Walmart, the retail monster, is known at its low costs and wide selection of items. Be that as it may, not all things are a deal there. Without trying to do all of your shopping in one spot, smart customers realize that a few items are better bought somewhere else. Here is a breakdown of 12 things that you could have to reevaluate prior to purchasing at Walmart.
1. Vacuums: Although Walmart offers a lot of choice of household appliances, vacuums are not their advantage. The selection at Walmart can sometimes leave much to be expected in terms of quality and price. Online retailers like Amazon, or electronics stores like Best Buy, often provide better deals and a greater variety. Additionally, membership-based stores like Costco or Sam’s Club may offer competitive pricing along with extended warranties.
Product on Amazon: Amazon Basics Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner for Carpet and Hard Floors, With Crevice and Upholstery Tools, Detachable Handle, Lightweight (8.4 lbs), 1.7L Dust Cup, 720W, 18ft Cord, Black/White
Brand: Visit the Amazon Basics Store
Price: 61.99 USD
Rating: 4.2 Total reviews: 1024
Special Feature: Bagless
Included Components: Crevice Tool and upholstery tool
Is Cordless?: No
Capacity: 1.7 Liters
Top Review from US: “I have gone through vacuums.. I have not found one worth anything until now! This little vacuum works great. light weight and easy to use. The only thing that would improve it is a retractable cord. but, still worth it! Loving it so far. had it for about 4 months.”
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2. Meat: For many of us, the quality of the meat is non-negotiable. Unfortunately, Walmart’s meat often falls short in terms of freshness and taste. According to Consumer Reports, shoppers frequently express dissatisfaction with Walmart’s meat products. Local grocery stores or butchers, though potentially more costly, provide a superior selection that often justifies the price difference with better quality and taste.
Product on Amazon: Niman Ranch, Pork Baby Full Slab Back Ribs, 2.5 lb
Brand: Niman Ranch
Price: 14.99 USD
Rating: 4.6
Top Review from US: “The meat was fresh, and wonderful taste. I was able to bbq one day and put some in the oven. Everyone enjoyed them.”
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3. Wood Furniture: Looking for wood furniture at Walmart might be convenient, but it’s often not the best decision for the long term. The furniture is typically made of particle board and may not withstand the test of time. For more durable options, investing in higher-quality furniture from other retailers might be worthwhile.
Product on Amazon: BAYKA Floating Wood Shelves – Wall Mounted for Bathroom,Bedroom,Living Room,Kitchen,Small Hanging Shelf for Books/Storage/Room Decor with 22lbs Capacity(Rustic Brown,Set of 3,16inch)
Brand: Brand: BAYKA
Price: 29.99 USD
Rating: 4.3
Room Type: Office, Kitchen, Bathroom, Living Room, Bedroom
Product Dimensions: 6.7″D x 16″W x 1.1″H
Style: Country Rustic
Top Review from US: “I recently installed the BAYKA Floating Shelves in my guest bathroom, and they’ve been a game-changer! Here’s why:Perfect for Small SpacesSince my bathroom doesn’t have cabinets, I needed a way to store extra toilet paper and other bathroom essentials. These shelves are ideal! They fit perfectly on the wall without taking up too much space, and they gave me the extra storage I was looking for without overcrowding the room.Great Rustic LookThe rustic wood finish on these shelves looks fantastic. It adds a warm, charming touch to the bathroom, which is exactly what I wanted. The natural wood grain blends really well with my bathroom’s decor, making it feel cozy and stylish.Easy to InstallInstalling these shelves was super easy. The instructions were clear, and it only took about 15 minutes to get them up on the wall. The mounting hardware was included, so I didn’t need anything extra, and they’re securely attached now.Sturdy and FunctionalDespite their sleek design, these shelves are really sturdy. I’ve got toilet paper, hand towels, and some decorative items on them, and they’re holding everything just fine. No wobbling or issues with weight at all.Great ValueFor the price, these shelves are a steal. They look more expensive than they are and add so much character to the space. Plus, they’ve freed up some much-needed counter space in the bathroom.Overall, I’m really happy with the BAYKA Floating Shelves. They’re stylish, practical, and easy to install—perfect for adding storage to small spaces. If you need some extra room in your bathroom or any other room, I highly recommend these!”
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4. High-End TVs: While Walmart offers a range of televisions, the high-end models may not provide the best value for your money. It’s advisable to explore electronics stores like Best Buy or Costco, where the selection might be more diverse and the picture quality superior. Often, these stores also offer better technical support and warranty services.
Product on Amazon: VIZIO 40-inch Full HD 1080p Smart TV with DTS Virtual: X, Alexa Compatibility, Google Cast Built-in, Bluetooth Headphone Capable, (VFD40M-08 New)
Brand: Visit the VIZIO Store
Price: 138 USD
Rating: 4.1
Screen Size: 40 Inches
Display Technology: LED
Resolution: 1080p
Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
Included Components: Remote, Power Cable, Stand
Connectivity Technology: Wi-Fi
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Product Dimensions: 8.81″D x 35.13″W x 22.26″H
Top Review from US: “This is my second 40” Vizio in six years (my only beef was the flimsy legs that eventually snapped and even after multiple mending toppled the screen over and cracked it, which was easily solved this time by buying an inexpensive yet sturdy universal stand that really elevates the look of the TV overall). And after the WORLD’S EASIEST setup, I am amazed that something technological was actually designed well and is easy to use. You pick your language, connect to your wi-fi, choose the “input” of your optional Apple or Roku or whatever, and you’re done. Compared to the equivalent size competitor television with a ton of angry reviews about how annoying the set up was, I couldn’t be happier. Talk about hassle free! And five years later, Vizio has greatly improved the lag on the old model that I used to just deal with (for the price, I could hardly complain), and the picture is even better, sharp and vivid. For this price point and size, I highly recommend! (Side note: this may just be specific to my mailing address, but Amazon sent this via USPS, which required going down to the post office to pick it up, not a big deal but just fyi).”
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5. Video Games: Gamers beware – purchasing video games at Walmart might mean you’re missing out on better deals elsewhere. Amazon and Target usually offer a broader selection and more frequent discounts. It’s worth checking these options before making your purchase.
Product on Amazon: 16 Bit Handheld Game for Kids Adults, 3.0” Large Screen Preloaded 230 HD Classic Retro Video Games with USB Rechargeable Battery & 3 Game Cartridges for Birthday Gift for Kids 4-12 (Blue)
Brand:TaddToy Store
Price: 32.99 USD
Rating: 4
Top Review from US: “This game is perfect for my 7 year old. He’s able to carry it anywhere and it fits comfortably in his hands while he’s playing. The quality of the game is good and the graphics are okay but great for the price. It needed to be charged after about 6 hours of use (it was turned on and and off multiple times over a span of 4 days before the battery died).”
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6. Gift Cards: While gift cards are a popular choice for gifts, buying them at Walmart means paying face value. Instead, consider purchasing them from Costco or other sites where you can often find them at a discount.
Through these insights, one can see that while Walmart excels in many areas, it’s not always the best option for certain products. By choosing where to shop based on specific needs, shoppers can maximize their savings and satisfaction.
7. Batteries: Batteries are a essential in every family, and while Walmart’s prices might initially seem attractive, you can still find better options elsewhere. Costco’s Kirkland brand batteries consistently outperform many store-brand options, offering both quality and value. If you’re buying in bulk, Costco or Sam’s Club often provides deals that Walmart can’t beat. Shopping around for batteries ensures you’re getting the best bang for your buck, without compromising on performance.
Product on Amazon: Amazon Basics 48-Pack AA Alkaline High-Performance Batteries, 1.5 Volt, 10-Year Shelf Life
Brand: Visit the Amazon Basics Store
Price: 14.86 USD
Rating: 4.7
Number of Batteries: 48 AA batteries required. (included)
Battery Cell Composition: Alkaline
Recommended Uses For Product: Camera, Clock
Top Review from US: “This is a great fail. Value is batteries are pretty expensive in the store. These also last a long time.”
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8. Books and Music: In the digital age, finding the best deals on books and music often means turning to online retailers. Amazon frequently surpasses Walmart in both pricing and selection, making it a good place for bookworms and music lovers. Whether you’re hunting for the latest bestseller or a classic vinyl, shopping online can save you time and money, allowing you to possess them without the guilt of overspending.
Product on Amazon: Cali’s Books Dance to Classical Music – Children’s Music Book for Boys & Girls – Educational & Interactive Sound Book for Babies & Toddlers Ages 2 -4 – Musical Birthday Gifts for Kids
Brand: Visit the Cali’s Books Store
Price: 28.99 USD
Rating: 4.4
Top Review from US: “I love this book, my baby loves this book. He’s been playing with it for months, since he was about 9 months old, and it’s still one of his favorites. He almost immediately figured out how to turn it on, and I’m pretty sure he learned how to turn pages of books using it. Grouplove did an amazing job on the covers, I didn’t even realize those weren’t the originals until several playthroughs. The art is wonderful. The book is red so it really grabs baby’s attention. It’s so great to hear baby play music on repeat that isn’t something like baby shark doodeedoo.My two critiques are that the Ziggy art has him play with the right hand when the song snippet is specifically about him playing it left-hand. As a lefty, I am disappointed 😅. I also wish there was at least one song by a female artist. I know it’s all Grouplove covers but still, it would’ve been nice to not perpetuate the association of rock music with solely white male artists for the next generation. I also don’t know about the song selection. Again, totally respect Grouplove’s choice, but out of all David Bowie bangers, the Ziggy snippet is just confusing. The “Colors” snippet is fine, but the entire song with the “shot himself d**d/bl00d on the walls” lyrics is hardly child-friendly so I can’t really play the full version. Something like “Raspberry” might have been better?Anyway, it’s a great book for any baby rocker ☺️. Definitely worth it!!”
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9. Disposable Utensils: It’s easy to overlook the cost of disposable utensils, but when hosting a large gathering, those costs can add up.Besides Walmart does offer these items, dollar stores might provide even more budget-friendly options. Since these utensils are destined for the trash, it makes financial sense to choose the most cost-effective option without sacrificing convenience.
Product on Amazon: 360 Count Extra Heavy Duty Clear Plastic Silverware, 150 Forks, 150 Spoons, 60 Knives, BPA-Free, Heat Resistant, Disposable Plastic Utensils Set, Plastic Cutlery Set, Plasticware Bulk
Brand: Dealusy Store
Price: 21.99 USD
Rating: 4.7
Color: Clear
Recommended Uses For Product: Home, Party, Pacnic
Special Feature: Food Safe, BPA Free, Heavy Duty, Heat Resistant, Strong & Durable
Included Components: 150 Forks + 150 Spoons + 60 Knives
Top Review from US: “I recently purchased the Dealusy 360 Count Extra Heavy Duty Clear Plastic Silverware, and it has been a fantastic addition to my party supplies! Here are a few reasons why I highly recommend it:Durable and Sturdy: The heavy-duty design ensures that the forks, spoons, and knives won’t bend or break easily. They can handle even the toughest foods without any issues.These utensils are heat resistant, making them perfect for both hot and cold foods. I used them for a barbecue, and they held up wonderfully with hot dishes.Knowing that these utensils are BPA-free gives me peace of mind about their safety for my family and guests. The 360-count pack . I didn’t have to worry about running out of utensils during the event.The clear plastic design looks elegant and blends well with any table setting. They added a touch of class to my party without the hassle of washing dishes. For the quality and quantity, this set offers excellent value for money. It’s a cost-effective solution for any event, big or small.Overall, the Dealusy 360 Count Extra Heavy Duty Clear Plastic Silverware has exceeded my expectations. It’s durable, heat resistant, and provides great value, making it a must-have for any party or gathering. I highly recommend it!”
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10. Party Supplies: Planning a party can be both exciting and stressed, but one thing you shouldn’t stress about is overspending on party supplies. Dollar stores offer adorable items at a fraction of the price, ensuring your shopping is festive and budget-friendly. A little savings on decorations and paper goods means more money for the fun stuff, like activities or party favors.
Product on Amazon: Luditek Sound Activated Party Lights with Remote DJ Lighting, Disco Ball Strobe Stage Light for Home Room Dance Parties Birthday Karaoke Stocking Stuffers New Years Eve Halloween Christmas Decorations
Brand: Luditek Store
Price: 9.99 USD
Rating: 4.5
Color: Black
Material: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
Light Source Type: Light Emitting Diode
Top Review from US: ” I purchased this for my husbands 80s themed birthday party. It arrived quickly. I was amazed at how much light it puts off. It easily lit up the whole party area. It had multiple settings and was easy to use. Its small size makes it easy to store for next time. Impressive little product”
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11. Toys: With the vast selection of toys available at Walmart, it’s tempting to toss a few into your cart on impulse. However, smart customers know that Amazon often offers more competitive pricing. By comparing prices and keeping an eye out for sales, you can score deals on toys that will keep both kids and your wallet happy.
Product on Amazon: Gesture Sensing RC Stunt Car Toys for Kids, 2.4Ghz Hand Controlled Remote Control Car with LED Light and Music, 4WD Transform Off Road, Age 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Year Old Boy Birthday Gift (Green)
Brand: Brand: Uregoio
Price: 29.99 USD
Rating: 4.8 Total reviews: 18
Top Review from US: “Coolest toy ever, grandson loved it, very durable toy, 7 yr old”
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12. Bottled Water: Bottled water is a convenience many of us rely on, but buying it at Walmart might not be the best decision. Warehouse stores like Costco often sell bulk packs at lower prices, making them a better option for those who purchase large quantities. Considering both price and environmental impact, it might also be worth exploring reusable options to save even more in the long run.
13. Suitcase: Investing in good luggage is essential for any traveler, but Walmart’s offerings might not stand the test of time. For durability and quality, consider exploring options from Amazon, REI, or L.L.Bean. These retailers often provide sturdier products, ensuring your belongings stay safe throughout your journeys and preventing the headache of malfunction mid-trip.
Product on Amazon: Amazon Basics Suitcase, Hardside Luggage with Spinner Wheels, Scratch-Resistant Surface, Black, 26-Inch
Brand: Amazon Basics Store
Price: 78.99 USD
Rating: 4.5 Total reviews: 49976
Top Review from US: “It’s got everything you need for such a reasonable price!Can definitely fit at least 3 days of clothes, has extra zipper pockets and compartments.The wheels glide with ease and it’s super lightweight.”
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14. Jewelry: While the allure of low prices is strong, the quality of jewelry from Walmart may give you a disappointment. For pieces that hold sentimental value or are meant to be cherished, it’s wise to invest in higher quality from reputable jewelers. Not only will you receive a beautiful product, but the assurance of authenticity and craftsmanship is invaluable.
Shopping smartly means doing a bit of homework before you hit the checkout line. By being aware of where Walmart might fall short, you can make smart decisions that keep satisfaction high and costs low. Whether you’re buying everyday essentials or splurging on something special, remember that a little research goes a long way in ensuring you’re getting the best deal possible.
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Buyer Beware: 13 Items You Should Steer Clear of When Shopping at Walmart
13 Things to be Careful Of When Shopping at Walmart
“Buyer Beware” – 13 Things You Should Never Buy at Walmart
