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Shopping at Walmart can help you save money thanks to their everyday low prices. However, some of their products aren’t the highest quality and may break or wear out more easily.
Sometimes Amazon or dollar stores offer lower prices on certain items than Walmart, so shopping around is also key to avoiding buyer’s remorse. Check out these 12 items that you may be better off skipping at Walmart and buying somewhere else.
1. Toys and Board Games
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Although Walmart has a great selection of toys and board games, you can often find better deals on Amazon or at Target, especially if you pay with your RedCard to get 5% back. However, one exception is Legos, which Walmart frequently puts on sale.
2. Small Kitchen Appliances
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On the plus side, small kitchen appliances from Walmart are inexpensive. However, they may break easily and need to be replaced more often, so they probably won’t save you money in the long run. For example, my Mainstays microwave only lasted for about a year, leading to buyer’s remorse.
3. Clothing
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Walmart offers great deals on clothing from trusted brands like Champion and Levi’s. But unfortunately some of the off-brand garments Walmart sells are made of low-quality materials that may fade or tear quickly. To avoid instant regret, be sure to shop in person and leave clothes that look or feel cheap on the rack.
4. Shoes
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When it comes to footwear, you get what you pay for. A $12 pair of sandals from Walmart’s shoe section probably won’t last more than a season. Inexpensive shoes may also lack arch support and make your feet hurt. As the saying goes, it’s worth it to spend more money on things that separate you from the ground, such as tires and shoes.
5. Produce
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Walmart offers everyday low prices on groceries, but you may want to skip the produce to avoid instant regret. The last time I purchased vegetables there, my bag of cucumbers became slimy and inedible after a day. Luckily the store does allow you to return rotten produce for a refund.
6. Phone Plans
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According to The List, you may regret signing up for Walmart’s phone plan Straight Talk. The service has been rated poorly due to lack of customer support and slow speeds. Additionally, you may want to skip the phone cases and accessories, which are often cheaper on Amazon.
7. Furniture
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Yahoo Finance reports that the furnishings at Walmart may not be worth the money. The retailer’s wooden furniture is often made of particleboard, which may not hold up to heavy use or survive your next move.
8. Party Supplies
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Party supplies like wrapping paper and gift bags are usually cheaper at Dollar Tree than Walmart, where you can snag them for $1.25 each. You may even be able to find inexpensive Hallmark greeting cards at your local Dollar Tree.
9. Seeds
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If you’re looking for basic flower and vegetable seeds, Dollar Tree usually has better prices than Walmart. In years past, I’ve been able to get 4 seed packets for just $1. While you’re there, you can pick up other affordable gardening supplies such as gloves and planters.
10. Luggage
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Consumer Reports rated luggage from 20 different stores and Walmart’s suitcases were unfortunately ranked last. Amazon reportedly offers sturdier luggage at better prices. The hardshell carry-on suitcases from Amazon Basics are an especially good value.
11. Bicycles
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Bicycles are another product you may want to avoid at Walmart. Mechanics say that the inexpensive bikes sold there may fall apart after a couple months of use.
12. Laptops
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According to GoBankingRates, Walmart doesn’t offer competitive prices on laptops. If you want to save money, you’re better off purchasing your computer from the Microsoft store or directly from manufacturers like HP or Dell.
Stock Up on Staples
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Although some items purchased at Walmart may lead to regret, the store is still a great place to stock up on various household staples, such as toiletries, cleaning and school supplies, and pantry goods. You can also find great clearance deals in the frozen aisle to stash in your chest freezer.
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Vicky Monroe is a freelance personal finance and lifestyle writer. When she’s not busy writing about her favorite money saving hacks or tinkering with her budget spreadsheets, she likes to travel, garden, and cook healthy vegetarian meals.