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WFS returns overview
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Overview

Returns are easy through Walmart’s omnichannel Free & Easy Returns program. For WFS sellers, we’ll handle the returns process for you. With the exception of the extended holiday returns window, customers have 90 days to initiate returns for most items, besides those that are listed in the Walmart Return Policy provided to customers. Items such as most wireless phones and major appliances have a shorter return window.  Requests must be submitted within 45 days of the dispute window opening. When you submit a dispute, you need to provide adequate evidence to support their claim. Walmart will review your request and determine the appropriate action. 

In addition, Walmart will not replace, accept returns, or provide refunds for certain items, such as hygienic medical equipment and prescription medications. See all restrictions in the Marketplace Returns Policy. To file a dispute for customer refunds, create a case with Seller Support.

Return eligibility

Customers can return most items by printing shipping labels from their Walmart.com accounts or by returning shipment-ready packages to a Walmart store. However, there are exceptions to this standardized return process. In the following cases, the customer will contact a Walmart Customer Care Associate directly. Items designated as not returnable are outlined in the Walmart Return Policy.

Returns in stores

Walmart will accept eligible WFS returns from customers in one of our nearly 5000 Walmart stores across the US. If a customer chooses to return an item in store, the customer will package the item in a shipment-ready package and bring it to a Walmart store.

A Walmart associate will receive the item, check return eligibility, and if the item is eligible for return, they’ll route the return through our Walmart return fleet to our WFS return centers for processing.

In this case, you won't see detailed tracking until the return is processed at the WFS return center. The status will reflect as In Transit and won't update until the item is processed. When downloading your Customer Returns Report, look for the Received Scan Date for confirmation that it was received at the return center. Some items (examples: luxury goods, hazmat items, perishables) may not be returnable to a Walmart store per our policies, but they may be returnable directly to our WFS return centers. 

Return processing fee

No shipping fees will be charged to the customer. Walmart will cover the cost of return shipping for any returns identified as Walmart at fault (such as damaged in shipment, arrived late, lost in transit, and wrong item received).      Sellers are responsible for paying the return processing for any returns that are not identified as Walmart at fault. See WFS Fees for return processing fees. 

Returns center 

WFS items returned by customers will be sent to a WFS returns center to be processed. We’ll put the item back in inventory if the product is in a sellable condition. No restocking fees will be applied. If the item is unsellable, we’ll send the item back to you or dispose of it based on your returns preferences. For disposal and removal fees, see WFS Fees. Walmart will keep any inventory for returns identified as Walmart at fault

Refund timing

For returns initiated in store, eligible customers will get a refund at the store. For returns initiated via Walmart.com or Walmart Customer Care, we issue refunds based on milestones between return initiation and item processing at the WFS returns center.

Setting your returns preferences in Seller Center

Review WFS Settings:Returns for more information about how to set your returns preferences in your Seller Center Partner Profile. You can also update your seller-fulfilled returns on this page. 

WFS keep it rule policy 

If you indicated Keep It Rule seller-fulfilled returns preferences in your Partner Profile, these preferences will also be applied to Walmart-fulfilled returns. Your preferences may not be honored under some circumstances, including: 

  • When a customer brings the item to a Walmart store without initiating the return online 

  • When Walmart suspects potential customer fraud, we may override your Keep it Rules and fully process the return to ensure you're protected from customer fraud. 

Find more information about how to add Keep It Rules in this guide.  

Customer returns reimbursement and dispute processes

 

  • If it's been 60 days since the customer returned the item and we have not processed it, we will initiate a reimbursement; if the item is later received and processed, we will reverse the reimbursement. Please refer to your WFS Settlement Report for updates. 

  • If it’s been 90 days since the customer returned the item, the item has still not been processed, and you have not seen an automatic reimbursement reflected in your WFS Settlement Report, you then have 45 days to open a dispute. 

  • If it’s been 45 days and we haven’t sent back your item that we processed in the Return Center as return to seller, you then have 45 days to open a dispute. 

Notes

The above does not apply to “Walmart at fault” as you have retained the original sales price. Additionally, you can’t dispute returns that have been initiated but not returned by the customer unless you were charged back for the return.  

Frequently asked questions

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