What Items Cannot Be Returned To Walmart?

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Walmart has a list of items that cannot be returned, even with a receipt. Based on the items you mentioned, here is their return eligibility:

  • Opened DVDs/CDs/video games: Walmart does not accept returns for opened DVDs, CDs, or video games
  • Gift cards: Gift cards cannot be returned to Walmart
  • Firearms and ammunition: Walmart does not accept returns for firearms and ammunition
  • Prescription medications: Prescription medications cannot be returned to Walmart
  • Diabetic supplies: Walmart does not accept returns for diabetic products like lancet devices and syringes
  • Pepper spray: Pepper spray cannot be returned to Walmart
  • Gas-powered vehicles: Gas-powered vehicles like dirt bikes, go-karts, ATVs, etc., cannot be returned to Walmart.

Please note that Walmart's return policy may change, so it's always a good idea to check their website or contact their customer service for the most up-to-date information.

What Items Cannot Be Returned To Walmart? [The Ultimate Guide]

Walmart is renowned for accepting almost any return, with no questions asked. However, there are certain products that even Walmart will not allow you to return once purchased. This comprehensive guide covers in detail all the merchandise that is ineligible for returns at Walmart stores and online.

Electronics, Movies, Music and Software

Due to piracy and copyright concerns, Walmart does not allow returns on any type of media that has been opened. This includes:

  • Music CDs, DVDs, Blu-Ray discs, vinyl records
  • Video game discs for Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo
  • Computer software still sealed in plastic wrap
  • eBooks and audiobook downloads
  • Ripped or copied movies and music

Once removed from original packaging, Walmart cannot resell media items or verify unused condition. Even gently used discs, game cartridges, cassettes or VHS tapes cannot be returned if unwrapped.

The same strict policy applies to electronics like televisions, laptops, tablets, headphones, stereo systems, and more. If the box is opened or any seals are removed, they are no longer eligible for return to Walmart, regardless of whether the item has been powered on and used or not.

These categories account for a high percentage of attempted returns that get denied at Walmart. It is crucial to be aware of the restrictions before gifting media and electronics or buying them for yourself.

Food, Beverages, Alcohol and Perishables

No food or drinks can be returned to Walmart after purchase, whether they are opened or still sealed. This includes:

  • Fresh produce, meat, deli foods
  • Frozen meals, ice cream, pizza
  • Refrigerated beverages and dairy items
  • Pantry goods with any packaging opened
  • Packaged baked goods, candy, snacks
  • Any prepared hot foods or meals
  • Alcoholic beverages and liquor

Even unopened cans, boxes, and bottles cannot be returned once they have left the store. Perishable goods especially cannot be resold after returning to Walmart shelves.

The same applies for pet foods, baby formula, nutritional supplements, vitamins, and any consumable item. If it can expire or spoil, Walmart will not accept a return due to health and sanitation policies.

A good rule of thumb is that if you have to refrigerate or freeze it, you most likely cannot return it. Be sure your purchased quantities align with your needs before buying.

Prescription and Over-The-Counter Medication

Walmart Pharmacy has a universal no-returns policy on all drugs requiring a prescription. This includes:

  • Prescribed antibiotics, heart medications, pain relievers
  • Controlled substances like sleep aids, ADHD drugs
  • Specialty and injectable medications for serious conditions

Over-the-counter pills, supplements, vitamins and medicated ointments from Walmart shelves also cannot be returned after purchase.

Once dispensed by the pharmacy or unsealed by the customer, medication returns are strictly prohibited. Customers must consult their prescribing doctor or pharmacist first in case of issues with prescribed drugs.

OTC remedies can be exchanged if defective before opening. But no opened bottles of pills, cough syrups, bandages, antacids or other medicinals can be brought back to Walmart due to contamination risks and restocking regulations.

Guns, Weapons, Ammunition and Pepper Spray

Walmart has a no exceptions policy on returns of any items that could be potentially dangerous or lethal if resold. This covers:

  • Firearms of any type
  • BB guns, airsoft guns, paintball guns
  • Ammunition, pellets, BBs, arrows
  • Hunting and tactical knives
  • Pepper spray, mace, stun guns
  • Handcuffs, throwing stars, brass knuckles

Weapons and ammo are considered final sale only. Walmart will not accept returns or exchanges under any circumstances, even if the item is still in original packaging.

Firearms in particular are strictly regulated retail items that cannot be resold to another customer once purchased. Always be certain before buying any weapons, as they cannot be brought back to Walmart.

Clearance Items, Open Boxes and Damaged Goods

Deeply discounted or clearance merchandise is often marked “all sales final” at Walmart. Always check for return restrictions before purchasing:

  • Out-of-season clothes, holiday decor after the holiday
  • Appliances, furniture, electronics marked way down
  • Floor models, display items, and refurbished products
  • Irregular and damaged goods marked at steep discounts
  • Automotive oils, paints and chemicals

Clearance shoppers should also beware of returns on:

  • Open box items missing parts, tags or accessories
  • Partially consumed bulk bundles with items removed
  • Products shopworn or returned from another buyer
  • Showroom display models with any scratches or defects

Other discounted or imperfect items may have fine print barring returns printed on receipts or signage.

Walmart cannot resell used, damaged, or incomplete clearance merchandise – so check policies carefully first. Returns may also be refused if lacking original packaging and unlabeled.

Toiletries, Cosmetics and Personal Care Products

Beauty products, personal care items, and fragrances often cannot be returned to Walmart once their original seals are broken. This includes:

  • Makeup, perfumes, cologne that has been sprayed
  • Lotions, shampoos, conditioners that have been opened or used
  • Contact lens solution, pH balanced cleansers
  • Teeth whiteners, bath bombs, nail polish that is unsealed
  • Razors, electric toothbrushes, water flossers that have been unboxed

Products used on the face, eyes, skin and hair pose contamination risks if returned after opening. Even makeup testers and unsealed clearance cosmetics cannot be brought back to Walmart.

Always check return policies on high-end personal care or specialty cosmetic items, which may have additional restrictions. When possible, keep beauty purchases sealed until giving as gifts.

Digital Content, Media Downloads and Gift Cards

Any digital or virtual merchandise purchased from Walmart is non-refundable. This includes:

  • Vudu or Fandango digital movie codes
  • eBooks and audiobook downloads
  • In-game credits, DLC, virtual reality apps
  • Electronic gift cards sent instantly by email
  • Auto insurance cards, digital health records
  • Online classes, digital subscriptions

Since digital content is delivered instantly, it cannot be returned. Walmart also cannot take back gift card funds added at checkout. Consider purchases carefully before buying digital goods or services.

However, unused physical gift cards with balances can be exchanged at Walmart for different denominations.

Returning Without Receipts or Packaging

Shoppers who have lost their receipt can still make returns at Walmart with some limitations:

  • Returns allowed up to 3 times per 90 days with ID
  • Refund maxes out at $25 without receipt
  • Amounts over $25 get store credit gift card
  • Some items like ammunition still cannot be returned

Those missing original packaging, tags, accessories or parts may also be denied a return. Walmart needs to verify condition of items that have left the store.

Returns without receipts also take more time and must be manually approved. So holding on to receipts avoids hassles. Gift receipts make returns easiest when items are likely to be exchanged.

Why Walmart Restricts Certain Returns

While Walmart does aim to please customers, some returns end up costing the company dearly. Reasons for restricted return policies include:

  • Inability to resell opened media or electronics
  • Restocking costs for returned clearance goods
  • Health hazards of consuming used food or cosmetics
  • Safety issues of reselling medication or weapons
  • No way to recoup costs on gift cards or digital content

Processing, inspecting and accounting for returns also impacts Walmart's overhead. In the end, limitations on returns allow Walmart to keep prices low across the board.

Buying Smart to Avoid Return Issues

Shoppers can proactively take steps to prevent needing to return Walmart purchases:

  • Carefully review return policies on media, clearance items
  • Open packages, try on, or sample items at home first
  • Only buy fresh perishables you know you'll use quickly
  • Don't stock up on too much discounted merchandise
  • Get gift receipts whenever giving Walmart items as gifts
  • Take time deciding before buying ammunition, pepper spray
  • Research digital purchases which cannot be undone

A small amount of planning goes a long way toward confident purchasing decisions at Walmart. Educating yourself on return policies protects you down the road.

Recouping Value on Non-Returnable Items

For perfectly good but non-returnable Walmart purchases, consumers still have options to recapture some value:

  • Resell gently used items through Facebook Marketplace
  • Trade video games and media at GameStop or disc replay
  • Donate unopened foods to local food banks if unused
  • Give unneeded gifts to charity where they can be cherished
  • List unwanted gift cards for sale at discounted rates

While the original payment may not be totally recovered, reselling, trading, or donating unwanted goods keeps them circulating rather than tossed out.

In Summary

Items that can never be returned to Walmart no matter what include:

  • Opened video games, DVDs, music
  • Prescription and OTC medication
  • Guns, ammunition, pepper spray
  • Alcohol, perishable foods
  • Digital content and gift cards
  • Clearance merchandise marked final sale

Knowing the most common unreturnable purchases at Walmart makes shopping there easier. Always get gift receipts, think before opening packages, and confirm policies upfront to avoid regrets. Make the most of your Walmart experience by buying smart from the start!

For Walmart's official return policies:

On categories of unreturnable items:

For statistics on return rates:

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