10 Secrets Walmart Employees Won’t Tell You

Walmart is known for providing an endlessly diverse selection of products at competitively low prices. Where else can you have an eye exam, buy tires for your vehicle, fill your prescriptions, and purchase food and clothing for the whole family? But just because Walmart’s prices and offerings are good doesn’t mean that they can’t get better. If you want to save more during your next Walmart trip, you need to know how to hack the system. To help you out, we’ve rounded up tons of tips so secret, only a Walmart employee would know them. So read on, and reap the rewards!

1. There’s a method to the markdown system madness.

Walmart is very sneaky with its markdown system, so here’s a breakdown of how it works so you can actually score the best deal: Prices ending in “7” display the item’s original price; prices ending in “5” come after the item’s first markdown; and those ending in “1” or “0” signify the final markdown.

For example, if you see a product marked at $49.97, then you know that it’s the original price and should wait for markdowns. When the product is marked down for the first time, it will be priced at something like $39.95. Finally, when it’s marked down for the last time, it will most likely be sold somewhere around $29.91.

2. Always compare in-store and online prices.

Want to ensure you’re receiving the best deal in the store when you shop? Check the prices of your desired items online. Walmart will match any of its web prices to those in the store, so you’ll definitely want to know if an item’s cheaper online.

3. Don’t sleep on day-old bakery items.

Looking for a more affordable way to dig in to a loaf of fresh-baked ciabatta? Head on over to the Walmart bakery aisle for some day-old bread and bakery items. Despite there not being much of a difference in taste or texture in day-old items, Walmart offers discounts on these products, and they’ll sometimes cost as little as a dollar, according to SimpleMost.

4. Find sites that offer free, printable coupons.

Scour company sites like Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Tablespoon, and Pampers that offer free, printable coupons you can use at Walmart.

5. Sign up for Ibotta to receive cashback on your purchases.

To make money while you shop at Walmart, simply complete tasks via Ibotta. All you have to do is take a picture of your receipt after you shop, and the app will reward you with cashback to use at the store.

6. Walmart gives away free baby welcome boxes.

When you take the big step into parenthood, Walmart can help with a free welcome box. To apply, simply head to Walmart’s baby box page, enter your information, and the complimentary box will be shipped to your home—free of charge! According to recipients, the box contains free samples of items like pacifiers, bottles, wipes, diapers, and nursing pads.

7. You can save on gas money with a Walmart gift card.

Signup with your email and get one for free!

After shopping at your neighborhood Walmart, you can save money on the car ride home by either using a Walmart gift card, a Walmart credit card, or a Walmart Mastercard at any Murphy USA gas stations. You can save at least three cents per gallon on gasoline (at the time this article was published)—and with the way gas prices are, that’s a bargain you can’t afford to pass up!

8. Generic brands aren’t always cheaper in the long run.

While generic brands tend to be cheaper at face value, they are far less likely to ever go on sale. If the brand name item is on sale, stick with that; if it’s not, then feel free to opt for the generic.

9. Be sure to download the Walmart app.

If you’re looking to make the most of your shopping experience at Walmart, then make sure you have the Walmart app downloaded. It can help you save money via deals you otherwise would have never noticed (available in the weekly store advertisement). The app will also give you early access to exclusive items and special offers during the holiday season.

10. In-store pick-ups result in deeper discounts.

If you prefer to shop online but don’t want to pay a hefty shipping fee, choose in-store pick up. Not only is shipping free, but you also automatically get the option to receive discounts on items labeled “Pickup Discount Eligible.” You can avoid the crowds by going straight to the services desk to pick up your items—all while saving even more money.