Walmart has a very fair and generous return policy that allows you to return almost any product due to damage, defect, and in many situations if it just didn’t meet your expectations or requirements. You must return in-store purchased items in-store, but things you buy online can be returned in-store or via mail.

Walmart does have exceptions for items that can’t be returned, and those are considered final sales. So ensure you read their return policy or ask about any items you’re unsure about purchasing from the cashier or check online for some of the products with different return policies like electronics, air mattresses, car batteries, makeup, and Apple products.

Can You Return Alcohol to Walmart?

Walmart’s return policy on alcohol products varies by state. If your state allows the return of alcohol, it must be returned to Walmart within 90 days of purchase with a receipt and the package must be unopened. You will need to call or visit your local Walmart store to see if they will accept returns.

The State-specific return policies range from no return to return only for spoiled alcohol that is not fit for human consumption, and some states do allow the return of alcohol where you simply change your mind.

If your alcohol has clear and visible issues after you purchase it, then return to the store as quickly as possible to show them the problem. You should understand that Walmart employees will not taste-test any “funny” tasting alcohol to verify your claims.

If you’re returning alcohol and other products too often, especially without receipts, then Walmart may ban you from returning any items to their stores. This is a fraud prevention option, and their policy clearly states they can refuse a refund for any reason they want.

Quick Walmart Alcohol Return Guide

The return policy for alcohol will depend on the state you’re in so it’s not possible to say if you will get a refund or exchange, only show where you are most likely to be denied a refund or exchange.

	Refund	Exchange	No Return
Unopened Item
Damaged Or Faulty Item
Opened With Minor Use			✓
Opened With Heavy Use			✓

How to Return Alcohol To Walmart

To return Alcohol purchased in-store, you must return it to a store; Walmart prefers you to start the return process online, but you can still bring the item and your receipt to the Walmart customer service desk.

If you have a Walmart account, start the return process by logging in, the link is here.

• Select an item for return and choose return to store
• An email will be sent to you with a barcode you’ll need for return.

If you don’t have a Walmart account, start the return process here.

• Select an in-store return
• An email will be sent to you with a barcode you’ll need for return.

You must bring the item, packaging, receipt, and barcode to the store for a smoother refund or exchange for both methods.

How To Return Alcohol By Mail To Walmart

You can return Alcohol purchased online to a store with the details above or return them via mail using the details below.

If you have a Walmart account, start the return process by logging in, the link is here.

• Select the item you’d like to return or replace and choose why you’re returning it.
• Select return by mail to get a return label you can print
• Package the item with all original packaging and parts, then drop it off at USPS or FedEx.
• Once received and confirmed, you’ll get a refund or replacement.

If you checked out as a guest, start the return process here.

• Enter the email you used and the order number from your original emailed receipt.
• You’ll then be able to follow the steps listed above to print a return label. 

Are There Any Exceptions To Alcohol Returns?

Where Walmart can accept alcohol returns, it’s generally only for unopened alcohol that has not been tampered with. However, there are exceptions where you’ve opened the alcohol and find that there is a problem with it, such as sediment, loss of carbonation, or other issues that make it unlike the expected product or unfit for human consumption.

If there is a visual issue, it’s much easier to return and get a refund or exchange. However, if you find the taste is just different than you expect, you will need to somehow prove to the store manager that there is a problem.

Do You Have To Return Alcohol To The Same Walmart Store?

Where Walmart can accept alcohol returns, you must return the alcohol to the same store that you purchased it from. Trying to return alcohol to another store will be an instant refusal and a waste of your time.

Can I Return Alcohol To Walmart After 90 Days?

In some situations, Walmart store managers can accept returns after the 90-day return policy, so it is up to their discretion, but with alcohol, it may become much harder due to the specific issues with returning Alcohol and what could have happened to it in those 3+ months.

Walmart Alcohol Return Exceptions

What If The Alcohol Has Gone Bad Or The Bottle Is Damaged: If you can prove that the alcohol went bad before purchasing it, then a return or refund may be possible, but the requirement will be on you to prove it.

The longer you wait from purchase, and the more than is gone from the bottle will play a factor in whether you get a refund.

What If I Don’t Have A Receipt: Alcohol must be returned with a receipt and a valid government-issued photo ID proving that you’re over 21.

You can look up a lost receipt online by going to the Walmart receipt finder here.

What If I Don’t Have The Original Packaging: If the alcohol came with packaging such as a specialty box, then you can still return it where Walmart allows. However, if you don’t have the actual alcohol container, then you can’t return the alcohol.

What If The Alcohol Is Opened Or Partially Used: Opened alcohol will only be allowed for return where there is a problem with it that makes it unsuitable for human consumption. If you can’t prove or show a problem, then open alcohol will not be accepted.

If you’ve drunk the majority of the bottle of alcohol and there isn’t a clear issue, your refund may be refused. Some people could drink alcohol, put some dirt in a mostly empty bottle and then try to return it, which Walmart doesn’t want.