5 Things to Never Buy at Walmart

Dana George, The Motley Fool
4 min read

In This Article:


Two paper shopping bags full of food
Image source: Upsplash/The Motley Fool

I suspect most of us shop at Walmart to protect the money sitting in our checking accounts. Heaven knows it's not for the serene ambiance.

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However, what if what we've been told about Walmart having the lowest prices is untrue? What if there are a host of products we'd be better off buying somewhere else, either because of cost or quality?

Here are five examples of products you may want to avoid buying at Walmart and why you may be better off spending your hard-earned money elsewhere.

1. Vacuums

I'll admit to buying a vacuum or two from Walmart over the years. However, I've recently realized that Walmart does not always offer the lowest price on vacuum cleaners. Here's an example based on today's prices.

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  • Walmart price: $190

  • Amazon price: $160

  • Home Depot price: $180

  • Wayfair price: $160

Will prices always be lower elsewhere? Absolutely not. The point is that it pays to shop around before assuming Walmart prices are always the lowest. One other issue involves Walmart's relatively small selection of vacuums. For a greater selection, you may want to look somewhere else.

And if you'd be more comfortable working with a salesperson who can walk you through the pros and cons of several models, your best bet would be to visit a retailer specializing in sales and repair.

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2. Gift cards

There may be over 4,600 Walmart stores in 52 states and territories, but that doesn't mean it's always the most competitive for every purchase. Take, for example, gift cards.

Walmart does sell gift cards, but that doesn't mean it always has what you're looking for. If you're a Sam's Club or Costco member, check out what your club has to offer. Gift cards from either warehouse giant are often deeply discounted.

And some sites, like Giftcards.com, Raise, and CardCash, allow you to buy retail store gift cards for less than face value.

3. Fresh produce

If you're making an apple pie and are squeezed for time, you may be tempted to pick up apples at your nearest Walmart. But not only can you save money by checking out your local farmer's market or Aldi store, but you're likely to find a fresher selection.

Few things are more disgusting than biting into a blueberry only to find that the inside is rotten. It's important to trust that your produce is fresh, and it's certainly not a guarantee at Walmart.

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