‘s walk through the returns process from authorization to getting inventory back in stock:
1. Return Authorization
Walmart Canada handles approving returns. As a seller, you can require prior authorization for large items and special orders.
Create an authorization form requesting:
- Order invoice #
- Reason for return
- Product condition notes
- Preferred reimbursement method
Email this to the customer with instructions to bring the completed form to the Walmart service desk.
2. Refund Issuance
Once Walmart Canada approves a return, they deduct the refunded amount from your seller account.
For items shipped directly by you, Walmart requests reimbursement. To streamline reconciliation, export a file with:
- Order #
- SKU
- Returned quantity
- Return amount
Upload this to Walmart VendorNet portal. Walmart deducts the totals from your account.
3. Transportation
Items returned to physical Walmart locations ship back to sellers weekly. The distribution center aggregates returns then dispatches them.
You‘re responsible for covering return shipping costs. Walmart Canada provides return estimates so you can budget appropriately.
For oversized/heavy products, use prepaid return shipping labels. Attach these to products at time of fulfillment.
4. Inspection
Thoroughly inspect returned items before reselling. Note any defects, missing parts, damage or other issues.
Categorize returns as:
Resalable – In original condition, can be immediately restocked.
Refurbish – May have minor defects, suitable for refurbishment and resale.
Scrap – Severely damaged/defective, only suitable for parts or disposal.
Document each return with descriptions and photos for records.
5. Restocking
For resalable returns, promptly clean, repackage and add back to your Walmart Canada inventory.
Refurbish any items that need minor repairs. Or if not cost effective, harvest working parts.
Keep scrap items organized for periodic disposal or recycling.
Tools to Streamline Your Walmart Canada Returns Process
Technology and automation enable sellers to handle growing return volumes efficiently. Consider these solutions:
Return tracking software – Track return status end-to-end. Collect customer information, print prepaid return labels, get status alerts.
Refund reconciliation – Match refunds deducted from your account back to individual return orders and customers. Ensure accuracy.
Inventory management – Keep track of returned stock. Designate condition grades so you can quickly gauge resale potential.
Documentation tools – Take detailed photos and notes on each returned item. Document any damage, defects or missing accessories before restocking.
Shipping solutions – Generate prepaid return shipping labels for customers. Get discounted rates through integrations.
Accounting – Ensure return reimbursements are properly accounted for in your books. Reconcile against bank/seller account deductions.
Customer support – Manage return authorization requests, status inquiries and issue resolution through your help desk system.
Key Takeaways on Walmart Canada‘s Return Policy for Sellers
Managing returns involves effort but pays dividends through customer retention and sustainable growth. Keep these tips in mind:
- Understand how Walmart Canada‘s policies impact your business
- Set expectations upfront to avoid excessive returns
- Continuously improve quality assurance before shipping
- Track return reasons to optimize product listings
- Streamline return transportation, inspection and restocking
- Utilize technology to scale operations cost efficiently
- Provide exceptional service throughout the returns process
With the right policies and procedures, you can handle Walmart Canada‘s return volume while maintaining profitability. Take advantage of this guide to maximize success selling through Walmart‘s extensive ecommerce marketplace.
