Walmart Plus, launched in September 2020, has quickly grown to become a competitive membership service aimed at improving the convenience and affordability of shopping. With the rise of online shopping and evolving consumer expectations, Walmart aimed to create a solution that could rival the benefits offered by other popular membership services, such as Amazon Prime. Through Walmart Plus, members gain access to a variety of services designed to enhance their overall shopping experience, save money, and offer time-saving solutions.
As more people continue to embrace the convenience of online shopping, Walmart Plus has made it easier to shop for everything from groceries to electronics with perks that include free delivery, discounts at gas stations, and the ability to skip checkout lines in stores. But like any subscription service, there are both advantages and disadvantages. While Walmart Plus brings a host of appealing features, it is important to fully understand the trade-offs involved.
This article aims to provide an in-depth exploration of the pros and cons of Walmart Plus. We’ll discuss its key features, including how it works, what it offers, and whether it’s a worthwhile investment. If you’re considering whether to join Walmart Plus, this comprehensive breakdown will provide a clear understanding of the program’s benefits and limitations, enabling you to make an informed decision.
What is Walmart Plus?
Walmart Plus is a subscription service created by the retail giant Walmart to provide its customers with a variety of benefits. Whether you’re a frequent grocery shopper or a fan of online shopping for general merchandise, Walmart Plus aims to streamline the shopping process and offer exclusive advantages. The service is available for an annual fee of $98 or a monthly fee of $12.95, making it an affordable option compared to other similar services, like Amazon Prime.
The membership provides access to free delivery options for groceries and general merchandise, fuel discounts at certain gas stations, and a host of in-store benefits like the ability to skip lines through the Scan & Go feature. In essence, Walmart Plus is designed to enhance the shopping experience by offering added convenience and savings for Walmart shoppers, both online and in-store.
How Does Walmart Plus Work?
Walmart Plus functions by allowing members to enjoy exclusive benefits through a subscription-based model. Once you become a member, you gain access to a variety of perks. To start, you simply sign up through the Walmart website or app and pay the subscription fee. After that, you can begin enjoying the services immediately, including:
- Free Delivery: For online orders, members receive free same-day or next-day delivery on groceries, electronics, household goods, and more.
- Fuel Discounts: Members receive discounts at Walmart, Murphy USA, and Murphy Express gas stations, which can add up over time, especially if you drive regularly.
- Mobile Scan & Go: This in-store benefit allows you to scan items using your phone while shopping, and then skip the traditional checkout lines by paying directly through your phone.
- Exclusive Deals: Walmart Plus members get early access to special deals, sales, and promotions, which is especially advantageous during big shopping events like Black Friday.
Walmart Plus is designed to simplify the shopping experience by providing quick and easy ways to access savings, speed up transactions, and reduce costs in both online and physical stores.
Features of Walmart Plus
Before diving into the pros and cons, let’s take a closer look at the main features that make Walmart Plus an appealing option for shoppers:
- Free Same-Day or Next-Day Delivery: Depending on your location and the availability of items, Walmart Plus members can receive free delivery for their online grocery orders and general merchandise. This is particularly useful for individuals who want to avoid going out to stores or prefer to shop from the comfort of their homes.
- Fuel Discounts: Walmart Plus members can enjoy a 5-cent-per-gallon discount on fuel at Walmart, Murphy USA, and Murphy Express stations. This is a great benefit for people who drive frequently, especially if they live near one of these stations.
- Mobile Scan & Go: This feature allows Walmart Plus members to scan items using their smartphone while shopping in the store. This eliminates the need to stand in line for checkout and offers a more convenient and efficient shopping experience.
- Exclusive Early Access to Deals: Walmart Plus members get early access to limited-time offers, sales events, and special promotions, giving them the advantage of grabbing hot deals before they sell out.
- No Minimum for Pickup Orders: While Walmart’s regular pickup service requires a minimum order, Walmart Plus removes this restriction, making it even more convenient for customers who want to pick up a small number of items.
- Walmart+ Price Saves: This feature provides members with discounts on certain products, allowing them to save on everyday items. It’s a great perk for those who regularly shop at Walmart and want to stretch their budgets further.
- Comprehensive Product Selection: Walmart Plus benefits extend across various categories including groceries, electronics, clothing, and home goods, meaning that no matter what you need, you can likely find it with the benefits of your membership.
Why You Should Get Walmart Plus
Walmart Plus offers a plethora of benefits that can significantly improve the shopping experience, especially for regular Walmart customers. From time-saving features like Scan & Go and free delivery to money-saving perks like fuel discounts and exclusive offers, the service can easily pay for itself, particularly if you frequently shop at Walmart.
The biggest draw is the convenience of online ordering and delivery combined with a robust in-store experience. With a membership, you can essentially streamline all aspects of your shopping, from getting groceries delivered to filling your car at a discounted price. If you’re already loyal to Walmart for your shopping needs, Walmart Plus can enhance your experience and save you money in the long run.
However, while there are numerous advantages to signing up, it’s essential to consider both the strengths and weaknesses of the service. The following sections will examine the specific pros and cons in greater detail.
Pros of Walmart Plus
1. Free Delivery on Eligible Orders
One of the most significant benefits of Walmart Plus is its free delivery service on eligible orders. This is particularly appealing for those who shop frequently for groceries or general merchandise online. Members can receive same-day or next-day delivery on many items, which saves both time and money. The free delivery feature is available with a minimum order of $35, making it accessible to most shoppers. This is a great perk for those who prefer to avoid the hassle of grocery shopping in-store, or for those with busy schedules who don’t want to spend time running errands.
Furthermore, the convenience of having groceries or other goods delivered directly to your home cannot be overstated. With Walmart Plus, you can enjoy seamless shopping without the inconvenience of scheduling a pickup time or worrying about availability. This makes the service ideal for individuals who value convenience and efficiency in their shopping experience.
2. Fuel Discounts at Walmart and Murphy USA Gas Stations
Walmart Plus members enjoy a 5-cent per gallon discount at Walmart, Murphy USA, and Murphy Express gas stations. For drivers who fill up their tanks frequently, this can add up to considerable savings over time. While the discount may seem small per gallon, if you drive regularly, it can result in significant savings annually. If you’re someone who already shops at Walmart and frequently visits their gas stations, this feature makes it easy to save on both shopping and fuel costs, making the membership even more valuable.
However, the effectiveness of this benefit depends on your proximity to Walmart or Murphy USA stations. If you don’t live near one of these stations, the fuel discount may not be as beneficial. Still, for regular Walmart shoppers who drive often, this perk can be an attractive reason to subscribe to Walmart Plus.
3. Exclusive Early Access to Deals
Walmart Plus members gain early access to exclusive deals and promotions, which can be a game-changer during high-demand shopping events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or seasonal sales. Early access means that you have the chance to grab hot deals before they sell out, giving you a competitive edge over non-members. This is particularly important for those who like to stay ahead of the game when it comes to snagging limited-time offers, new product releases, or holiday discounts.
For those who shop frequently during peak seasons, early access to deals can help save money and secure items that might otherwise be difficult to obtain. It’s a strategic advantage that makes the membership worthwhile for those looking for exclusive offers.
4. Streamlined Shopping Experience with Mobile Scan & Go
The Mobile Scan & Go feature is one of Walmart Plus’s most innovative and convenient benefits. This service allows you to scan items with your phone as you shop in-store and pay directly through the Walmart app, bypassing the traditional checkout process entirely. It’s an efficient way to shop, eliminating the need to stand in long checkout lines, which can be a significant time-saver. For busy shoppers or those who simply want to avoid long waits, this feature is incredibly useful.
Additionally, the ability to track your total as you shop can help you stay on budget, ensuring you don’t overspend while adding items to your cart. It’s a seamless experience that enhances the in-store shopping experience by making it faster, easier, and more enjoyable.
5. Unlimited Free Deliveries on Orders Over $35
With Walmart Plus, you can enjoy unlimited free delivery on all orders over $35, which is a major perk for frequent online shoppers. This eliminates the need to pay for delivery with every order, which can quickly add up if you make multiple purchases each week. For customers who regularly shop for groceries or household items, this perk can lead to substantial savings. It’s especially advantageous for those who prefer the convenience of home delivery but are tired of paying extra fees on top of the price of their items.
By offering unlimited deliveries, Walmart Plus provides a significant advantage for anyone looking to save time and money on regular purchases. This benefit is one of the core reasons many shoppers find value in subscribing to Walmart Plus.
6. No Minimum for Pickup Orders
Unlike Walmart’s standard pickup service, which requires a minimum order amount, Walmart Plus allows members to place pickup orders with no minimum purchase required. This can be a huge advantage for those who only need to pick up a small number of items but still want to take advantage of the convenience of curbside service. The lack of a minimum order requirement makes Walmart Plus especially attractive to people who don’t want to be forced to buy extra items just to meet the threshold.
This flexibility enhances the overall shopping experience, making it easier for customers to quickly grab a few things without committing to a larger order. It’s a simple but effective feature that can save time and effort for those who prefer smaller, more frequent orders.
7. Walmart+ Price Saves
Walmart Plus also offers special discounts on select items through the Walmart+ Price Saves feature. These price reductions are exclusive to members and can lead to significant savings, particularly on everyday items that you may purchase regularly. Whether it’s groceries, cleaning supplies, or personal care products, Walmart Plus gives you access to discounts that help stretch your budget further.
The ability to access these exclusive savings can help lower your overall shopping expenses, making the membership even more worthwhile. If you frequently shop at Walmart, these discounts can add up quickly and make your subscription more cost-effective.
Cons of Walmart Plus
1. Limited Coverage for Free Delivery
While the free delivery benefit is one of the major selling points of Walmart Plus, it’s not available everywhere. Walmart’s free delivery service is dependent on location, and some regions may not have full coverage. If you live in an area that is outside the delivery zone, you may not be able to take full advantage of this perk. Even within areas that offer delivery, there may be restrictions on what can be delivered or which products are eligible for free delivery.
This limitation can be frustrating for potential members who are interested in the convenience of home delivery but are located in underserved areas. For individuals who don’t have access to these services, the value of the membership can diminish.
2. Requires a Minimum Purchase for Free Delivery
Walmart Plus requires a minimum purchase of $35 for free delivery on grocery and general merchandise orders. While this isn’t a huge threshold, it may be inconvenient for people who only need a few small items and don’t want to overspend. In some cases, shoppers might find themselves buying extra products just to meet the minimum order requirement, which can lead to spending more than intended.
For those who prefer purchasing smaller quantities, this requirement may feel restrictive and could deter them from using the service.
3. Annual Fee May Not Justify the Benefits for Infrequent Shoppers
While Walmart Plus offers valuable benefits, the $98 annual fee (or $12.95 per month) might not be justified for individuals who don’t shop at Walmart frequently. If you’re someone who only shops a few times a year, the cost of the membership may outweigh the value of the perks. The service is designed for regular shoppers, and occasional users might find it hard to make full use of the free delivery and other benefits, making it less worthwhile.
In such cases, paying for a membership could seem like an unnecessary expense, especially when considering that other services might offer more extensive benefits for a similar price.
4. Limited Selection for Some Delivery Areas
While Walmart Plus offers free delivery, it doesn’t guarantee that every product you want will be available for delivery in your area. The availability of specific items can vary depending on location, meaning you may not always be able to get the exact products you want delivered to your door. This limitation could be a dealbreaker for members who depend on Walmart Plus for convenience and variety.
In some cases, customers might find that their preferred grocery or household items aren’t available for delivery, forcing them to shop in-store or seek alternative services.
5. Gas Discounts Are Only Available at Select Stations
The gas discount benefit offered by Walmart Plus is limited to Walmart, Murphy USA, and Murphy Express stations. If you don’t live near one of these stations, you won’t be able to take advantage of this perk. This could be a significant drawback for members who are hoping to save on fuel costs but live in an area where these stations aren’t readily available.
While the fuel discount is valuable for those who can use it, the lack of widespread availability reduces its appeal for a larger group of potential members.
6. Not As Comprehensive As Other Membership Programs
Walmart Plus offers a range of helpful features, but it doesn’t have the same comprehensive offerings as other membership programs like Amazon Prime. For example, Amazon Prime includes access to streaming services like Prime Video, Prime Music, and Prime Reading, along with a variety of other benefits. Walmart Plus, on the other hand, focuses primarily on shopping-related perks and lacks entertainment features. If you’re looking for an all-in-one membership program that offers entertainment, cloud storage, and more, Walmart Plus might not be the best fit for you.
7. Customer Service Challenges
Some Walmart Plus members have reported challenges with customer service, particularly when dealing with delivery issues, billing errors, or trouble with the app. These frustrations can detract from the overall experience, especially if you run into problems that take time to resolve. While these issues are not uncommon with many subscription services, poor customer service can be a significant deterrent for potential members who expect a high level of support.
If you’re someone who values responsive customer service, it’s worth considering whether Walmart Plus’s customer support will meet your expectations.
Conclusion
Walmart Plus offers a robust set of benefits that can be extremely valuable for frequent Walmart shoppers. From free delivery and fuel discounts to exclusive early access to deals and streamlined shopping experiences, Walmart Plus provides significant advantages that can save time and money. However, it’s important to weigh these benefits against the potential drawbacks, such as limited delivery coverage, a minimum purchase requirement for free delivery, and the $98 annual fee, which may not be worthwhile for infrequent shoppers.
Ultimately, Walmart Plus is best suited for those who shop at Walmart regularly and are looking for ways to enhance their shopping experience. By considering both the pros and cons laid out in this article, you can make an informed decision about whether Walmart Plus is the right choice for your shopping needs.