Stuck at Home and Curious about Walmart Grocery Delivery? Here's Our Review

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UPDATE 3/12/2020: With more and more people entering quarantine as a result of COVID-19, shoppers are looking for reliable grocery delivery options.  You can also pick up items with Walmart Grocery, limiting the amount of time you’ll need to spend outdoors and your contact with other people. We took a look at Walmart Grocery, the grocery delivery and pickup service from Walmart, so you can find out exactly how it works. Check out our review below:

*****

Grocery shopping is one of those things that you either love or hate. But either way, it can be time-consuming and budget crippling. Try making a quick run at your favorite grocery store during the dinner hour and you’ll likely wish you would have opted for greasy takeout instead. Thankfully, there is an easier way to do your regular grocery shopping — and in less than 30 minutes a week.
Walmart Grocery is a game-changer for both your schedule and your budget. But, how exactly does Walmart grocery pickup work? We’re bringing you the full story on this free grocery pick-up service.

Shop Walmart Grocery

How to Use Walmart Grocery

Signing up for Walmart Grocery is simple. Either go to Grocery.Walmart.com or download the Walmart Grocery app (available on iOS or Android).  Some shoppers may see Walmart Grocery as an option on the main Walmart App, but that’s a project that will be rolled out over the course of 2020.
Once you have an account, select a primary store from which to pick up your orders. You can always change this location if you happen to be out of town. Then, just start adding whatever your heart desires to your cart. Walmart makes it easy for you by having popular categories to shop from. You can also select to shop from previous orders or search for terms like “keto” or “vegan” to find related grocery items.

What Can You Order?

You can use the Walmart Grocery app to order almost anything that pertains to groceries, health supplements, toiletries, pet food and supplies and other common household items. Personally, I’ve ordered party supplies, makeup and even promoted specials during the back-to-school sale. If it pops up while you search the app or site, then you can order it through grocery pickup.
You can now also order alcohol for both pickup and delivery. Just note that you’ll have to show ID when your order is received.
All orders must be $30 or more to qualify for pick up. And, unfortunately, using coupons is just not an option with this service. You can, however, use SNAP.

How do You get Your Order?

If you choose to pick up your Walmart Grocery order, just select a time that works with your schedule. Walmart offers an hour window in 15 different time selections, starting with 7:00-8:00 a.m. and ending with 9:00-10:00 p.m. Your local Walmart hours may vary slightly if it opens up later or closes earlier, so be sure to check before you buy.
Picking up your order is simple. Just check-in on your app when you’re on your way, and it will use GPS to alert team members when you arrive. There will be a marked section to park in, usually on the side of the store.
A team member will greet you, confirm your order, let you know about any substitutions and have you sign that you are picking up your order. The team member will then get your grocery order and load up your car. There’s no need to get out of your vehicle — it’s that easy.

How Soon Can I Pick Up my Order?

Usually, there are very few Walmart grocery pickup time options if you’re looking to do a same-day pickup, but that depends on your local store. You can schedule a time up to six days in advance.
You’ll receive an email and app notification when your order is ready. Then you have until 15 minutes after the end of your scheduled time to pick up your order. Some stores may accommodate tardier pickups, but again that’s up to managerial discretion. If you know you’re going to be late, just call customer service and they can help hold your order.
If you miss your pick up time, a team member will call you to reschedule. Just note that if you don’t reschedule, your order will be canceled, and you might be charged a restocking fee.

How Much is Walmart Grocery Delivery?

Delivery is available on Walmart Grocery orders and costs either $7.95 or $9.95, depending on the time. Delivery times typically start an hour later than pick up times. For example, if the soonest pickup slot was 7:00 a.m., the soonest delivery would 8:00-9:00 a.m.
While not required, it is highly recommended that you tip your delivery driver through the app. They don’t work for Walmart, and keep 100% of their tips.

Ordering Meat and Produce with Walmart Grocery

Some shoppers are worried about having someone else pick out their meat and produce. I have done more than 40 Walmart Grocery orders, and I’ve never had a problem with the quality of the meat or produce selections.
That said, it is Walmart. Some things are of lower quality than competitors. For example, I don’t like the Great Value raw chicken breasts and find that other brands are better. If you don’t have experience with Walmart’s meat selection, try a small package before hosting a block-wide barbecue. It is also a good idea to order in-season produce for the best quality.
You can order produce and meat in .25-pound increments, and they will try to match that selection as closely as possible. Your price might go up or down depending on the final weight of the items. I’ve found that team members do try to honor your budget as best as possible, and will choose a lighter food item over a heavier one. For example, if you order a 5-pound roast, you are more likely to get a 4.55-pound roast than a 6-pounder.
If you are ever unhappy with any of the meat or produce selections, you can let them know. You can also refuse an item for an immediate replacement or refund on-site, or you contact customer service at a later time.

What if I Need to Change My Order?

You can change or cancel your order a few hours after you place it. You can also add items to your order if you forget something. Plus, add-ons do not need to hit a minimum spending limit.

What if My Item is Out of Stock?

For each item, you can select whether you want to allow substitutions or not in case that item is out of stock. If you allow for substitutions, you will receive a replacement that is similar, larger or better brand or quality. For example, I ordered a three-pack of romaine lettuce and it was substituted with the organic version that costs $1.50 more. You don’t have to pay the price difference if your replacement costs more, though.
Most of the time, the substitutions are on par with what you were buying. However, if you’re not happy with the substitution, you can refuse any item on-site for an immediate replacement or refund. If you discover you don’t like the substitute later on, customer service will refund your money for the item, and you’re not required to return it.
Of course, you can always turn off substitutions for your whole order or for specific items. My local Walmart can never seem to get my order of low-carb tortillas correct, for instance. It usually replaces them with a regular package of tortillas, which is not what I want. In this case, I just select for employees not to substitute that item. If your item is out of stock and you don’t want a substitute, you will receive a refund.

Who is Walmart Grocery Best For?

As a mom of three kids ages seven and under, I recommend the service to anyone and everyone. I usually make a quick, loose meal plan Friday night and I’m able to order our groceries and toiletries in less than 20 minutes. Then I get the groceries first thing Saturday morning while doing a donut run for the kids.
Since most people in my city don’t like to get up that early, the pickup is often 10 minutes or less.
Walmart Grocery is a great option if:

• You’re a busy parent that doesn’t want to take your kids into the store.
• You don’t have time to shop, but want to save money and make healthier choices.
• You struggle to stick to a budget or healthy food choices (shopping the app/site helps curb impulse buys).
• You are prepping for a party or get together and wish you had a personal shopper.

Of course, the Walmart Grocery service isn’t for everyone. Here are a few shoppers who might not like it:

• Couponers that rely on paper or digital coupons to save the most money.
• Shoppers in a hurry during the holidays. Wait times are much longer during holidays, and many things go out of stock.
• Picky shoppers. If you aren’t a fan of Walmart’s meat or produce, then you aren’t going to be swayed by the free pickup option.

Shop Walmart Grocery

Walmart is not the only grocery pickup and delivery service available these days. Read my full review on how Walmart delivery compares to Costco and Amazon’s grocery options. And for more ways to save on groceries, be sure to visit our Grocery Store Coupons page. You might even find a Walmart grocery promo code.
If you’re looking for more deals and discounts, check out this popular Frontpage deal from Walmart:
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Images courtesy of Walmart.