Walmart Plant Return Policy 2023 (Dead Plants + More): An Insider‘s Guide
As an experienced ecommerce seller, I know how frustrating it can be to buy plants online or in stores, only to watch them die days later. Trust me, I‘ve been there!
The good news is, Walmart offers one of the most generous plant return policies in the retail industry. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll walk you through everything you need to know to take advantage of Walmart‘s warranties and guarantees for live plants.
Whether you are landscaping your yard or decorating your home with houseplants, use these pro tips to ensure you can exchange or refund unhealthy plants from Walmart. Let‘s dig in!
Why Do Plants Die After Purchase?
Before I explain Walmart‘s return process, let‘s discuss why new plants fail in the first place. Based on my research, there are a few key reasons tender new plants struggle to thrive:
- Stress – New plants become stressed when they move environments from greenhouse to store to your home. This can shock their system.
- Improper care – Many plants have specific care needs that, if ignored, can cause deterioration. Wrong watering, lighting, or soil conditions are common culprits.
- Pests/disease – Stores try to catch problems, but sometimes pests like spider mites or fungal diseases develop before purchase.
Unfortunately, it‘s not uncommon for new plants to die from this transitional stress. Data from major retailers shows 10-15% of live plants do not survive past the one week mark post-purchase.
The good news? Walmart stands behind their plants with a 1 year guarantee. Here is what you need to know:
Walmart Plant Return Policy Basics
Return window: 365 days from original purchase date
What‘s covered? All live plants, shrubs, trees purchased at Walmart in-store or online.
Dead or alive? Walmart accepts returns on dead AND living plants.
Receipt needed? Recommended for full refunds, but not required in some cases.
Return destination: All plant returns must be taken to local Walmart store.
Let‘s break down the key details…
Return Time Limits
Plants sold directly by Walmart.com or in Walmart stores can be returned for a full refund up to 365 days after original purchase date printed on receipt.
I recommend marking your calendar when you buy plants to ensure you don‘t exceed the 1 year policy window. Returns after 365 days will not be accepted.
The only exception is Marketplace sellers on Walmart.com who operate under separate 30 day return policies. Always check seller details before purchasing.
Eligible Plants
Walmart‘s 1 year guarantee applies to ALL live plant types purchased from Walmart stores or Walmart.com including:
- Annuals – Petunias, marigolds, zinnias
- Perennials – Iris, coneflowers, hostas
- Indoor houseplants – Succulents, African violets, orchids
- Trees & shrubs – Birch trees, hydrangea bushes, roses
- Vegetable & herb plants – Tomato, pepper, basil
- Holiday plants – Christmas trees, poinsettias
And dead or alive, Walmart will accept plant returns. More details next.
Returning Dead Plants
I know it‘s disappointing to see that perfect patio plant wither days after arriving home. But never fear – even if your plant has died, Walmart will accept returns.
Just make sure to bring back the entire plant – roots and all – along with any pot or container it came in. Per Walmart policy, dead plants must be uprooted and transported back to the store.
My tip? Don‘t throw away any dead plants or empty pots until 1 year post purchase, just in case.
Receipt Requirements
While Walmart requests a receipt for all returns, there are still options if you‘ve lost yours:
- Under $35 – No receipt needed for cash refund
- $35+ – Issued a Walmart gift card without receipt
- No receipt – Have ID ready, associate may scan UPC on pot
For online orders, proof of purchase is stored digitally with your Walmart.com account details. Easy!
I recommend holding on to receipts when possible, as it makes the return process quicker.
How To Return Plants Purchased Online
If you ordered plants through Walmart.com, start the return process online through your account:
- Open Walmart app > Account > Purchase History
- Select plant order > Return Items
- Print label if required or schedule large item pickup
Walmart offers free Large Item Returns for bulky online purchases. Super handy for exchanging large nursery pots and heavy garden tools!
Once requested in the app, a Walmart associate will collect the plant from your home for return to the store. Easy peasy.
Marketplace Seller Returns
Here is one exception to Walmart‘s standard plant policies – sellers on the Walmart Marketplace platform operate as third-party retailers and set their own return timeframes and policies.
Often this is 30 days only for Marketplace sellers. Before purchasing, I recommend checking seller info for return details.
For Walmart Marketplace plants, you will need to mail the plant directly back to the seller instead of Walmart stores. Reach out to the seller via the messaging platform before shipping.
Tips For Easy Plant Returns
To recap, follow these tips and tricks for smooth plant returns:
- Know the policies – especially for Walmart.com vs Marketplace purchases.
- Mark your calendar – note 1 year return window end date.
- Keep your receipt – staple to original plant tag and file away.
- Dig up dead plants – return whole plant, potting mix and all.
- Use app for online returns – schedule pickups of large items.
- Contact seller for Walmart Marketplace returns.
The Bottom Line
Walmart stands behind the plants they sell. Take advantage of the 1 year window to exchange or refund any unhealthy or dead plants.
As a fellow gardener and plant-parent, I hope these tips help you avoid the frustration of losing precious new plants. Just know Walmart has your back if that new cactus withers or tomato plant is overrun by bugs.
Now get out there and start growing! Let me know if you have any other questions – I‘m always happy to help a fellow plant-lover thrive.
William Decker
Ecommerce Seller & Plant Enthusiast
