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Guide
Dispute an In-Store Return in Seller Center
Last updated on Nov 1, 2024
Reading time: 8 min
Overview

While returns are a natural part of the post-purchase experience, you may encounter instances when an in-store return is sent back to you in unsellable condition, the item was returned outside the return policy, or the return was not sent back to you at all. Keep reading to determine if you’re eligible to dispute a customer return with Walmart and find out how to file the dispute via the Returns dashboard in Seller Center.

Eligibility Guidelines

When submitting your dispute to Walmart, you’re expected to submit accurate and correct information in accordance with all Marketplace policies. If Walmart concludes that false, misleading, or otherwise inaccurate information was submitted as part of a dispute process, Walmart reserves the right to take appropriate action in the form of warnings, suspensions, and terminations.   Even though each dispute reason has its own standards, below is a list of general standards that can help you determine if you’re eligible to submit a dispute. 
  • You must file your dispute within the specified timeframe determined by Walmart. Use the table below to identify the dispute window for your situation. Disputes filed outside the applicable dispute window will be denied, and that denial will be final.  
  • You can file a dispute for an item only one time. Any duplicate requests will be reviewed as an appeal to the original dispute request and will follow the appeal process.  
  • If you initiated the return or refund, you can’t dispute the charges.
  • You’re responsible for listing a valid/correct return center address. If the address is invalid, your packages may be returned to our 3rd party return center TRG, and you won’t be able to obtain your package.
  • Each dispute reason has specific policies and submission guidelines that must be followed. Choosing the wrong dispute type can delay the review process and negatively impact the resolution. Refer to the table below for more information on each dispute reason. 

Category

Dispute Window

Sub-Category

Description

Item was returned outside the return policy.

0-45 days from return date

Item was returned outside the return window.

Return was accepted at Walmart store after the return window ended. 

Return item price is greater than $250.

Returned item price is greater than $250, ineligible to be returned in-store.

Final sale category.

Returned item is part of final sale category and return reason used is “Customer Changed Mind.”

Item is in unsellable condition.

91-120 days from return date

Item has missing parts or accessories.

Example - you received a kitchen blender back with one of the missing attachments or if a TV comes back without the remote.

Item was used or damaged.

Item is unsellable because of customer damage. Damage can include but not limited to used shoes or clothing that show wear and tear, damaged camera lenses, or personalized items.
Important - Pictures must be uploaded.

Original packaging is missing or damaged.

Item is unsellable due to damage to the original packaging that cannot be repackaged.  
Important - Pictures must be uploaded.

I did not receive this return or reimbursement for this return. 

91-120 days from return date

Return was not shipped to me or reimbursed.

This return was not shipped back to the seller, and they did not receive reimbursement for it.
 

This item was missing from return shipment.

This item was listed on a shipment manifest with other items. The seller received other items but not this one.

Item returned to me is different than the original. 

The item the seller received is different from the original item delivered to the customer.
For example, an old camera instead of a new camera or a pair of pants instead of a kitchen blender.
Important - Pictures must be uploaded.
 

I received an empty box.

The seller was expecting a customer return but received an empty box.

File a Dispute

All Marketplace customer return disputes must be submitted through the Returns dashboard in Seller Center. Follow the directions below to dispute a customer return:

  1. Access Seller Center.
  2. Click on Returns under Orders tab in the left side navigation bar.

3. Search using the Purchase Order Number or the Customer Order Number.

4. Select the arrow to expand and see more details.

5. Select Dispute This Return button. This opens the dispute wizard. If you don't see a Dispute this return button it's because:

  • The refund has not been issued.
  • The dispute window has passed.
  • The return has already been disputed.

6. Select the Dispute Reason.

  • Choose a dispute reason from the dropdown that best describes your issue. After providing the dispute reason it will prompt you to select a subcategory.
 

Dispute Reason 1: If you select Item was returned outside the Return Policy you will be asked to choose the subcategory from the options provided.

Pro tip

Some sub-categories will be disabled because they do not apply to your dispute case e.g. the option Return item cost is greater than $250 cannot be chosen because item price (before tax and shipping) is less than $250.

Dispute Reason 2: If you select Item is in unsellable condition you will be asked to choose the subcategory from the options provided.

Dispute Reason 3: If you select, I did not receive this return or reimbursement for this return you will be asked to choose the subcategory from the options provided.  

7. Click Continue once you have chosen the return reason and subcategory.

8. Upload the supporting photos or documents.

Pro tip

Uploading documents and photos can be optional or mandatory depending on the dispute category or sub-category that you choose. You may also be asked to provide additional information or comments.

Please note that if you have chosen Item has missing parts or accessories subcategory under the category Item is in unsellable condition then you need to provide information regarding which part/accessory was missing.

Pro tip

Different dispute reasons are eligible for dispute in a certain time only.

9. Review your documents and comments, then select the Submit Dispute button. You will receive a confirmation screen when your dispute has been successfully submitted. Track Dispute Status

After you’ve properly submitted your dispute, you can track its status from the Dispute dashboard under Order Management in Seller Center.

You can see that disputes are in different stages:

  1. Pending Review.
  2. In Review.
  3. Action Needed – Reviewer needs more information from you.
  4. Closed – Approved or Denied.
  5. All - to see all the disputes in your account. 


You can filter to a specific category to see all your disputes in that category. Click on Actions to view the Item Information or any disputes via the See Case option. 

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