If an item you ordered is out of stock, we'll offer a similar item as a substitution. You have the choice to accept, decline, or return substituted items. We'll charge you the price of any substituted item(s). You’ll notice a temporary authorization hold. This is the amount we authorize to cover weighted items, replacements, and any bag fees in your state.
Choosing Substitutions
If your ordered item isn't available, we'll send an email and offer a similar item. There is a limited amount of time to respond. The email will give you time to accept or refuse the substitution(s).
If you don't accept or decline the item offered, we'll substitute it. If you're unhappy with the substitution, you can start a return from Purchase History on the Walmart app or Walmart.com.
Selecting Substitutions During Checkout
Before placing your order, you can choose the items that you don’t want substituted. You can select the items you prefer as a substitution. If an item on your order is out of stock and you picked a substitution, we’ll replace it with the one you chose. If the item isn’t in stock and you let us know you don’t want us to substitute it, we'll remove it from your order.
Substitutions on SNAP/EBT orders
For orders placed with SNAP/EBT, you can choose substitutions and we’ll charge you the price of the item based on the price of the item and the payment method.
If you don’t select a backup method of payment for the order but allow for substitutions:
- We'll substitute with an item that is the same or lower priced as the original item.
- If an alternate item is not available, the original item will be canceled, and we’ll refund your SNAP/EBT card.
If you select a backup method of payment for the order and we must substitute with an item of higher price:
- Any difference in cost for your substitution will be charged to the alternate payment method.
- Amounts charged to non-SNAP/EBT payment methods are subject to sales tax.
Reject Substitutions During Pickup
If you don't want the substitution, simply let the associate at the store know, and they'll remove it from your order.
Reject Substitutions During Delivery
Delivery drivers can't remove the item from your order and return it to the store. You’ll need to start a return from your Purchase History on the Walmart app or Walmart.com.
