11 Things We All Hate About Walmart

Walmart can be a convenient option if you need to pick up an assortment of items.

The retail giant’s low prices can help you save money on groceries, but there are also areas of improvement.

Check out some of these challenges you may experience at Walmart, and some strategies to overcome them.

Although Walmart is known for offering variety for less, impulse buys may cost you in the long run. 

Take the extra time to shop smart, and research what competitors offer within your budget for quality items. Also, if you're shopping in-person, try to only pay with cash to stay within your budget. 

At the end of the day Walmart may still be the best option, but it's good to be aware of what options you have. 

Saving money is great, but it’s hard to put a price on a comfortable shopping experience. Due to the plethora of products on the shelves, it can be a challenge to navigate between the rows with your shopping cart especially if the store is crowded.

In order to shop smart, try to ask the greeter at the door for guidance on the layout of the store. 

Although there are digital resources like the Walmart+ app, there are times when you might need in-person help at a brick-and-mortar location. 

However, sales associates restocking on the floor may be overwhelmed especially during peak shopping hours.

If your question deals with a certain category, like jewelry or electronics, then try to see if there are any sales associates overseeing that department. Even if they're unable to help, they may be able contact other associates on the floor to assist. 

It can be a challenge to make a living as an entry-level employee. 

Walmart's corporate page states that their frontline associates make at least $17.50 on average per hour, which equates to about $33,600 before taxes. 

Although store managers can make an average salary of $128,000, according to Walmart's corporate page, it takes about seven months on average for entry-level associates to rise through the ranks. 

Walmart gives you 90 days to return most items. Plus, items you purchase online should display the return window as well. 

While competitors such as Target give an additional 30 days on select items with the store’s Circle Card. You also have up to a year to return select Target-owned brand items or registry gifts.  

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 may struggle to compete. 

Trying to keep local businesses in mind when running your weekly errands with a family in tow can be a challenge. Luckily, Walmart has a 'Local Finds' section online which features nearby businesses that specialize in everything from home goods to specialty foods.   

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.

However, if you know where to look, there may be hidden opportunities to checkout quickly throughout the store if you spot a manned register. 

Depending on your local store's preference, and a sales associate's demand, you may be able to check out a handful of items regardless of the department.  

It can be convenient to get everything in one spot when you’re at Walmart, including clothes, household goods, and groceries. However, customers may find slim pickings if they shop immediately after peak hours. 

Ask a manager what are the typical non-peak hours or when they tend to restock your favorite foods. 

If you don't have time for in-person shopping, some Walmart locations offer curbside pick-up or delivery. 

Some health, beauty, and wellbeing items may be under lock and key. 

It can be time-consuming to find a sales associate to unlock a shelf, especially if there are multiple items across several aisles. 

Try to group all of your similar items, like skin products, together to request and access locked items efficiently. 

It can feel frustrating when you need to grab an item off of a high shelf, especially on a time crunch. 

If a product is out of arm's reach, then a sales associate may need additional time to locate a ladder. This could make your quick errand run even longer. 

Opt for customer service pickup, curbside-pickup, or delivery to avoid an overwhelming shopping trip. 

Before you even start shopping at Walmart, it might be difficult to get to the entrance.

Some Walmart stores have a lack of parking due to the high demand for parking spaces at peak hours, 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.

Walmart can be a good place to shop if you're trying to make your paycheck stretch a bit further.  However, a truly fruitful trip may still take preparation.  

Comparison pricing Walmart's products against a competitor's offerings is always a good start. At the end of the day, the right retailer for you is whatever works best for your lifestyle and budget.