I tried Walmart's grocery pickup and now I'm never going back to shopping in store (2024)

Table of Contents
Curbside pickup got a major boost because of the pandemic as customers avoided going into stores. Experts predict that the shift to online grocery delivery will continue even as the pandemic subsides, and COVID-19 advanced the industry several years. I've been doing curbside pickup at Walmart since the summer using Walmart's app. Here's what it's like. When you open the app, it prompts you to choose your nearest location for pickup, or add your address for delivery. The time slots come in hour-long blocks. At the beginning of the pandemic it was hard to find a spot, but now I rarely need to book more than a day or two in advance to get my choice of time. Once you've selected a time, create your list. The app is organized into sections that change seasonally, like spring produce, but you can also search for items or look through past orders. See what's available, and get suggestions for similar items to picks that are out of stock. Just add enough items to hit the $35 minimum and pickup is free. Once your order is created, you have until about midnight the night before to continue adding to your list. For me, this is one of the most useful features, because I almost always realize we need something else before it's actually time to pick up groceries. A few hours before pickup, Walmart will send a text notifying you about any substitutions or weight adjustments on produce. I've always had good experiences with substitutions that are nearly identical to what I ordered, at the same cost. Once you accept or reject any substitutions, the shoppers start preparing your order. You'll also get a text letting you know your order is ready for pickup. Check-in on the app when you leave home so Walmart has an estimate of when you'll arrive. A side area of the parking lot was marked for grocery pickup. When you pull into a spot the app knows you've arrived and prompts you to enter your spot number and color of your car. My Walmart has about ten pickup spots. I've occasionally had to wait, but the process usually moves quickly. Walmart shoppers use small carts to pull crates with grocery orders. Masked shoppers come up to the driver's window to double-check the name on the order with a handheld tablet that they carry. Then, groceries get loaded into the trunk. Shoppers will usually bag groceries in your reusable bags if you bring them, but I usually just ask them to load groceries into my trunk to save time and bag them myself at home. Sometimes they are more organized in my trunk, but as long as eggs and anything else with the potential to get crushed is supported, I'm happy. I've never had any issues with this. At first, I was unsure about using a grocery pickup service, but now I'm never going back. I love the convenience, especially because I can add things to my order over several days and have them all ready and waiting for me. I also find I avoid overspending on impulse purchases because I'm browsing aisles where I don't need anything, and I avoid purchasing too much of staples because I can look at my pantry as I shop. I see why online grocery orders have exploded over the last year, and I have no plans to go back to shopping in-store on a regular basis. FAQs
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Review by Mary Meisenzahl

I tried Walmart's grocery pickup and now I'm never going back to shopping in store (1)

Walmart
  • I started using Walmart's grocery pickup service last summer.
  • I order through Walmart's app and pickup groceries at my nearest location.
  • It's my preferred way to shop now, and I have no plans to stop using it.

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Curbside pickup got a major boost because of the pandemic as customers avoided going into stores.

I tried Walmart's grocery pickup and now I'm never going back to shopping in store (2)

Experts predict that the shift to online grocery delivery will continue even as the pandemic subsides, and COVID-19 advanced the industry several years.

I tried Walmart's grocery pickup and now I'm never going back to shopping in store (3)

Source: Insider

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When you open the app, it prompts you to choose your nearest location for pickup, or add your address for delivery.

I tried Walmart's grocery pickup and now I'm never going back to shopping in store (5)

Walmart

Advertisem*nt

The time slots come in hour-long blocks. At the beginning of the pandemic it was hard to find a spot, but now I rarely need to book more than a day or two in advance to get my choice of time.

I tried Walmart's grocery pickup and now I'm never going back to shopping in store (6)

Walmart

Once you've selected a time, create your list. The app is organized into sections that change seasonally, like spring produce, but you can also search for items or look through past orders.

I tried Walmart's grocery pickup and now I'm never going back to shopping in store (7)

Walmart

Advertisem*nt

See what's available, and get suggestions for similar items to picks that are out of stock. Just add enough items to hit the $35 minimum and pickup is free.

I tried Walmart's grocery pickup and now I'm never going back to shopping in store (8)

Walmart

Once your order is created, you have until about midnight the night before to continue adding to your list. For me, this is one of the most useful features, because I almost always realize we need something else before it's actually time to pick up groceries.

I tried Walmart's grocery pickup and now I'm never going back to shopping in store (9)

Walmart

Advertisem*nt

A few hours before pickup, Walmart will send a text notifying you about any substitutions or weight adjustments on produce.

I tried Walmart's grocery pickup and now I'm never going back to shopping in store (10)

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

I've always had good experiences with substitutions that are nearly identical to what I ordered, at the same cost.

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

Advertisem*nt

Once you accept or reject any substitutions, the shoppers start preparing your order.

I tried Walmart's grocery pickup and now I'm never going back to shopping in store (12)

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

You'll also get a text letting you know your order is ready for pickup.

I tried Walmart's grocery pickup and now I'm never going back to shopping in store (13)

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

Advertisem*nt

Check-in on the app when you leave home so Walmart has an estimate of when you'll arrive.

I tried Walmart's grocery pickup and now I'm never going back to shopping in store (14)

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

A side area of the parking lot was marked for grocery pickup. When you pull into a spot the app knows you've arrived and prompts you to enter your spot number and color of your car.

I tried Walmart's grocery pickup and now I'm never going back to shopping in store (15)

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

Advertisem*nt

My Walmart has about ten pickup spots. I've occasionally had to wait, but the process usually moves quickly.

I tried Walmart's grocery pickup and now I'm never going back to shopping in store (16)

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

Walmart shoppers use small carts to pull crates with grocery orders.

I tried Walmart's grocery pickup and now I'm never going back to shopping in store (17)

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

Advertisem*nt

Masked shoppers come up to the driver's window to double-check the name on the order with a handheld tablet that they carry.

I tried Walmart's grocery pickup and now I'm never going back to shopping in store (18)

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

Then, groceries get loaded into the trunk.

I tried Walmart's grocery pickup and now I'm never going back to shopping in store (19)

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

Advertisem*nt

Shoppers will usually bag groceries in your reusable bags if you bring them, but I usually just ask them to load groceries into my trunk to save time and bag them myself at home.

I tried Walmart's grocery pickup and now I'm never going back to shopping in store (20)

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

Sometimes they are more organized in my trunk, but as long as eggs and anything else with the potential to get crushed is supported, I'm happy. I've never had any issues with this.

I tried Walmart's grocery pickup and now I'm never going back to shopping in store (21)

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

Advertisem*nt

At first, I was unsure about using a grocery pickup service, but now I'm never going back. I love the convenience, especially because I can add things to my order over several days and have them all ready and waiting for me.

I tried Walmart's grocery pickup and now I'm never going back to shopping in store (22)

Courtesy of Walmart

I also find I avoid overspending on impulse purchases because I'm browsing aisles where I don't need anything, and I avoid purchasing too much of staples because I can look at my pantry as I shop.

I tried Walmart's grocery pickup and now I'm never going back to shopping in store (23)

Reuters/Cheryl Ravelo

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I see why online grocery orders have exploded over the last year, and I have no plans to go back to shopping in-store on a regular basis.

I tried Walmart's grocery pickup and now I'm never going back to shopping in store (24)

Walmart

Do you have a story to share about a retail or restaurant chain? Email this reporter atmmeisenzahl@businessinsider.com.

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I tried Walmart's grocery pickup and now I'm never going back to shopping in store (2024)

FAQs

What happens if I don't pick up my Walmart grocery order? ›

Frozen and perishable items such as produce are stored at the correct temperature until you pick up your order. If you don't pick up the order by the end of the day, the store cancels your order the next day. This releases the authorization hold on your payment method. You can reschedule your timeslot, if needed.

Can you cancel Walmart grocery pickup? ›

So, if you want to cancel a Walmart pickup order at the local store, login to your Walmart account. Next, select 'Purchase History' and find your order. If it's still processing, you will see a 'Request Cancellation' button. If the cancellation option isn't there, your order may have been prepared for pickup.

Why would my Walmart curbside order be delayed? ›

Your order might be delayed because of events in some areas. You can check for known shipping delays in your area using the links below. To check FedEx for carrier delays, go to FedEx Service Alerts. To check USPS for carrier delays, go to USPS Service alerts.

Do you tip Walmart grocery pickup? ›

While tipping for curbside pickup is not required, it is always appreciated.

How do I cancel an online order? ›

Make sure to include your name, email, phone number, confirmation number, order items, order number and a reason for the cancellation. Call the customer service number provided on the confirmation email or order page. This is faster than email if the website has a 24-7 customer service line.

How long does Walmart take to refund after cancelling an order? ›

Debit and credit card refunds will be available in up to 10 business days. If your purchase was made using a debit or credit card, we'll issue the refund to that same card.

Can I call Walmart to cancel online order? ›

If the “Request Cancellation” button isn't available, you still have options. If you've just missed the deadline, you might still try canceling through Walmart customer service. You can call them directly at 1-800-925-6278 (1-800-WALMART) to see if they can stop the order.

Can I cancel Walmart anytime? ›

Yes. We will charge your credit card the applicable membership fee on a recurring basis for the term of the membership plan that you selected. To avoid charges for a new term, you must cancel before the end of the current term. You can cancel from Walmart+ account page or contact customer care.

Can Walmart tell if an item was purchased there? ›

Walmart's return policy without receipt varies by item, but in many instances, customer service will still be able to look up your purchase. Returning or exchanging an item without a receipt requires a government-issued ID.

What cannot be returned to Walmart? ›

To help keep our customers and associates safe, Walmart and MP sellers won't replace, accept returns, or provide refunds for:
  • Trading cards (opened or unopened)
  • Firearms, and Ammunition.
  • Air guns.
  • Airsoft guns.
  • BB guns.
  • Crossbows.
  • Pepper spray.
  • Bear Protection/Spray.

Will Walmart refund your money? ›

Eligible items can be returned for a cash refund/credit or gift card within 90 days only if the customer has a receipt showing the item was not purchased with WIC or SNAP.

Why did Walmart cancel my curbside order? ›

We may have canceled your order because:

an item is out of stock. our webpage had price and other listing errors. our Credit and Fraud Avoidance department needs more information. a carrier or shipping method was unavailable.

How do I cancel a Walmart order that is delayed? ›

To request an order cancellation:
  1. Log into your Walmart.com account.
  2. Select Account.
  3. Select Purchase history.
  4. Find the order you want to cancel.
  5. Scroll to the bottom and select Request Cancellation, if available.

Why is Walmart charging for pickup? ›

Walmart's Collect Pickup Program was announced in early July of 2022 and put into place a month later on August 1st, and the fees were sent out a month after that on September 1st. The program was designed to hand off Walmart's losses due to major shifts in the transportation industry to Collect suppliers.

What happens if I don't pick up my Walmart photo order? ›

WALMART IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY PRINTS OR MERCHANDISE WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN PICKED UP MORE THAN 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF YOUR ORDER.

What happens if nobody delivers my Walmart order? ›

Sometimes a driver can't deliver an order and it has to be returned to the store. At some stores, when this happens you'll have the chance to change your Delivery order to a Pickup order in the Walmart app.

What happens if I miss my Kroger pick up time? ›

Typical Pickup hours are from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week. Some hours may vary by location. Check local store listing for details. If you're unable to pick up your order on the scheduled date, the items in your order will be restocked in the store, and you'll need to place your order again.

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