What Items Cannot Be Returned To Walmart? (20+ Non-Refundable Categories)

As one of the largest retailers in the world, Walmart processes over $30 billion in returns every year. With millions of customers and such a vast selection of products, there are inevitably some items that cannot be returned to Walmart stores and Walmart.com.

In this detailed guide, I‘ll cover over 20 major categories of non-returnable Walmart merchandise to help you avoid any surprises or hassle down the line.

Here is a quick summary of the main types of items that cannot be refunded or exchanged at Walmart:

• Gift Cards
• Cell Phone Cards
• Medications
• Ammunition
• Firearms
• Pepper Spray
• Opened CDs, DVDs, Video Games
• Tobacco
• Alcohol
• Perishable Food
• Used Sanitary Products
• Gas-Powered Vehicles
• Items Damaged After Purchase

Now, let‘s explore Walmart‘s return restrictions in more detail, including why certain products cannot be brought back and what policies major retailers like Walmart and Target have in place. I‘ll also provide tips for selling non-returnable merchandise from a retailer perspective.

Why Walmart Doesn‘t Accept Returns on Some Items

While Walmart offers a generous 90-day return window for most products, some categories are exempt for logistical, legal, or safety reasons.

For example, medications and firearms cannot be resold once purchased, so Walmart is prohibited from taking them back. Refrigerated and frozen foods also pose contamination risks if returned after leaving the store.

In other cases like opened media items, the retailer wants to prevent fraud and copyright violations. And per government regulations, alcohol and tobacco returns cannot be accepted.

Understanding the reasoning behind Walmart‘s guidelines can help you remember which types of products have special restrictions.

Gift Cards, Prepaid Cards, and Cell Phone Minutes

Let‘s start with prepaid purchase items that carry cash value, like gift cards, phone cards, and prepaid credit cards.

Once you purchase and activate these cards, the funds are considered used and cannot be refunded. This applies to all major retailers who sell gift cards, including:

• Walmart gift cards – In-store or online purchases
• Visa/Mastercard/Amex gift cards – Purchased off the rack
• Restaurant/store gift certificates – Brand-name and generic
• Prepaid cell phone minutes – Top-up cards from Verizon, AT&T, etc.
• Prepaid credit cards – Like Visa, Mastercard, or American Express

Your best option is to regift unused prepaid cards or sell them at a small discount on gift card exchange sites. I do not recommend trying to return activated cards to any retailer.

Medications and Pharmacy Items

Due to legal regulations around dispensing prescription medications, Walmart and most major pharmacies do not allow returns on:

• Prescription medications
• Over-the-counter medications
• Vitamins and supplements
• First aid products
• Contact lens supplies
• Diabetes care items like test strips

However, if an item is unopened and unexpired, Walmart can do an even exchange for another version if needed. For example, swapping out an ointment for a gel.

But once dispensed, pharmacies cannot resell or refund medications or health products. Check expiration dates closely so you don‘t get stuck with items you can‘t return!

Firearms, Ammunition, and Weapons

For public safety reasons, retailers like Walmart and Dick‘s Sporting Goods prohibit returns on firearms, ammunition, and weapons, including:

• Guns and rifles
• BB guns
• Pepper spray and mace
• Hunting knives
• Archery equipment
• Fireworks and combustibles

Walmart also does not allow returns on tactical gear like firearm accessories, targets, protective eyewear, and hearing protection.

If you need to exchange an untouched hunting or ammo item for a different version, some retailers may allow it. But otherwise, all sales here are final.

Opened CDs, DVDs, and Video Games

Back in the day, people would often illegally duplicate or burn CDs and DVDs. To prevent this kind of fraud, most major retailers will only accept returns on unopened media items.

At Walmart and Target, if the plastic wrap has been removed from CDs, DVDs, or video games, you cannot get a refund. However, unopened items can be returned within 90 days at Walmart and 1 year at Target.

For movies, music, software, and video games, make sure the seal is still intact. This category includes:

• DVD and BluRay movies
• Music CDs
• Audiobook CDs
• Software discs
• Video games for any platform

Digital media and download codes are also non-refundable once you redeem and access the content.

Alcohol and Tobacco Products

Due to state and federal regulations around these age-restricted products, retailers are very limited in what they can do for returns.

Walmart and most major chains cannot accept returns on:

• Beer, wine, and spirits
• Cigarettes and cigars
• Vapes, e-cigs, and accessories
• Cannabis products in legal states
• Related gifts like flasks or cigar cases

If the product is unopened and you have a receipt, you may be able to exchange alcohol for something of equal value. But otherwise, all sales here are final.

Perishable Grocery Items

For food safety reasons, retailers do not accept returns on items that can spoil or expire quickly, including:

• Fresh produce
• Meat and seafood
• Dairy like milk and eggs
• Deli-prepared foods
• Frozen meals and ice cream
• Refrigerated items
• Baked goods

However, if you notice an item is already spoiled when purchased at Walmart, you can return it for a refund or replacement immediately.

Just note that once perishable groceries leave the store, they cannot be returned or resold after any amount of time. Only do same-day returns if food is bad right out of the package.

Used Health and Personal Care Products

Due to health and sanitation concerns, Walmart does not allow returns on used or opened:

• Diapers and wipes
• Feminine hygiene items
• Adult incontinence products
• Toilet paper or paper towels
• Tissues, cotton balls, and swabs
• Toothbrushes and dental floss
• Deodorant

Often, trial and travel sizes of toiletries are also non-returnable, including sample-size:

• Shampoo and conditioner
• Bar soap and body wash
• Cosmetics and skin care
• Shaving cream and razors

For new, unopened health and personal care items, returns are allowed within policy at Walmart and Target. But beware of trying to return anything used or activated.

Gas-Powered Vehicles

Due to EPA emissions regulations, retailers like Walmart and Target do not accept returns on gas-powered vehicles, which includes:

• Go-karts and mini bikes
• Electric ride-on toys
• Hoverboards
• Lawnmowers and tractors
• Golf carts
• ATVs and dirt bikes
• Scooters
• Go-carts
• Generators

Battery-powered ride-on toys are returnable if unopened. But anything gas-powered is considered hazardous and non-refundable once purchased. Exchanges may be allowed for identical items.

Damaged, Worn, or Activated Items

Nearly every retailer has a policy not to issue refunds for goods that are:

• Damaged after purchase by the customer
• Activated gift cards or cell phones
• Worn or used in any capacity like clothes
• Assembled or installed like furniture
• Prepared or mixed like beauty items

At Walmart and Target, all sales are final if you damage, wear, or open an item. You cannot return:

• Furniture with scratches or stains
• Clothing with pilling or deodorant marks
• Used makeup or self-tanners
• Assembled grill or basketball hoop
• Toys already played with
• Art supplies already used

Carefully inspect items before purchase and open packages at home to ensure everything is in new, unused condition in case a return is needed later on.

More Unusual Non-Returnable Walmart Items

Along with the major categories above, there are some other odd items you may not realize cannot be returned at Walmart:

• WIC-approved baby formula (once purchased through the WIC program)
• Breast pumps and accessories
• High-risk security items like safes or firearm cabinets
• Large exercise equipment like treadmills, ellipticals, or stair steppers
• Toddler toilets and training seats
• Automotive tires after installation and use
• Prescription pet foods
• Helium tanks after use
• Gift baskets or assortments after unwrapping

Carefully review all purchase policies ahead of time, especially for large ticket or specialty items. You can also ask Walmart associates about restrictions before buying.

What to Do With Non-Returnable Items

When you‘re stuck with a non-refundable product from Walmart, you have a few options:

• Sell it – Walmart allows reselling of most new, unused merchandise. Try Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, Craigslist, eBay, etc.

• Donate – Homeless shelters, charities, schools, and non-profits often accept new personal care items, clothes, toys, and more.

• Regift it – Find someone who will appreciate a gift card, media item, electronics, or other unused product.

• Use it anyway – Get your money‘s worth out of partially used or damaged goods.

• Recycle/dispose – When all else fails, properly recycle or discard anything expired or dangerous.

With a little creativity, you can avoid taking a total loss on non-returnable Walmart items.

Condition Requirements for Walmart Returns

While some categories at Walmart are non-refundable no matter what, most merchandise can be returned if it meets these conditions:

• Unopened package and original tags
• UPC barcode attached
• Original packaging and accessories
• Not activated or used in any way
• Not damaged after purchase

Even opened items can often be returned to Walmart, such as shampoo or home goods, as long as they are unused and unbroken.

Review your receipt for exact time limits – most products are returnable within 90 days at Walmart, 1 year at Costco and Nordstrom, and lifetime at L.L. Bean.

Getting Your Money Back on Walmart Returns

When returning items to Walmart, here is how you‘ll get refunded:

• In-store purchase: Refund goes back to your original payment method
• Online order: Funds get credited to your Walmart.com account
• No receipt: For returns over $25, you‘ll receive a Walmart gift card

Always keep your receipt to get cash back. Without it, Walmart will issue a store credit for any item valued higher than $25. Anything under $25 can be refunded in cash when you show ID.

Returning Walmart.com Orders

To return an item purchased through Walmart.com or the mobile app:

• Select the item in your account and print the free return shipping label
• Box up the merchandise with any accessories and ship it back
• You can also return online orders in-store – just have the order number

Just note that items sold by third-party sellers on Walmart Marketplace may have different return policies than Walmart. Reach out to the seller if you have any issues.

Returning Without a Receipt

Walmart will accept returns without a receipt, but keep in mind:

• You must show a valid photo ID at customer service
• Items must pass Walmart‘s Verify Return process

For approved no-receipt returns:

• Under $25, you‘ll get cash back
• Over $25, you‘ll receive a Walmart gift card

Without a receipt, you cannot get cash back if the item is valued over $25. So hold onto those receipts!

The Takeaway

While Walmart won‘t allow returns on some products like alcohol, firearms, and perishable foods, they have flexible policies on most merchandise. Now that you know what‘s not eligible for return at Walmart, you can shop worry-free and avoid any refund hassles down the line.

Always check return policies before purchasing items online or in-store. And inspect all purchases immediately so any damage can be addressed on the spot.

With hundreds of millions of returns processed each year, Walmart offers plenty of options to exchange, replace, or refund your money on purchases that don‘t work out. Just be aware of the retailer‘s restrictions.