Introduction

Online shopping has become increasingly popular in recent years, and it’s no secret that free shipping is one of the most attractive incentives for online shoppers. Walmart, one of the largest retailers in the world, has its own free shipping policy that may pique your interest. In this article, we’ll delve into Walmart’s free shipping policy, its eligibility requirements, exclusions, and how it stacks up against other major retailers. We’ll also provide tips and tricks to take advantage of the policy for maximum savings.

Everything You Need to Know about Walmart’s Free Shipping Policy

Walmart’s free shipping policy applies to eligible items over $35 in value, shipped to addresses within the contiguous United States. Here’s what you need to know:

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for free shipping, you must meet the following requirements:

• Your order total must be $35 or more
• Your items must be eligible for free shipping
• Your shipping address must be within the contiguous United States

Minimum Purchase Thresholds

Walmart’s free shipping policy requires a minimum purchase threshold of $35. This means that your order must have a total value of at least $35 to qualify for free shipping. If your order value is lower than $35, you’ll need to pay for standard shipping rates, which are calculated based on the weight and size of your order, as well as your shipping address.

Exclusions

There are some exclusions to Walmart’s free shipping policy. Items that are considered hazardous materials, such as aerosols, alcohol-based products, and lithium batteries, are not eligible for free shipping. Some oversized items, such as furniture and appliances, may also be excluded from free shipping. Additionally, products purchased from a Walmart Marketplace seller are not eligible for Walmart’s free shipping policy, but they may offer their own shipping rates and thresholds.

Tips and Tricks to Take Advantage of the Policy for Maximum Savings

To make the most of Walmart’s free shipping policy, here are some tips and tricks:

• Plan your purchases ahead of time to meet the minimum purchase threshold
• Look for items that are eligible for free shipping
• Combine your orders to meet the $35 threshold
• Check for seasonal sales and promotional offers to take advantage of free shipping
• Sign up for Walmart’s email newsletters to receive updates on free shipping and other special offers

Is Walmart’s Free Shipping Really Worth It?

Now that you know the specifics of Walmart’s free shipping policy, let’s review the pros and cons. Here’s what you need to know:

Pros

• Walmart’s free shipping is available for a wide range of products, from groceries to electronics to clothing and more.
• Meeting the threshold for free shipping is relatively easy, as it only requires a purchase of $35 or more.
• Walmart regularly offers sales and promotional discounts, making it likely that you’ll find a deal that helps you qualify for free shipping.

Cons

• Walmart’s free shipping policy only applies to orders shipped within the contiguous United States, excluding Alaska and Hawaii.
• Some products are excluded from Walmart’s free shipping policy, which may result in unexpected shipping costs.
• Depending on your location, standard shipping rates may be higher than other retailers.

Comparison with Other Major Retailers

Compared to other major retailers, such as Amazon and Target, Walmart’s free shipping policy is competitive. Amazon offers free shipping for Prime members, but membership comes at an annual fee of $119. Target offers free shipping for RedCard holders, but this requires a Target credit card. Walmart’s free shipping policy has a lower minimum purchase threshold ($35) than Target’s ($50), making it easier to qualify for free shipping. Overall, Walmart’s free shipping policy is more accessible for everyday shoppers.

Comparison with Walmart+ Subscription Service

In addition to its free shipping policy, Walmart offers Walmart+, a subscription-based service for frequent Walmart shoppers. For $98 per year, Walmart+ offers free delivery from your local store on orders over $35, as well as discounts on fuel purchases at Walmart and Murphy USA gas stations. While Walmart+ offers free shipping on a wider range of items than Walmart’s free shipping policy, it comes at an annual cost that may not be worth it for all shoppers. However, if you frequently order from Walmart, Walmart+ may be a good investment.

How to Get Free Shipping at Walmart Without Spending a Dime

If you’re looking to get free shipping without meeting the minimum purchase threshold, here are some hacks and tricks:

Hacks and Tricks to Get Free Shipping Without Meeting the Minimum Purchase Threshold

• Look for items that ship for free without any minimum purchase requirements
• Use Walmart gift cards to pay for your order
• Take advantage of free shipping coupons and promotional codes
• Shop during seasonal sales and promotional events
• Check for in-store pick-up options for your online purchases

Buying Online and Picking Up In-Store

Another way to save on shipping costs is to take advantage of Walmart’s free pick-up service. Simply place your order online and choose “Pick up in-store” as your delivery option. Your items will be carefully packed and made available for pick-up at your local Walmart store. This not only saves you on shipping costs, but it also allows you to bring home your items the same day you order them.

Subscribe to Delivery Programs

Walmart also offers several delivery programs that allow you to receive free shipping on qualifying orders. These programs include:

• Walmart Grocery Delivery: Free delivery on your first order of $50 or more
• Walmart+ Delivery: Free delivery on orders over $35 for Walmart+ subscribers
• Walmart CarePass: Free delivery on eligible items for CarePass subscribers

7 Best Products to Buy with Walmart’s Free Shipping

If you’re looking to make the most of Walmart’s free shipping policy, here are seven products that provide the best value for your money and versatility in usage:

1. Everyday household essentials, such as toilet paper, paper towels, and cleaning supplies
2. Groceries, including non-perishable items and snacks
3. Electronics, such as TVs, laptops, and tablets
4. Baby products, including diapers, wipes, and formula
5. Beauty and personal care products, such as shampoo, conditioner, and makeup
6. Home decor, including bedding, curtains, and rugs
7. Clothing and accessories for men, women, and children

Walmart+ vs Amazon Prime: Which One Provides Better Value for Your Money

If you’re debating between Walmart+ and Amazon Prime, here’s a comparison of the benefits:

Free Shipping

• Walmart+: Free delivery from your local store on orders over $35
• Amazon Prime: Free shipping on millions of items with no minimum purchase threshold

Exclusive Deals

• Walmart+: Discounts on fuel purchases at Walmart and Murphy USA gas stations
• Amazon Prime: Exclusive access to lightning deals and early access to select products

Streaming Services

• Walmart+: None
• Amazon Prime: Access to Amazon Prime Video, Prime Music, and Prime Reading

Ultimately, your choice between Walmart+ and Amazon Prime depends on your shopping habits and whether you value streaming services. If you already use Amazon Prime for other services, such as Prime Video, it might be worth paying for the membership fee. However, if you frequently order from Walmart and want access to exclusive discounts on fuel purchases, Walmart+ might be the better choice for you.

Why Walmart’s Free Shipping Isn’t the Only Thing that Matters

While free shipping is a great incentive for shopping at Walmart, it’s not the only factor that should be considered. Other factors that impact the overall value of Walmart include pricing, product assortment, customer service, and delivery speed. Before making a purchase, be sure to compare prices and read reviews from other customers to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.

Conclusion

Free shipping is a sought after perk for online shoppers, and Walmart’s free shipping policy is a great way to save on shipping costs for a wide range of products. While it’s not perfect and has its limitations, Walmart’s free shipping policy compares well with other major retailers. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to take advantage of Walmart’s free shipping policy to get the most value out of your online shopping experience.