When Does Walmart Charge for Preorders? Your Comprehensive Guide

Walmart, the retail behemoth we all know and often love, has waded deep into the preorder game, offering everything from the latest video games and electronics to exclusive collectibles and even books. But the question that often lingers in the minds of eager shoppers is: When does Walmart actually charge you for that coveted preorder? The short answer is: Walmart typically charges you for preorders when the item ships. This means that while you might place your order weeks or even months in advance, your card won’t be charged until the product is on its way to your doorstep.

Decoding the Preorder Payment Process at Walmart

Let’s dive deeper into the nuances of Walmart’s preorder payment system. Understanding this process can save you from unpleasant surprises and ensure a smoother shopping experience.

Authorization Holds: A Temporary Blip

While you won’t be fully charged upfront, you might notice a small authorization hold appearing on your account shortly after placing your preorder. Think of this as a temporary “reservation” of funds by Walmart to verify your payment method and ensure its validity. These holds are typically small amounts, often just a dollar or two, and they are not actual charges. They will disappear from your statement within a few days, depending on your bank’s policies. Don’t panic; your money isn’t gone!

The Trigger: Shipping is the Key

The key takeaway is that the full charge for your preorder will only occur when Walmart is preparing to ship your item. This usually happens one to two days before the official release date. You’ll likely receive an email notification from Walmart confirming that your order has shipped and that your payment method has been charged.

Payment Method Matters

The payment method you use can also influence the timing. While credit and debit cards are the most common, Walmart also accepts options like PayPal. With PayPal, the authorization hold process might appear slightly different, but the principle remains the same: you won’t be fully charged until the item ships.

Potential Complications: What Could Delay Your Charge?

While the “charge upon shipment” rule is generally consistent, a few scenarios could potentially delay or alter the timing of your charge:

• Delayed Release Dates: If the item you preordered experiences a release date pushback, your charge will also be delayed until the new shipping date. Keep an eye on your email for updates from Walmart.
• Order Splitting: If your preorder includes multiple items with different release dates, you might see separate charges as each item ships individually.
• Payment Issues: If there’s a problem with your payment method (e.g., expired card, insufficient funds), Walmart will attempt to contact you to resolve the issue. Failure to resolve the issue could lead to cancellation of your preorder.

Walmart Preorder FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered

To further illuminate the preorder landscape at Walmart, let’s address some frequently asked questions:

FAQ 1: Can I Cancel My Walmart Preorder?

Yes, in most cases, you can cancel your Walmart preorder before it ships. Simply log in to your Walmart account, navigate to your order history, and select the option to cancel the order. However, there might be some exceptions for certain limited-edition or exclusive items, so always review the specific product details before placing your preorder.

FAQ 2: What Happens if My Payment Method Expires Before the Item Ships?

Walmart will notify you if your payment method is about to expire. You’ll need to update your payment information in your Walmart account to ensure a smooth transaction when the item is ready to ship.

FAQ 3: Does Walmart Charge Sales Tax on Preorders?

Yes, Walmart charges sales tax on preorders based on the shipping address you provide during checkout.

FAQ 4: Can I Use a Walmart Gift Card to Pay for a Preorder?

Yes, you can use Walmart gift cards to pay for all or part of your preorder. The gift card balance will be applied at the time of shipment.

FAQ 5: What if My Preordered Item Goes on Sale Before It Ships?

Unfortunately, Walmart’s policy generally doesn’t offer price matching or adjustments for preorders. You’ll be charged the price listed at the time you placed your order, even if the price drops before the item ships. However, you can always cancel and re-order if the new price is better and the item is still in stock.

FAQ 6: How Do I Track My Walmart Preorder?

Once your preorder ships, you’ll receive a tracking number via email. You can also track your order through your Walmart account.

FAQ 7: Does Walmart Offer Free Shipping on Preorders?

Walmart’s free shipping policy applies to preorders just like regular orders. Typically, you need to meet a minimum order threshold (often $35) to qualify for free shipping. Walmart+ members receive free shipping on eligible items, regardless of the order total.

FAQ 8: What Happens if My Preordered Item is Out of Stock When It’s Time to Ship?

This is a rare occurrence, but if Walmart is unable to fulfill your preorder due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., limited stock, manufacturing issues), they will typically notify you and cancel your order, issuing a full refund.

FAQ 9: Can I Change the Shipping Address for My Preorder?

In most cases, you can change the shipping address for your preorder before it ships. Log in to your Walmart account and navigate to your order details to make the necessary changes.

FAQ 10: Does Walmart Offer Preorder Bonuses or Incentives?

Yes, Walmart often offers exclusive preorder bonuses or incentives, such as in-game content, digital downloads, or physical collectibles, to encourage customers to preorder certain items. These bonuses are usually clearly advertised on the product page.

FAQ 11: What if I Want to Return My Preordered Item After I Receive It?

Walmart’s standard return policy applies to preordered items. You can typically return the item within a specified timeframe (usually 30 or 90 days, depending on the product category) for a full refund, as long as it meets the return criteria.

FAQ 12: Is It Safe to Preorder from Walmart?

Generally, preordering from Walmart is safe and reliable. Walmart is a reputable retailer with a strong track record of fulfilling orders and providing customer support. However, as with any online transaction, it’s always wise to be cautious and review the product details and store policies before placing your preorder.

In conclusion, understanding Walmart’s preorder payment system is key to a stress-free shopping experience. Remember, you’re generally only charged when the item ships, and keep an eye out for those temporary authorization holds. By being aware of the potential complications and taking advantage of available resources, you can confidently preorder your desired items from Walmart and eagerly await their arrival.