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Mayukh Saha
Mayukh Saha
October 31, 2024 ·  5 min read

Top 10 Hidden Walmart Hacks

Walmart is known for offering everyday low prices, but with a few insider tips, you can unlock even greater savings and value. From learning when to shop to using helpful apps and exploring hidden deals, there are plenty of ways to stretch your budget further at Walmart. In this guide, we’ll share ten simple yet effective Walmart hacks that can help you make the most out of every Walmart trip. Whether you’re a frequent shopper or an occasional visitor, these tips will help you save money, snag exclusive discounts, and find quality alternatives to your favorite products. Dive in to discover how to maximize your Walmart experience!

Early Morning Shopping for the Best Deals: Walmart Hacks

fruit for sale in supermarket
Image Credits: Unsplash

Walmart’s best deals often hit the shelves early in the morning. By the time midday shoppers arrive, popular items and clearance deals may already be picked over. Shopping early allows you to take advantage of fresh markdowns, especially on highly discounted clearance items, which can disappear quickly as shoppers tend to buy in bulk. Plus, mornings are typically less crowded, making your shopping experience faster and more efficient.

Uncover Hidden Clearance Deals with Social Media and Apps

packets of crisps in Walmart
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Hidden clearance items are a well-kept Walmart secret, but social media and certain apps can help you find these steals. Use hashtags like #WalmartHiddenClearance or #WalmartFinds on Instagram to spot hidden markdowns. You can then use apps like BrickSeek to scan for these hidden deals locally. Additionally, there are Facebook groups and YouTube channels dedicated to uncovering these gems, and the online community often shares specific SKU numbers so you can search and check availability at your local store.

Take Advantage of Walmart’s Price Match Guarantee

readymade food section in walmart
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Walmart’s price match policy allows you to get the best deal without shopping around. They’ll often match the lowest price on Walmart.com or from select online retailers like Amazon (if the item is sold directly by Amazon, not a third-party seller). Using the Walmart app, you can quickly compare in-store prices with online ones to ensure you’re getting the best value. This policy is particularly useful when buying higher-ticket items, like electronics or home goods, that might vary in price between locations.

Use the Ibotta App for Extra Savings

the Ibotta logo
Image Credits: Ibotta

Download the Ibotta app on your phone or as a Chrome extension to unlock coupons and even freebies at Walmart. Ibotta offers cashback on various Walmart products, which you can redeem for real savings. Every few weeks, Ibotta releases free offers, which sometimes include full meals. You can claim these offers by uploading your Walmart receipt to the app, making it easy to get additional discounts on top of Walmart’s low prices.

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Shop Great Value Items for Quality on a Budget

A shopping trolley filled with groceries
Image Credits: Unsplash

Walmart’s Great Value line offers budget-friendly alternatives to popular name brands without sacrificing quality. Many Great Value products, from snacks to cleaning supplies, are made in the same factories as their name-brand counterparts. This means you get similar products at a fraction of the price. For example, Great Value chips are made by UTZ, and their ice cream is from the same manufacturer as Breyers, giving you name-brand quality without the brand-name price.

Check Online Prices for Extra Discounts

Campbell soup aisle in Walmart
Image Credits: Unsplash

Sometimes Walmart offers special discounts on items when you buy them online and pick them up in-store. Before making any large purchases, check the price on Walmart’s website—you may find a better deal for the same item. If an item is priced lower online, you can often select “pickup in store” to receive an additional discount. This is a great hack for electronics, appliances, or any item priced above $20, as even small savings can add up.

Find Local Deals with BrickSeek

shopping carts in a parking lot
Image Credits: Unsplash

BrickSeek is a valuable tool for finding Walmart discounts at nearby stores. This app scans items’ barcodes to show you where the best deals are located, whether it’s clearance prices or limited-time offers. BrickSeek can reveal markdowns that aren’t always clearly advertised on Walmart shelves, helping you track down hidden bargains. This is especially helpful if you’re shopping for seasonal items or high-demand products that vary significantly in price between locations.

Make the Most of Discounted Gift Cards

Front of a grocery store
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For larger Walmart purchases, consider buying discounted gift cards from sites like Raise.com or CardCash. These platforms often offer Walmart gift cards at less than face value, which can mean substantial savings if you’re spending over $100. Be sure to check the balance before purchasing and plan your spending around these discounted cards. It’s a simple way to cut costs without any extra effort, whether you’re shopping for holiday gifts or everyday essentials.

Familiarize Yourself with Your Local Walmart’s Clearance Schedules

sections of crisps in Walmart
Image Credits: Unsplash

Every Walmart location operates slightly differently, as each store manager makes specific decisions about when and how to discount items. Knowing the clearance schedule at your Walmart can make a big difference. Try visiting the store weekly to see if certain items go on sale on specific days or if certain departments have regular markdowns. Getting to know store employees can also help you stay informed about upcoming sales.

Check if Your Store Has a Freeosk: Walmart Hacks

sections of dairy based products in Walmart
Image Credits: Unsplash

Freeosk machines, available in thousands of Walmart locations, are a fun way to get free samples while you shop. These self-serve machines often feature items like snacks, drinks, and even health and beauty products. Just scan your Walmart app at the Freeosk to receive the samples. While not every Walmart has a Freeosk, it’s worth checking if your local store has one, as it’s a quick and easy way to try new products at no cost.

With these Walmart shopping hacks, you’ll be well-equipped to save money on everything from groceries to electronics. Happy shopping!

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