Ink cartridges have to be replaced regularly, and occasionally you might find that you've bought a cartridge that doesn't fit your printer or is defective.
In situations like this, it helps to know whether you can return the cartridge and, if so, how to do it.
Walmart allows ink returns, but there are a few rules to be aware of before making your return.
You can return ink to any Walmart within 90 days of purchase as long as you have the receipt and original packaging. You can also return online orders in-store or by mail.[1][2]
See the details of Walmart’s ink cartridge return policy below, including non-receipted returns, receipt lookup, and how to make returns by mail.
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Walmart Ink Cartridge Return Policy
Ink cartridges generally fall under Walmart’s standard return policy, meaning that you have 90 days to make a return, whether you purchased the ink in-store or online.[3][1]
You’ll need to provide the original packaging and the receipt. Walmart accepts returns of opened cartridges, but not used cartridges.[3][1]
I contacted Walmart stores in Georgia, Kansas, and Arizona, as well as online customer support, to find out more about the company’s policy for returning ink cartridges.
Tip: While Walmart and Sam’s Club are owned by the same company, you can’t return Walmart purchases to Sam’s Club or vice versa.[1][4]
Non-Receipted Returns
If you don’t have a receipt, your return may be subject to the store manager’s approval. The manager may deny your return if the cartridge(s) are worth more than $25.[2]
You must present a valid government-issued ID for all non-receipted returns.[5][2]
See more details about Walmart’s non-receipted return policy.
Receipt Look Up
Walmart can’t look up receipts for purchases made with cash or by check.[2]
If you paid with a debit or credit card, a Walmart associate can look up your receipt. You’ll need to present the purchasing card at the customer service desk and provide the date of purchase.[2]
You can also look up receipts online with Walmart’s Receipt Lookup tool. You’ll need to input the purchase location, debit or credit card information, date of purchase, and the receipt total.[6]
Additionally, for online orders, an associate can look up receipts with the phone number or email address associated with your account. You can also log in to your account and view your purchase history.[5]
Mail-In Returns
If you purchased ink online, you can return it through the mail. To do this, you’ll need to find the item in your online purchase history and select “Start a Return.”[7][5]
Next, choose the reason for your return, whether you want a replacement or refund, and your preferred method of return.[8][5]
Then (depending on whether you require repackaging), you can schedule for pickup or print a shipping label and drop it off at USPS or FedEx.[8][5]
Find out more about Walmart’s online return policy.
Refunds
With the receipt, you’ll generally be refunded to your original form of payment.[5][2]
Without the receipt, if the ink’s return value is $25 or less, you can generally return it for store credit.[2]
While Walmart gives cash for some non-receipted items valued at less than $10, you can’t get cash when returning ink without a receipt.[2][1]
FAQ
How long do refunds take to process?
Refunds take anywhere from three hours to 30 days, depending on your payment method.[9]
Can you make a curbside return?
Some ink cartridges are eligible for curbside returns. Look for your purchase in the Walmart app; if it’s eligible for curbside return, you’ll see the option to start the return. You’ll need to choose a store, check in, and park in a designated spot. An associate will come out to scan the barcode in your app and finalize the return.[5]
Is Walmart’s return policy the same for printers and ink cartridges?
Most conditions of the return policy are the same for printers and ink cartridges. However, you can return a printer that you’ve used if it isn’t working properly or doesn’t meet your expectations. Additionally, most printers purchased through third-party Walmart Marketplace centers have a shorter return window of 14 days.[1][10]
In Summary
You have 90 days to return ink cartridges to your local Walmart whether you purchased them in-store or online. Walmart also accepts returns for online orders through the mail.[1][2]
You must have the packaging and receipt to receive a refund to the original form of payment.[2]
A Walmart associate can look up receipts if you paid with a debit or credit card and you can find receipts for online orders in your account’s purchase history.[2][6]
Without a receipt, you can return ink cartridges worth $25 or less for store credit, but you likely won’t be able to return ink worth $26 or greater.[2]
Be sure to drop any questions you might have about Walmart ink returns in the comments section below. You can also share any helpful tips, ideas, or personal experiences.
