Walmart can be a convenient option if you need to pick up anything from items for your home to groceries.
The retail giant’s low prices can help you save money on groceries , b ut there are also things many of us hate about Walmart.
Check out some of these reasons why you’re not alone in hating Walmart.
Walmart Secrets: 7 genius hacks all Walmart shoppers should know
1. Prices might not be as great as you think
Yes, Walmart can be a great place to save on everyday essentials . But the retailer doesn't have the best prices on everything.
Some products might be more expensive at Walmart than what you'll find online or at other retailers. And in some cases, saving money at Walmart might mean getting an inferior product.
Sometimes, you might be better off paying more for something better at another store.
Own a car? Here's 7 warning signs you're paying too much for car insurance. 2. The aisles are cramped
It can be confining and even claustrophobic to wander the aisles of Walmart, as there is often little space between the rows.
Saving money is great, but it’s hard to put a price on a comfortable shopping experience.
3. Customer service isn’t great
There are times when you might need help at Walmart, only to find no one is available.
Other stores might offer better customer service. Consider shopping elsewhere for items where you know you'll need some help instead of fending for yourself.
Avoid these money mistakes: 9 dumbest things smart people waste money on
4. Walmart doesn’t pay employees well
According to Payscale, the average hourly rate for Walmart employees is $14.03 an hour. That means that while there are workers who get paid more than that, there are also many who earn less than the average.
On the other hand, Payscale says Target employees make an average hourly wage of $16.46, and Costco employees make an average of $18.45.
5. The return policy could be better
Walmart gives you 90 days to return items and usually asks that you have a receipt ready to return an item. You can also check your receipt on Walmart’s website if you have an account.
Target has a similar policy but also gives extra time to shoppers who have the store’s RedCard. You also have up to a year to return items with a Target-owned brand or items on a registry.
6. They push smaller stores out of the neighborhood
One of the biggest issues that some shoppers have with Walmart is that it often pushes out local stores when the retailer moves into an area.
Walmart is big enough that it can mark down prices with heavy discounts, making it more desirable to shop there. But that means smaller stores can’t compete and often end up closing.
Make Money: 8 things to do if you’re barely scraping by financially 7. There are long lines
Walmarts are often big stores, but they can suddenly feel small when it's time to check out. In some instances, you'll have to wait in long lines to pay for your goods.
One Reddit user described checking out at Walmart by saying the following: "They construct a store which can serve hundreds of customers at once but seem to only employ one cashier at all times."
8. The grocery section is subpar
It can be convenient to get everything in one spot when you’re at Walmart, including clothes, household goods, and groceries.
However, groceries at Walmart may not be as good as groceries you can find at other places, such as your local grocery store.
It’s a good idea to do comparison shopping rather than just assuming you will find every grocery item you need at Walmart at the best price.
9. Walmart might be too big
It can be convenient to have everything you need under one roof. However, the large size of many Walmarts can make it a nightmare to find a specific item.
The stores can also lack customer service representatives on the floor who can answer questions or help you find what you’re looking for.
Are you a homeowner? Discover 8 savvy money moves to stretch your budget 10. Many workers don’t even like Walmart
Are you frustrated by a lack of customer service or too few cashiers at Walmart? If so, you’re not alone in not wanting to be there. Some workers don’t like it either.
One worker on Reddit said it was “honestly one of the worst jobs I’ve ever worked.” Others complained about the lack of respect for workers who have seniority.
11. Parking lots are crowded
Before you even start shopping at Walmart, it might be difficult to get to the entrance.
Some Walmart stores have a lack of parking, which can cause customers to get frustrated before they walk in the door.
So, you may want to pack some patience before you park your car at Walmart.
Bottom line
Walmart can be a good place to shop if you're trying to make your paycheck stretch further . But the big-box retailer is far from perfect.
Chances are good that at least some items on this list drive you crazy, too. If so, you'll have to weigh Walmart's pros and cons and decide whether it's the right retailer for you.
Money tips that can work for everyone
No matter what your bank account balance is, there's always an opportunity to optimize and improve your finances. Here's a quick checklist of things you can look at today.
Focus on paying off your debt. Debt can hold you back from making progress with your overall financial well-being. Aside from cutting expenses, there are tools that can help you pay off debt faster like balance transfer credit cards and debt counseling.
Earning extra income can give you breathing room. If finances are tight, earning some extra money to supplement your income can make a huge difference. A new job is one option to consider, but if you're not ready to make a big change or already retired, a part-time side job could be a better choice.
Cut your expenses. It sounds painful and so not fun, but it doesn't have to be. Take a look at your biggest expenses because that's where you'll probably find the biggest savings. For example, auto insurance rates have been soaring so shopping around for a new insurance company can be the fastest way to cut your bill. Also, look for ways to cut your grocery bill (despite rising inflation).
Local News
