Walmart employee shares 8 ways to save money, time shopping there

Lifestyle

By Alex Mitchell

People of Walmart, listen up.

A nine-year employee of the superstore’s shipping department is sharing eight pro tips on making the most of your shopping and savings.

The advice follows the news that recent Walmart shoppers may be entitled to up to $500 after a $45 million lawsuit was settled regarding customers being overcharged.

Speaking to Nasdaq last week, the unidentified savvy staffer explained how using apps, timing purchases properly, and knowing how to haggle with the leverage of competitors’ prices are key to maximizing your experience.

Wait for secret ‘serious’ clearance sales

Knowing when to go is half the battle as Walmart has weekly, secret sales within the clearance aisle, according to the employee.

“Serious deals emerge every Tuesday when those aisles transform into hidden bargain goldmines,” the person said. “Keep an eye out for yellow stickers ending in ‘5’ or ‘0’ marking deepest discounts. It’s like a special savings event happens weekly if you just know when and where to look.”

Sticking around to peep the clearance aisle during routine inventory changes can yield even more savings, the veteran advises.

Check the clearance aisle during Tuesday inventory changeovers to access the freshest price cuts on clothing, home goods, and more.

Use the app

Walmart’s app not only offers discount coupons but often personalizes them to a person’s shopping habits. It can also give shoppers a leg up to know when the best deals are happening.

“Activate push notifications there for clearance events, flash sales, and exclusive mobile coupons,” the expert told Nasdaq. “It’s your ticket to deals and discounts right in your pocket.”

Practice competitor price matching

Walmart will match lower prices of brick-and-mortar competitors plus Amazon if a customer shows proof of a cheaper item.

The employee called this maneuver a “secret weapon” bestowed upon consumers.

“It’s easy savings — just takes asking,” the person said.

Skip the checkout line through the app

When checkout lines snake across the front of stores, our helper provides time-saving workarounds well worth trying.

Return to the Walmart app for this next handy hack that can help avoid lengthy checkout lines. By using the “scan & go” feature, shoppers can pay for items in real-time through their phones.

“Then breeze straight through the exit when finished grabbing goods rather than waiting to check out,” the adviser recommended.

Don’t always trust ‘rollback’ deals

Just because Walmart has put a bright yellow “rollback” designation on an item doesn’t mean you’re getting the best bang for your buck, the worker bravely noted.

“Not all Rollbacks are created equal,” the insider warned. “Make sure to still compare supposed sale prices against previous pricing and competitor retailers to ensure you’re actually getting the best deal.” 

Go during off-peak hours

It’s an absolute must to steer clear of Walmart on weekends and evenings for your own sanity.

“Want to shop in peace? Avoid weekends and evenings — the store is much calmer then,” the Walmart staffer told Nasdaq.

Specifically, the best time to go without being rushed or swarmed are mornings because there’s less risk of running into families and the after-work crowd. Late night is also a viable option.

“It’s incredibly smooth shopping once the after-work rush clears,” the informer reasoned.

Ask an employee

There’s no shame in asking a seasoned pro for a bit of advice — and it can make your experience a more pleasant one.

“Don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it,” the Walmart whisperer counseled Nasdaq. “Friendly Walmart employees can point you towards items, answer product questions and even provide recommendations.”

Turn loyalty into cash back

The worker also advises downloading the consumer-friendly Ibotta app, which can be linked to a Walmart rewards account through digital receipts.

From there, you can earn cash back on purchases.

“It’s an extra little rebate that keeps adding up when items you already buy trigger bonuses,” the employee explained.