11 Things We All Hate About Walmart

Walmart can be a convenient option if you need to save money on groceries or pick up an assortment of items.

The retail giant's low prices can help you, but there are also many frustrating things about the store that cause shoppers to complain.

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

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 any sales associates oversee that department. Even if they're unable to help, they may be able to contact other associates on the floor to assist.

Walmarts are often a big stores, but it can suddenly feel small when it's time to check out. In some instances, more than half the registers are closed, and you'll have to wait in long lines to pay for your goods.

You can try the self-checkout option, but even then, lines tend to be really long since there aren't enough cashiers working.

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. 

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.

You may want to pack some patience before you park your car at Walmart.

Sure, Walmart gives you 90 days to return most items, which seems like enough. But you never know what kind of time crunches you'll find yourself in.

Competitors such as Target give an additional 30 days on some items, and you also have up to a year to return select Target-owned brand items or registry gifts.

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 well-being 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 to grab an item off a high shelf, especially on a time crunch.

If a product is out of arm's reach, 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.

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.

It can be a challenge to make a living as an entry-level employee. Walmart's corporate page states that their frontline associates make $18 on average per hour, which equates to about $34,000 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 can be a good place to shop if you're trying to stretch your shopping budget. 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.