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50 Things You Should Never Buy at Walmart

Walmart is the best place for cheap stuff…or so we’ve been told. For years, we’ve heard that Walmart has lower prices than any competitor out there, but have we ever bothered to check? Most of us glance at the cost of something and notice that it could be cheaper elsewhere, but we usually forget how much it was by the time we get to the other store. 

However, we did a little digging and discovered that Walmart isn’t the low-price haven it claims to be. There are actually a lot of products you shouldn’t buy there because it’s just cheaper elsewhere. Aldi, Costco, and Sam’s Club have cheaper items. Driving to different stores could play in your favor considering you could save a ton of money each year by shopping around. 

Plus, high prices aren't the only problem you'll run into at the store. While most of us probably expect Walmart products to be low-quality, some of them are so bad that it's smarter to just pay a little extra for the real, name-brand version! 

Keep buying toilet paper at Walmart, since they somehow have the best, cheap toilet paper on the market, but avoid these 50 items next time you visit this store.

Laptops

Laptops

Walmart has a mix of low-quality no-name laptops. They’re not an awful choice, but don’t expect them to last very long. They’ll also have a hard time keeping up with software nowadays. Many low-end models at Walmart are available for under $200 but at that price, but you get what you pay for.  Don't expect any fancy specs or gaming abilities on these low-end laptops unless your game of choice is solitaire.

Alternatively, Walmart also has name-brand laptops, but they’re way overpriced. Expect to pay up to $500 or more on name-brands like ASUS, Acer, Lenovo, HP, Dell and more. Pick your poison--or shop online to find the name brands at lower prices. You can check out retailers like Amazon or Best Buy for other great deals on laptops. Shopping around is the best way to get the best deal possible. It's never a good idea to rely on a retailer like Walmart for getting the lowest price. That's how they get you!

Pet Food

Pet Food

Pet food is a good bulk buy. We promise that Fido won't be able to tell the difference between Walmart and Costco. Walmart has smaller portions at a much higher price. It's always a good idea to buy in bulk as you get more for your money. Half the size doesn't always mean half the cost. At Amazon, you'll also find it's more economical to buy the bigger bag. If you are concerned about freshness, you can purchase sealed containers for your food.

It's also important to note that most of the stuff in the pet food aisles isn’t really that healthy. Online, you'll find a lot more healthy options when it comes to your pet. and they don't need to be name-brand. A quick look at the ingredients will tell you that much. If you want name-brand food quality ingredients, talk to your vet about which brand would be best. Usually, a food that is high in protein and low on fillers like corn is going to be your best bet but every pet's needs are different.

Batteries

Batteries

Unless you’re buying store-brand, batteries are pretty much the same. There’s a negligible difference between Energizer and Duracell, but not enough for it to really matter. That being said, batteries at Walmart will cost you much more than if you purchased them at Costco or Sam’s Club. Yeah, you’ll have 50 batteries, but they’ll last forever. If you buy at Walmart you'll be paying almost the same price for a pack of 10  batteries or less.

If you are open-minded and don't require name-brand batteries, Amazon Basics batteries are great and will last you a long time. If you have a family that games or you have children with a ton of toys that require batteries, Amazon batteries are an economical solution and they'll last you a long time. You can purchase packages in different sizes depending on your needs and get regular shipments and save even more money with the subscribe and save option.

“Fresh” Fruit

“Fresh” Fruit

Fresh fruit is surely fine, right? Well, maybe if the fruit was actually fresh. Walmart fruit is about what you’d expect: questionably fresh and sometimes covered in gnats. That’s even if you’re lucky. While washing the fruit can help, there’s no saving a rotten, squishy tomato. So, roll the dice if you want; it's only "sometimes" after all.  Also, it's best to leave all your produce in the fridge rather than leave it out. No doubt, it's been left out long enough.

They also don't have a great selection of fruit there either, so unless you just want apples and oranges, you aren't likely to find what you are looking for.  You can actually go to Walmart, and they won't have limes. So that pretty much ruins taco night and margaritas on Friday. We don't know about you, but that's all kinds of messed up to us. It's not right and we won't stand for it. 

Gift Cards

Gift Cards

Gift cards that are sold in stores on display racks can easily be tampered with. Thieves come in and write down the numbers from the cards, wait for someone to activate it, and then use the numbers to make purchases. This scam has been going on for years and can happen in any store.

To be safe, avoid buying these cards in the store and just order online gift cards. If you’re really concerned (which we wouldn’t blame you if you were), just go with cash. Cash always reigns supreme, and no one is ever unhappy to receive cash as a gift.

Fish

Fish

Cheap and high-quality are two pretty tough to achieve. That’s precisely why Walmart's fish should be avoided. They’re all about cheap, and that’s not what anyone wants from fish. There's already enough risk with fish anywhere, and you really don't want to worry about getting worms from Walmart fish. The fish is usually low-quality and can sometimes even be expired, depending on the location. That’s pretty disgusting if you ask us.

If you are trying to incorporate more fish into your diet, you should buy fresh fish from higher-quality stores.. You'll also find plenty of frozen options too. These are usually your safest bet. If you absolutely must buy fish at Walmart, we recommend getting canned tuna. Yep, I mean, we are pretty sure nobody has gotten sick from eating an unopened can of tuna, provided it wasn't expired. Canned tuna can last up to five years. So there's that.

Furniture

Furniture

Never get furniture at Walmart because you get what you pay for. Many furniture pieces are available for under $500 on their website. Sure, it’s cheap, but it’s also made cheap - mostly made of compressed wood that can barely handle screws. It's like low-end IKEA furniture, and no matter how much you get that chair or table for, it's simply not worth the time it takes to put it together. 

What you get at Walmart is a game of "Is this going to break?" Russian roulette every time you use their furniture. It gets even worse if you’re planning to put something heavy on it. Probably the only reason to get Walmart furniture is if you happen to be a real estate agent and need some fake furniture for a home you are trying to sell. And by the time you sell that home, the furniture will last that long. Okay, maybe we are being slightly hyperbolic but the point is that Walmart furniture is no good

Brand-Name Diapers

Brand-Name Diapers

Brand-name diapers are the same across the board in quality, no matter where you buy them. The only difference between buying Huggies at Walmart versus online is the price tag. On top of paying more money for diapers, you'll also get a lot less for your money. Some babies go through several diapers per day, while others go through a new diaper every hour. Places like Walmart sell smaller package sizes which means you may have to make several trips to Walmart per month.

Amazon has the lowest price of any store, and your baby definitely won't be able to tell the difference. Do yourself a favor and find the cheapest prices around before purchasing (unless it’s an emergency). It's easier to buy in bulk on Amazon and save money doing it. Costco, yes again, is another terrific place to buy diapers because you can get a ton of diapers for your money. On top of that, the Kirkland Signature diapers at Costco hold in a lot so they don't leak as easily as other brands.  

Magazines

Magazines

If you still buy magazines, don’t get them from Walmart. You'll pay top-dollar for a magazine from last month that has been touched by dozens of people, so if you collect magazines, that is not the place to do it. A newsstand is the next best place to pick up a magazine if you aren't quite sure what to look for. Because magazines are becoming rarer and rarer, the publishing company will likely have sales. You can save as much as 50% by going straight to the source. 

Getting a subscription can also save you a ton of money, especially if you think you are going to want other magazines from a particular publisher. Sometimes you can get fantastic deals like 50 issues for just $20 if you buy at the right time and you don't currently subscribe. Then after your first year, you can just cancel your subscription. Barring that depending on the magazine, you could save 100% by just reading the info online.

Anything Organic

Anything Organic

Most shoppers know that organic products will cost more than their non-organic counterparts, but Walmart has been known to bump up the price of these fancy products even more than other stores. Considering they’re already expensive, that’s stretching an already stretched budget. Be sure to search elsewhere for your organic goodies. You'll save money, and you won't have to set foot in a Walmart. It's a win-win.

And with that said, though, it's also time for a reality check. Organic isn't always better. While you may like the taste, sometimes an organic peach just isn't as sweet as juicy as the GMO version. GMOs aren't always a bad thing, sometimes they simply make fruit better, and best of all - they're cheaper. There's also a myth that organic fruits use little to no pesticides but that is simply not true. Farmers use pesticides so that insects don't eat your fruits and veggies before you do.

Rotisserie Chicken

Rotisserie Chicken

Costco may be the store most well-known for its rotisserie chicken, but Walmart is another place that sells a ton of them as well. While both stores sell them for around the same price ($5), there's still no competition between the two. Costco reigns supreme when it comes to chicken. 

When you buy a rotisserie chicken from Walmart, you're definitely not getting the best deal you could be. While Costco chickens average around four to five pounds, Walmart's tops out at three pounds. Additionally, Walmart rotisserie chickens are frequently cited as tasting bad and being too salty. 

Generic Cereal

Generic Cereal

There's nothing wrong with buying generic brands at the store. They're cheaper than the real thing, and, sometimes, they taste just as good too. However, steer clear of the generic cereal at Walmart. You'll definitely save a little money, but what you get is likely to leave a bad taste in your mouth. 

When it comes to store brands, Walmart's Great Value cereals are frequently cited by consumers and researchers as the worst generic cereal around. This is definitely a scenario where you get what you pay for, so don't be afraid to shell out a little more for a cereal that's actually edible

Nuts

Nuts

It isn’t that the nuts at Walmart are crappy. It’s hard to get poor-quality nuts unless they’ve been sitting on the shelves for a long time. Unless you’re getting pine nuts or another rarely-used nut, Walmart is fine. We do just mean fine, though. If you eat a lot of nuts, Walmart is not the best place. 

You’ll probably pay more per pound of nuts than if you purchased them in bulk elsewhere. Other grocery stores usually have much better deals at their pick and mix, so don’t be afraid to load up. They won’t really go bad.  If pistachios are your nut of choice, as they are for many, buying them at a wholesale retailer like Costco or Sam's Club means you can get a huge bag that's enough to feed the whole family for at least a month.

Ground Beef

Ground Beef

Ground beef is a necessity in most American homes. You can use it for hamburgers, Amerian-style tacos, spaghetti, meatballs...you name it, but you may want to purchase it somewhere other than Walmart. Some reports claim that Walmart’s ground beef is of lower quality than other stores. One reason is that Walmart's ground beef comes ground and prepackaged at a plant rather than being ground and packaged by an in-store butcher. This means the beef lacks the freshness that you might get at a regular supermarket.

Reviews for Walmart's ground beef are not so positive. Some reviews have claimed that the meat is extremely fatty, and at times, rubbery. Some have said that the meat even takes a long time to break down. Others simply claim that it’s cheaper at places. Business Insider found that it was $1 cheaper at Aldi than Walmart. It just goes to show that the best plan is to shop around for the best prices. So with that said, just because it costs more, don't expect quality for your money.

Bedding

Bedding

Even we’re guilty of going cheap with our bedding, but it really is worth it spending that extra money. Have you ever purchased Walmart sheets to find they aren’t as luxurious as they say? Turns out you’re right. You may be able to get sheets for cheap but you'll get exactly what you pay for.

Consumer Reports found that Walmart has lower quality bedding when compared to other stores like TJ Maxx and Target. If you want sheets that will actually last you and save you money in the long term, shop carefully and read reviews. Shop at retailers like Amazon for a wide range of options. Talk about sleeping easier!

Name Brand Soups

Name Brand Soups

The thing about name-brand soups is that the off-brand (or Walmart) brand is the same exact stuff for a fraction of the cost. It may be tempting to grab Campbells, but the Great Value is literally the same thing but with a different paper label on the outside. 

Don't believe us? Compare the labels. In some circumstances, off-brand items will be made in the same factory as the name brand. In some circumstances, one product gets the name brand (with double the cost), and one gets the off-brand. Save the dough and get Great Value.

Party Supplies

Party Supplies

Cups, plates, napkins, and plasticware will be used and tossed. No one uses them more than once. Because of that, it isn’t essential to get the highest-quality party supplies. Unless you plan on carrying incredibly heavy food, which may require heavy-duty plates, go for the dollar store. The dollar store will have party supplies that are perfect for a birthday. You can just toss whatever you don't use and not worry about saving any of it.

That's not to say that Walmart carries high-quality party supplies, but what you buy there isn't necessarily much better in terms of durability. You might be paying more simply because the paper plates have Frozen or Star Wars characters on them. If your child wants a themed party, you can always choose to have other things at the party themed, like party favors, balloons, and such. And if you simply must have Avengers party plates,  then shop at a party supply store that usually has that stuff at a discount.

Organic Milk

Organic Milk

When it comes to quality, Walmart doesn't disappoint in the organic milk department. There are typically multiple brands in store, but you might want to think twice before picking up an organic gallon. Because, despite Walmart's image as a money-saving store, organic milk will probably cost you more than at other places. 

Organic milk is already going to be more expensive than the regular stuff, but Walmart tacks extra expenses on top of those higher prices as well. According to one study, the average price for organic milk at Walmart tended to be up to thirty cents higher than the prices at other grocery stores like Aldi or Trader Joe's. 

Great Value Toilet Paper

Great Value Toilet Paper

When it comes to name-brand toilet paper, Walmart isn't too bad. Their prices are pretty on par with similar stores. However, Great Value generic toilet paper is a completely different story! It will save you money, but you might not be thrilled at just how low-quality it really is. 

According to Consumer Reports, Great Value toilet paper was ranked dead last of all the toilet paper brands available at Walmart. It ended up scoring just a nine out of a possible 100 points. Without getting into all the gross details, consumers had issues with the comfort level of the product and the fact that it sometimes gave their pipes problems when flushed. 

Soda

Soda

We're not saying that soda at Walmart is ridiculously expensive...at least most of it. The off-brand, Great Value stuff is actually a decent price. You'll spend $3 to get a fridge pack versus $6 or $7 for the name brand, which is absolutely outrageous. When did Coca-Cola decide to jack up the prices for sugar water?

We're going to say avoid Walmart altogether for soda. Why? There are often sales in other stores. Just take a second to browse other stores' apps, and you might see crazy good sales. Walmart Coca-Cola fridge pack is $6 or $7, but Kroger or Kings might have a sale where you can get four for $12! That's crazy! Walgreens is also a great place to look. 

Video Games

Video Games

Video games are taking a weird turn and digital is the best way to purchase new content. There are constant sales on video games—even new releases. If you want to buy the item in person, and you need a physical copy, check out local game stores. Used prices are always lower by a minimum of $5, and they’re basically like brand-new. There's really no reason not to buy new if the game is in pristine condition unless you are like a germaphobe.

Walmart is not known for having great deals on new games other than Nintendo games at certain times. Usually, the best places to go for game discounts are Best Buy and Target. You can find unexpected deals here, especially during Black Friday in November. You can also find deals at Amazon, but only because they are competitive with these other stores. Just be sure when you are shopping online to take shipping costs into account.

Snack Foods

Snack Foods

There's no shortage of snack food at Walmart, and you can find some pretty good prices there too. However, you're still not getting the best deal on the stuff if you buy at Walmart—or any similar stores, for that matter. If you really want cost-effective snacking, you need to try a different place: the dollar store. 

While dollar stores seem like a great deal on paper, they're frequently full of goods that are overpriced and low-quality. However, the one place these cheap stores shine is in the world of snack food. They commonly stock full-sized, name-brand products, and at just a dollar, they're typically a little cheaper than at other places like Walmart. 

Cameras

Cameras

If you just want a simple disposable camera to take photos of your upcoming family vacation, Walmart can help you with that. If you're looking for a professional camera with certain features, then Walmart isn't the place for you to shop. When you want the best camera, you need to talk to experts.

It would take an act of God to find an employee in the electronics section that knows anything about cameras. If you want to find the perfect camera for your style, go to a specialty store (preferably something local). And if you really don't care too much about camera quality, then just keep using your cellphone!

Maple Syrup

Maple Syrup

Nothing is better than maple syrup on pancakes, but don’t get it at Walmart. You can find maple syrup that's higher quality and cheaper at other grocery stores. If you don't have pancakes or waffles often, getting quality, real maple syrup is the best way to go as it will maximize your pancake-eating experience. Costco sells a decent maple syrup that is about triple the size of what you find in the store and it's a lot more economical.

However, if you're looking for a lousy, high-fructose maple syrup knock-off – you’re in luck! While there are plenty of high-fructose maple-flavored syrups at Walmart, they'll cost you a pretty penny. It's better to go to the grocery store and get some knock-off "pancake syrup." Then you can just drown your waffles in that stuff, and nobody will judge you for it. It also won't eat away at your wallet.

Straight Talk

Straight Talk

This one is on the list because Straight Talk ranks as one of the worst cellular providers ever—and we mean ever. Just to be clear, though, the service isn’t awful because it buys the right to use major company towers. No, the problem is an issue that's as equally important as the service you are paying for. We’re talking about customer service. It’s extremely difficult getting a hold of anyone to solve problems, and it’s normal for them to charge people more than originally claimed.

Of course, the main appeal of Straight Talk is that no plans or contracts are required. While they do have plans as an option for a discount, if you can't commit to them for budgetary concerns then you don't need to. However, if you are thinking of doing the plan to save even more money, that's the point where you need to step back and reevaluate because you can probably get a better deal and cellphone from a major carrier.

Jewelry

Jewelry

Okay, sure, if cheap, disposable jewelry is your thing: go nuts at Walmart. That stuff isn’t made to last too long. But expensive jewelry is another thing. The most expensive options they have are still under $1,000, and they aren't likely to last you long. You won't find high-quality diamonds or gold, and you likely won't get the same perks you would get by shopping at a jewelry store.

If you're shopping at Walmart for an engagement ring...well, you may be beyond help. You probably aren't even really ready to get married at that point. Even if you are low on money, there are financing options available at jewelry stores, and you can even try a pawn shop. Go to a jewelry store or even better, a local jeweler. You’ll pay less and may even have customizable options. If you buy a Walmart ring, your partner is more likely to say no.

Store-Brand Supplements

Store-Brand Supplements

This one is just plain unsafe. Studies found that Walmart’s store-brand supplements have inconsistent amounts of vitamins and minerals. Supplements are one of those things you need to be consistent. If it isn’t, it could negatively impact your health. If you're looking to be inconsistently healthy, Walmart-brand supplements might be right up your alley! If you need to take vitamins, be sure to take the right ones. Not all vitamins are equal.

There are good-quality vitamins that can work wonders and low-quality vitamins that will simply do nothing for your health. Do your research when it comes to taking supplements. Only vitamins with the best possible ingredients and the right levels of vitamins will do. If you are unsure, you can always talk to your doctor, which you should do anyway if you are thinking of incorporating them into your diet. 

Toys

Toys

How long does your kid spend playing with a new toy? We’re guessing not long. You could save a lot of money by just buying used toys. That way, when your kid gets bored and moves on, you haven’t wasted a lot of money.  Walmart is not the place to buy toys because they often hike up the prices, even on older toys.

If it’s something new that your kid has to have, buy it online. You could wade through piles of bodies on Black Friday to find the perfect toy for Christmas, or you could spoil the kids from the comfort of your own home online. Compare prices at all the online retailers, and you may even be able to get them more for your money - and then you are the hero.

Pure Vanilla Extract

Pure Vanilla Extract

If you're looking for true, high-quality vanilla extract, then you should avoid Walmart. Local bodegas often carry the extract for a great price, and you can be sure the quality is top-notch! Other grocery stores carry pure vanilla extract at a much lower price than Walmart, and customers say it lasts longer, too! We can say this one is especially true from personal experience. However, you probably shouldn't buy vanilla extract at all.

In truth, vanilla extract is a huge waste of money. It's expensive, even at Costco. So, what should you do instead? Make it yourself! You can make your own vanilla extract with a bottle of vodka and some vanilla beans. The vanilla beans are expensive, but you can make a lot of extract with the beans and one bottle of vodka, so you are getting more vanilla extract for your money. 

High End Perfume

High End Perfume

You might not think of Walmart as a place that would sell luxury fragrances or high-end perfumes, but you might be surprised! While their in-store offerings might not cater to a chic clientele, the Walmart website has all sorts of expensive fragrances for sale. And when we say expensive, we mean it! 

According to one investigation, buying perfume at Walmart.com could potentially cost you 100% more than at other places! One fragrance, in particular, was listed on the site for more than $600, while the exact same product was available for only about $300 on other websites. 

Gift Bags

Gift Bags

Gift bags are like wrapping paper, except they may be used more than once. Even then, there’s no reason to spend top dollar on a little paper bag. It’s just a waste of money. If the bag is used several times, then maybe it'll be worth the hefty price tag, but we all know you won't see that bag after you give it to your loved one. 

Instead, stop by your local dollar store and browse what’s on sale. They’ll do the job just as good of a job without costing twice (sometimes three times) as much. Plus, if you haven't checked lately, dollar store bags have really picked up in quality. They're pretty nice, but the durability may be lacking. Thankfully, that doesn't matter unless you're going to get it back. 

Small Kitchen Appliances

Small Kitchen Appliances

Buy small kitchen appliances online. Why? First, because it’s cheaper. Much cheaper. You can get a decent toaster oven for $20, and it holds more than a single piece of toast. Second, there are more options. Depending on your price range, you’ll be able to pick more colors than black, white, and stainless steel. Additionally, you'll get better quality appliances for the most part and a better return policy depending on the store.

When it comes to buying small kitchen appliances, there are not that many options at Walmart. Although you can find name-brand items, you'll be paying a lot more for them. Meanwhile, off-brand items are low-quality. By shopping online, you can find exactly what you are looking for, and there are plenty of options available. Most of the time, you can get free shipping on appliances too, so even shipping costs are not a concern. And if you don't like your purchase, you can send it in the mail, rather than wait in the returns line.

Tires

Tires

On this one, we’re not claiming that Walmart tires are bad. Quite the opposite. They’re actually pretty good, but they’re the same quality as local stores and other major retailers. The reason you should avoid Walmart for tires is that other stores have better benefits. For example, Costco usually offers free tire balancing and rotations when purchasing tires. The same can’t be said for Walmart. The point being: don't shop around blindly at Walmart expecting the best deal.

When shopping for tires, it's important to look around and weigh your options. In addition to auto shops and places like Costco, you can purchase tires online and compare rates. You'll get the tires you need, at the lowest possible price, delivered to the mechanic of your choice. Besides, sometimes you might go in person to a retailer, and you have to wait for them to order your new tires anyway because they don't have the ones you need in stock. So, if you are waiting anyway, you might as well get a good deal.

TVs

TVs

Walmart TVs are like Walmart laptops. There are crappy, low-quality off-brands, and then there are name-brand options like Samsung that are a lot more than other stores. When it comes to buying a new TV, you really do get what you pay for. Unless you are simply buying a TV because your old one broke, you probably want something better than you have. A low-end 4K TV isn't going to be much better than your old TV.

A TV can be a huge investment. First off, we’d suggest shopping around for a good sale, especially for name brands. Second, don’t get low-quality TVs that will likely break after a year of use. Look up reviews on TVs you are interested in because even the biggest name brands can let you down. Lastly, be sure to look up any specs and terms associated with the TV you are interested in. Make informed decisions - always.

Wrapping Paper

Wrapping Paper

This is one instance where Walmart isn't cheap and low-quality enough. It's just wrapping paper — it's going in the garbage can as soon as you get it off. Wrapping paper is literally designed to be torn up and thrown away, so there's no reason to pay top dollar. In fact, your recipients might actually be grateful that you bought lousy wrapping paper that they don't have to struggle to open their gift.

Instead, swing by the dollar store. The wrapping paper is thin and flimsy, but it will do the job just as well - if not better. It's actually a lot easier to wrap things when the paper is not too thick, and you can do a cleaner job. There are also great pattern choices, so you might actually be surprised. Best of all, if you are not a good wrapper, you can mess up as many times as you want.

Books

Books

Almost no one walks into a Walmart with the intention of buying a book, but some people carouse the book section while they’re waiting around. They have some big titles, but there are other options too. All in all, the book selection at Walmart is not great, and you can certainly do a lot better in terms of selection. You also won't find that great new book smell at Walmart as you do in the bookstore.

Buying from a local shop is a much better option, especially since you may get deals on used books. Alternatively, Barnes and Noble is another choice. The selection at either of these stores will be undoubtedly better than at Walmart, and altogether, you are going to get much better books. Plus, there is a lot more room to browse without worrying about other people in the way.

Printer Ink

Printer Ink

Printer ink is notoriously expensive. “Liquid gold” may as well be its alternative name. Places like Walmart charge top dollar for printer ink because it has ridiculous profit margins. Printer Ink is usually expensive at most stores, and Walmart is no exception. You aren't going to find great deals on cartridges for your printer, if any at all. It's much better to look out for coupons in your mail or consider buying online.

If you’re purchasing printer ink, shop around online. There’s a good chance you’ll be able to find a coupon code that discounts the price further, too. Sometimes you can find some decent quality off-brand printer ink at a much lower price but buy it at your own risk. It's difficult to say whether you'll get something that works or just a cheap piece of plastic. However, if you read reviews thoroughly, you can usually get a pretty good idea about which off-brand options are better.

Large Appliances

Large Appliances

Walmart might be all about shouting their low prices from the rooftop, but large appliances don’t follow that same trend. They’re actually more on the expensive side. Avoid paying too much for the appliances you need; they are already expensive enough. For large appliances, it’s best to shop around. You can get the same appliances for a lot less, and sometimes even on sale. It just takes patience and timing. 

There are plenty of places to shop for large appliances online, and they don't charge you top dollar. Search for the exact brands you want and compare your options more easily than you could at a place like Walmart. If Walmart has what you are looking for, by all means, go look at it - just don't buy it there. Ultimately, there's no advantage. You can get it online cheaper, and someone will deliver it to you - again, much of the time for free.

Greeting Cards

Greeting Cards

We want to imagine that our cards will be saved, but they won’t. The person we’re giving it to will likely throw it away, which is why you should buy them at the dollar store. Plus, what you write on the inside is what matters most—not the little design on the front. Just spend a little extra time writing something sweet on the inside, and they’ll be happier than if they got a Hallmark card.

A personalized message can go a long way in making someone feel better. It shows them you really care and not that you just got a card to show them that. Having something to say is better than using someone else's words. And boy, do you sure pay the price for those words. A blank card from the dollar store is significantly cheaper at a fifth of the cost. So, if you are going to wish someone well, just put a little more thought into it.

Music

Music

First off, we’re going to suggest that you don’t purchase physical music, like CDs. Records are cool, but CDs? Totally out of date. That isn’t the only reason that music is on the list, however. Instead of purchasing music at Walmart, go to a local business. Since records grew in popularity, many towns and cities have a record stores. As for CDs, they likely carry those, too, although we still suggest avoiding them and going all digital.

To this day, it is said by shoppers that Walmart sells edited versions of CDs at their stores, which would be another reason not to shop there for music. It is said that there is no clear label indicating that the music has been censored in terms of lyric content. Whether this is true still or was true, we cannot personally verify. Regardless, it's better to be safe than sorry and buy your music at a record store or online.

Luggage

Luggage

Luggage is an investment. You don’t want to buy a new suitcase every year, and Walmart luggage is notoriously low quality. The threading comes loose, the plastic breaks, and so much more. Some people claim that the luggage doesn’t even last through a single flight. When it comes to securing your belongings, don't get too cheap. A broken suitcase is going to ruin your trip real fast. If you want to save money on luggage, then you need to shop around.

Nothing will make a vacation or business trip suck more than having your luggage break when you reach your destination. Instead, get your next suitcase or duffle bag at Amazon, L.L. Bean, or REI. You can find a number of high-quality options at these retailers that will last you many trips. Why spend money on replacing luggage when you can get one set that will last you many years and many trips? A mid-tier or high-tier suitcase will only cost you between $100 to $200.

Photo Printing

Photo Printing

Walmart used to be the place to get your photos printed, but the new age is upon us. Now, most of us want to print pictures off of our phones, and Walmart makes that more difficult than it ought to be. Places like Shutterfly allow you to choose the images you want and print them without getting out of your PJs. Many of these online photo printing services even have coupon codes. Who pays full price nowadays, anyway?

On top of this, there are much cheaper ways of displaying all your pictures (even as your favorite ones change). Digital photo frames feature a display that allows you to change the picture you are displaying at any time. Change the picture with a remote or with your cell phone.

Disposable Utensils

Disposable Utensils

Getting together for a family reunion? Don’t buy disposable utensils at Walmart. Sure, the quality is fine, but you’ll pay twice as much for a product that can be purchased at the dollar store. You can also get a ton of them at Costco that could potentially last you all year, depending on how often you use them. People will toss them in the trash, so why spend top dollar?

Most of the time, Dollar Tree or Dollar General will have disposable utensils for a dollar (or $1.25 now). Walmart tends to cost more because you get more, but if you're going to do that, swing by a bulk store like Costco or Sam's Club to really get savings. 

Vacuums

Vacuums

There’s only one time a year that it’s worth it purchasing a vacuum at Walmart: Black Friday. During this time, they have vacuums on sale for what they’re actually worth. Otherwise, they’re far overpriced. The only drawback is that nearly every retail company has vacuums on sale during Black Friday. At the end of the day, it’s better to avoid the crowds and just purchase everything online for pickup or delivery.

And while you can find some low-cost options for your money, when it comes to vacuums, you are going to get what you pay for. They usually don't last long, so you spend more money on replacing them than you would just by buying one good vacuum. Walmart has a lot of cheap vacuums, and most of them are of poor quality.

Drones

Drones

Drones are fairly new to the consumer market, and these fun devices have become extremely popular. As a result, many retailers are now carrying them, but be careful where you buy them. Walmart has several options for drones, but you'd be better off going to an electronic store or buying one online. When you get one online, you'll get a better deal and more information on the product. 

You aren't likely to get a good quality drone at Walmart, nor even a low-quality drone at a good price. So, if you are looking for the perfect drone for a kid or yourself, do some shopping around online. Retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, and even Home Depot have several great options to choose from. Some options are under $100, while others are as much as $1,000 - it all depends on the features you are looking for.

Phone Accessories

Phone Accessories

It shouldn’t be a huge surprise that Walmart jacks up the prices of phone accessories. They’re far overpriced, and they tend to break pretty quickly. The only benefit is if you happen to find the phone accessories online. And you are certainly running a risk if you rely on even a charging cable from Walmart.

Since most people purchase directly from their carrier or from their brand, phone accessories often go on sale at Walmart. Just keep an eye out and browse the clearance section often. Otherwise, go straight to Apple, Samsung, or Amazon. Their accessories are sure to work with your cellphone, so you don't wake up discovering that the cable didn't charge your phone at all.

Camping Supplies

Camping Supplies

Walmart supercenters usually have a decent garden section, but the rest of their outdoor supplies can be pretty lacking. Camping supplies, for example, have a very limited selection. If you are camping last minute and looking for a good deal, then by all means, go to Walmart. But if you have any time at all to shop elsewhere, consider other options.

Not only does this lead to you paying too much, but you often don't even get the right items. You should go to your local sports and outdoor store for great deals on high-quality camping supplies. Great places to buy outdoor gear include Academy, Cabela's, and REI, among other places. Better gear is going to be well worth your money unless you seldom go camping. 

Canvas

Canvas

Anyone who has browsed Walmart’s arts and crafts section can tell you that it’s small and the selection is beyond limited. On top of that, everything you buy will be overpriced and low-quality. Basically, Walmart’s arts and crafts section is great to entertain kiddos who are stuck at home or have to work on a project for school. If you’re an actual artist, go elsewhere. Get quality paints at an actual crafts store or online.

A true artist gets the best quality paints and materials to make a work of art. Don't put all your hard work into a cheap art piece by getting a cheap canvas to paint on. Your work won't last, and everyone will be able to tell. Try to buy your materials from local art stores or search for canvases online. There are plenty of options out there, so it's easy to find something good in your budget. 

Wood Products

Wood Products

If you're buying any sort of furniture at Walmart, don't expect to find quality. However, when it comes to wood items, things can get really terrible at this store. Most of their wooden products are made of particleboard (surprise, surprise), but they're also not doing anything to make the furniture look fancier than it really is. 

When you shop at a place like IKEA, you might get low-quality, cheap wooden furniture, but at least they do their best to make it look nice and stylish. That's not the case at Walmart, though! That plywood bookshelf you bought from there for ten bucks looks just as cheap as it really is! 

Dinnerware

Dinnerware

No matter what kind of dinnerware you're looking to buy, Walmart is going to dishearten you. They make no attempt to be the best when it comes to both cost and quality, so be prepared to find plates, glasses, and silverware that are all the worst parts of mediocre

If you don't have any quality concerns and just want the cheapest dinnerware out there, Walmart isn't the store for you. You can find cheaper stuff at places like Dollar Tree or Dollar General. For people who don't care about paying more for quality, Walmart will be just as useless to you. None of the dinnerware you buy there will be long-lasting or well-made. 

Shoes

Shoes

It's possible to buy shoes at Walmart and be happy with your purchase. However, it's all about managing your expectations. Walmart is not the place to look for high-quality, expertly-made shoes—it's where you go when you're in a pinch and need emergency shoes. 

Even if you take good care of them, Walmart shoes are not going to last long. If you're fine with buying cheap shoes on a regular basis, go nuts at Walmart! What they lack in quality, they make up for with a ton of varieties. But if you need something a little more substantial, you're going to want to look elsewhere. 

Swimsuits

Swimsuits

Like the rest of the clothing at Walmart, you're not going to find quality swimsuits at Walmart. From materials to construction to fit, Walmart is just not the place you want to be looking for the swimsuit to end all swimsuits. However, that's not the only reason you might want to reconsider them! 

It's no surprise or shock that stores raise their swimsuit prices as summer approaches. However, according to one investigation, Walmart raised their prices on swimsuits by more than similar stores—meaning that you're paying a premium for a swimsuit that might not even last you the season!