Walmart Printer Return Policy In 2022 (Your Complete Guide)
Walmart offers a 15 day return period for most standard printers and 30 days for 3D printers purchased in-store and online. To return a printer, you‘ll need the original packaging, accessories, manuals and receipt. Read on for a detailed overview of Walmart‘s official printer return policy and expert insights for making returns easy.
As an experienced online seller for over 10 years, I‘ve processed my share of printer returns. While each retailer has their own policies, Walmart offers a more limited window compared to many others.
In this guide, I‘ll share key details about Walmart‘s rules, but also provide tips from my insider perspective to make your return process as seamless as possible.
Let‘s dive in…
Official Walmart Printer Return Policy
Walmart printer return policy allows 15 days for refund or exchange on standard inkjet and laser printers bought at Walmart stores or Walmart.com.
For 3D printers, you get 30 days to return or exchange it.
These limited windows are much shorter than the 90 day policy Walmart offers for returning most electronics and other general merchandise. It gives you less time to evaluate the printer.
According to Walmart‘s return policy page:
"Printers may be returned within 15 days of purchase for refund or exchange. 3D printers may be returned within 30 days of purchase for refund or exchange."
The return countdown starts on the original date of in-store purchase or delivery date for online orders.
You must provide the complete original packaging, manuals, software and accessories. Having the receipt is also required. Returns without a valid receipt may only get store credit.
Return Tips From an Experienced Seller
Now that you know Walmart‘s official policy, here are my top tips for smoothly returning a printer based on my years as an Amazon merchant:
Evaluate quickly, don‘t open packaging. Once you purchase a printer, inspect it right away and test connectivity without fully unboxing if possible. Only open all packaging once you‘ve done evaluations and confirmed you‘re keeping the printer. This makes returns simpler.
Research return costs. As a seller, returns eat into profits due to processing time and shipping expenses. Consider return costs before buying. Prices are a factor at Walmart, but examine warranty coverage and other return policies too.
Ask about return policy extensions. If you need more time to test out the printer, politely ask customer service if they can extend the 15 day window. As a courtesy to loyal customers, they may allow 30-60 days. Doesn‘t hurt to ask!
Keep everything to repack perfectly. Hold on to all cables, plastic, manuals, software discs, etc. Repack the printer exactly as it arrived to avoid any restocking fees.
Get receipt proof. Having the original Walmart receipt is crucial for returns. Photograph or photocopy it as backup proof. You can also access purchase receipts in your Walmart online account.
Chat with customer service. If an issue arises, use Walmart‘s online chat feature to discuss it quickly with a rep. They can determine next steps and pre-approve a return if needed.
Compare open-box discounts. Ask if Walmart offers open-box printer discounts. If you must return your printer after opening, they resell at a lower price. You may get an open-box deal on your replacement printer.
Consider restocking fees. Be aware that Walmart may charge up to a 15% restocking fee if your printer or parts are missing when returned or it‘s not in sellable condition. Avoid fees by repackaging properly.
How To Return Walmart Printers (In-Store vs. Shipping)
You have three options to return a printer to Walmart:
- In-store
- By mail
- Scheduled at-home pickup
But the options vary depending on whether you originally bought the printer at a local Walmart or online from Walmart.com:
Returning a Printer Bought Online
For online purchases, you can conveniently choose between:
- Returning in-store at any Walmart customer service desk
- Initiating a return by mail through Walmart‘s Online Returns Center
- Scheduling a driver to pick up the return from your home (may have extra fees)
Just start the return process on Walmart‘s website. Print the return shipping label if mailing it or schedule home pickup.
Returning a Printer Bought In-Store
If you purchased the printer at a local Walmart store, your only option is returning it to that original store location.
You cannot process the return by mail or home pickup since it was an in-person purchase. Simply bring the packaged printer and receipt back to the same store.
No matter the return method, having the complete original packaging and receipt is required for Walmart to accept the return and issue a refund.
Refund Options: Cash Back vs. Walmart Gift Card
When returning a printer to Walmart, whether in-store, by mail or pickup, you can choose to get your refund as:
- Cash back
- Walmart gift card
- Replacement printer (if defective)
For in-store returns, you receive your cash refund or gift card immediately once the return is completed.
With online returns shipped by mail or home pickup, Walmart will issue your refund gift card or replacement printer 7-10 days after receiving your return.
Here are the pros and cons of getting cash vs. a Walmart gift card when returning a printer:
Cash Refund | Walmart Gift Card |
---|---|
✅ Get your money back immediately (in-store) | ✅ Can buy a replacement printer or other items at Walmart |
✅ Use cash anywhere | ✅ Gift card value won‘t expire |
❌ Mail/home pickup returns take 7-10 days | ❌ Can only spend at Walmart |
❌ In-store only for cash back |
Holiday Returns: Extended Windows
Be aware that Walmart typically extends their standard printer return window during the busy holiday shopping season.
In recent years, the holiday return period has spanned mid-October through the end of January.
So if you buy a printer in November or December, you‘ll likely have more than the standard 15 days to return it. Check Walmart‘s website during the holidays for their exact extended return dates.
This gives you flexibility if you purchase a printer as a gift or if issues arise after gifting it. Take advantage of the more generous return timeline over the holidays.
Can You Return Marketplace or Reseller Purchases?
On Walmart‘s website, you may see printers shipped and sold by Walmart or by Marketplace sellers. These are third-party retailers.
If you purchase a printer from a Marketplace seller, you cannot return it to Walmart. You must return directly to that seller per their individual policy, not Walmart‘s policy.
The same applies if you purchase through an authorized reseller instead of directly from Walmart. You‘ll need to handle the return directly with them.
Walmart‘s printer return policy only covers printers sold and shipped directly by Walmart retail stores or Walmart.com.
Expert Tips to Choose the Right Printer
To avoid the hassle of returns, here are my pro tips for selecting the perfect printer at Walmart:
Consider print quality. Look at printer resolution measured in DPI. Minimum you‘ll want is 600 x 600 DPI for sharp text and 1200 x 1200 DPI for photos.
Compare print speeds. Pages per minute (PPM) indicates print speed. Aim for at least 10 PPM, faster for office use.
Check connectivity. Make sure the printer offers the connection types you need like WiFi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, USB, etc.
Calculate costs per page. The printer‘s "cost per page" tells you printing expenses for ink or toner over time. Low is good.
Match functions to needs. Know whether you need scan, copy, fax, photo printing, etc. before choosing a multifunction printer.
Review ratings and reviews. Read Walmart customer reviews to spot potential issues like paper jams, connectivity problems or poor print quality.
Consider compact size. Measure space in the location you‘ll use the printer. Compact/mini printers work well for tight spaces.
Compare warranty coverage. Look for 1-2 year warranties in case of defects. More coverage means less risk.
Following these tips will help you select a reliable printer that meets your home or office needs. And you‘ll avoid the hassle of having to return printers that aren‘t the right fit.
The Bottom Line
I hope this comprehensive guide better explains Walmart‘s official printer return policy from my years of insider experience.
The key takeaways are:
- 15 day window for most standard printers, 30 days for 3D printers
- Must have original packaging, accessories and receipt
- Cash or gift card refunds
- Holiday policy extends return period from October-January
Leverage my pro tips to have a smooth return experience. And carefully evaluate printer specs before buying to avoid return issues altogether.
Let me know if you have any other Walmart printer return questions! I‘m always happy to share my expertise.