Read more about the things you should never buy from Walmart
Walmart is a big retailer, and as any big retailer that wants to be one of the savings superstores, they sell everything from electronics and groceries to baby wipes. It has built its empire on the promise of “Always Low Prices,” making it a go-to destination for millions of shoppers looking to stretch their budgets. Because there are so many things you can choose from, there are also some things you should never buy from Walmart!
We know that the prices are incredible and the deals are like no other store, but stay with us because we put together a list of all of these things so you can know better and avoid them when shopping at Walmart. The allure of one-stop shopping is powerful; it saves time and simplifies our busy lives. However, this convenience can sometimes come at a hidden cost, whether it’s in the form of poor quality, limited selection, or a price that isn’t as good as it seems at first glance.
Save your money and make sure you are always getting the best products possible. Maybe you will spend more upfront on a particular item, but you will see the difference in the long run. A product that lasts for years is a far better investment than a cheaper alternative that needs to be replaced annually. True value isn’t just about the initial price tag; it’s about durability, performance, and overall satisfaction.
So read on and discover what you should never buy from Walmart. This guide is designed to help you become a smarter shopper, navigating the vast aisles with confidence and making choices that benefit your wallet and your lifestyle. Do you know about any other things that are not on the list? Your fellow shoppers would love to know!
1. Phone accessories
You need some new smartphone accessories, but how smart is it to purchase them from Walmart? According to the reviews of many people, it is not that smart, and we will explain why. While it’s tempting to grab a charger or a new case while you’re doing your grocery shopping, you’re likely not getting the best deal or the best product.
One of the things you should never buy from Walmart is accessories for your phone because, even if you have a discount, this store will charge you more than needed for this type of product. The selection often consists of off-brand items or basic models from known brands, but rarely their premium, more durable options. These lower-quality chargers can sometimes damage your phone’s battery over time, and flimsy cases offer minimal protection.
The explanation behind these high prices is that Walmart doesn’t make so much money from big-ticket items such as phones, and they rely on covering this by selling the accessories for much more than they are worth. The phones themselves are often “loss leaders”—products sold at a minimal profit to draw customers in. The real profit is made on the high-margin accessories that people purchase impulsively alongside them.
You should purchase cables, computer accessories, phone and tablet cases, glass screen protectors, laptop bags and backpacks, and HDTV screen cleaning kits entirely online. Websites like Amazon offer a vast selection from reputable third-party brands like Anker, Spigen, or UAG, often at a fraction of the cost you’d find at a big-box store. Plus, you can read thousands of user reviews to ensure you’re getting a quality product.
Buying this stuff from Walmart is an incredible waste of money, so please avoid falling into this trap. Always buy them online, and in this way, you will not pay for the added in-store costs. You’ll get better quality, a longer-lasting product, and you’ll probably still save money. It’s a win-win situation that just requires a little bit of patience for shipping.
2. Vacuums
The vacuum you have at home is broken or very old, and you think that it is finally time to replace it. But where should you buy a new vacuum? What is the best place to make this purchase? Please remember that vacuums are something you should never buy from Walmart. The models on their shelves are often stripped-down versions made specifically for mass-market retailers, lacking the features and durability of their counterparts sold elsewhere.
This store doesn’t have a large selection of vacuums, and those that they do have are too expensive for the lack of features they have. You might find a few recognizable brand names, but you won’t find their full range of products. Furthermore, the staff at Walmart are generalists and won’t be able to offer the expert advice needed to choose the right vacuum for your specific needs, such as dealing with pet hair or different types of flooring.
Our advice is to visit a vacuum manufacturer’s site or go directly and buy it from Amazon. In these places, you can find something top-notch for as little as $30. For a more significant investment, dedicated appliance stores or even Best Buy will offer a much wider selection, including high-performance models from brands like Dyson, Shark, or Miele. Shopping at these places ensures you get the latest technology, better warranties, and access to knowledgeable salespeople.
3. Luggage
If you want luggage that will be there for you for all of your trips, then we are here to tell you that this is something you should never buy from Walmart. A trip can be easily ruined by a broken wheel, a stuck handle, or a zipper that bursts open in the middle of the airport. This is a classic case of “you get what you pay for.”
You must invest in high-quality luggage that you are sure will not let you down during your trip. You don’t want luggage that will break down easily. If you have the money, get something of good quality that can sometimes last you for your entire life. Think about it as an investment in your future travels and peace of mind. Quality luggage often comes with better warranties, sometimes even for a lifetime, which is something you’ll never find with the budget options at Walmart.
If you consider buying your next luggage from Walmat, be wary that their products are far from these expectations. The materials are often thin, the stitching is weak, and the components like wheels and handles are not built to withstand the rigors of modern travel. A single rough encounter with a baggage handler could be the end of it.
According to a Consumer Reports poll, Walmart, Ross, Sears Target, and Burlington Coat Factory are among the worst places to purchase luggage. Instead, try to buy it from Amazon, eBags, REI, or L.L. Bean. These retailers specialize in travel gear or offer a vast marketplace with extensive user reviews, allowing you to choose a well-vetted product from a reputable brand that fits your budget and travel style.
4. Gift cards
Everybody loves gift cards! This is a fact. They make the life of the giver so much easier, and the ones who get the gift cards have the chance to pick their gift. This sounds perfect if you have no idea what to buy for someone. The convenience of grabbing one from a massive rack while you shop is undeniable.
Unfortunately, gift cards are on this list of things you should never buy from Walmart. All of this is because you need to pay for the face value. While this isn’t necessarily a “bad” deal, it’s a missed opportunity for savings. You are paying one dollar for one dollar of value, with no bonus or discount for you, the purchaser.
But if you choose to go to Sam’s Club or Costco, you might be surprised to learn that you can buy gift cards in bulk and that you can buy four $25 gift cards for only $69.99. If you were buying them at Walmart, you would have paid the full price of $100. Warehouse clubs regularly offer multi-packs of gift cards for restaurants and retailers at a 15-25% discount. Another savvy option is to use online gift card marketplaces like Raise or CardCash, where people sell unwanted gift cards at a discount. You can often find deals there that beat any in-store offer.
5. Home appliances
Try to remember how many people you know who got their appliances from Walmart and recommended them to other people. Probably none, and there is a good reason for that. When it comes to small kitchen appliances like blenders, toasters, or coffee makers, the models sold at Walmart are typically entry-level and built with cost-cutting in mind.
The selection you can find at Walmart for home appliances is unimpressive if you compare it to one of the specialty stores. Also, the quality and performance of the items are not the best. A cheap blender may struggle with crushing ice, and a budget coffee maker might not reach the optimal brewing temperature, resulting in a weak cup of coffee. If you want something that will last forever, buy it from a specialty appliance store.
Another thing is that if you still want to buy cheap appliances, why would you go to Walmart when you can easily find much better prices at Best Buy, Costco, or Lowe’s? These stores offer a much broader range, from budget-friendly options to high-end models, giving you more choices. Also,if you want the best experience in terms of support and service, you should visit a local independent retailer. They often provide superior customer service, expert advice, and can assist with any warranty claims or repairs down the line.
So, one of the things you should never buy from Walmart is home appliances. You can purchase similar items at better prices and with better quality from many other stores. Taking the time to shop at a store that specializes in appliances will result in a better product that performs well and lasts longer, providing much greater value for your money.
6. Gift wrap
Sooner or later, we all need gift wrap in our lives. That’s just how things work. Maybe it is a birthday or it is Christmas; you will need some paper to wrap the gift in. It’s the final touch that can make a present feel special, but grabbing the most convenient roll isn’t always the best idea.
The presentation of a gift is important, and this is why you want to use an attractive gift wrap. Now, if we look at the stores that sell the best gift wrap, we can’t see Walmart. Instead, there is Target, which is well known for its wide selection, the colors, the patterns, and the good prices. Target often collaborates with designers for its in-house brands, resulting in stylish and modern designs that look far more expensive than they are. The paper quality is also generally thicker and less prone to tearing at the corners.
Another store that sells good gift wraps is Hallmark. They have some amazing bundles with tissue and gift bags, and they sell them for incredible prices. Hallmark is synonymous with quality in the paper goods industry, and their gift wrap is no exception. It’s durable, easy to work with, and features classic, beautiful designs. Even more, you can choose from a lot of fixes that you can purchase separately at extremely low prices.
Also, if you are on a tight budget, you can go to the Dollar Store because they have a nice selection and the most accessible prices. While the quality might be a step down from Hallmark, you often get significantly more paper per roll for your dollar than you would at Walmart, making it a smarter choice for wrapping lots of gifts without breaking the bank.
In conclusion, gift wrap is one of the things you should never buy from Walmart because it is expensive and the selection they have is not that good. The paper is often thin, tears easily, and the designs can be generic. For a few dollars, and sometimes even for less money, you can get much better quality and style elsewhere.
7. Toilet paper
When thinking about what you should never buy from Walmart, have you ever thought about toilet paper? Yes, it might sound weird, but Great Value brand toilet paper is not the best choice. Even if the price is good, the quality is not what most people are looking for. It’s a prime example of a product where a low price point directly translates to a subpar user experience.
The reviews for this toilet paper are not good, and also, Consumer Reports tested it and gave it a score of 9 out of 100. This is incredibly low, so you can imagine it is a nightmare to use this toilet paper. A score that low suggests issues with softness, strength, and absorbency. You may find that you need to use significantly more of the low-quality paper per use, which completely negates the initial savings on the price per roll.
This test was performed a few years ago, so maybe Walmart has improved the quality of their toilet paper. But now it is your choice if you want to save a few cents and compromise your comfort. A better strategy for saving money on toilet paper is to buy brand-name products like Charmin or Quilted Northern in bulk from a warehouse club like Costco or Sam’s Club. The cost per sheet is often much lower, and the quality is consistently high.
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You should also read: 6 Things You Wouldn’t Believe Costco Sells
