Walmart Tricks & Secrets
Insider strategies to save up to 95% on every purchase
🎯 Walmart Tricks & Secrets
Insider strategies to save up to 95% on every purchase
1 Barcode Scanning Secret
Save up to 95%The Walmart app has a hidden feature that reveals clearance prices before items are marked down on shelves. Many shoppers miss massive discounts because clearance items aren’t always labeled.
How to Do It:
- Download the official Walmart app (iOS/Android)
- Go to any Walmart store
- Open the app and tap the barcode scanner icon
- Scan items that look like they might be on clearance (seasonal items, discontinued packaging, items in wrong locations)
- If the app shows a lower price than the shelf tag, that’s the clearance price you’ll pay at checkout
- Take a screenshot as proof if the cashier questions it
2 Price Tag Color Codes
Final Clearance IndicatorWalmart uses a secret pricing system with specific endings that tell you if an item will be marked down further or if it’s at its lowest price.
The Secret Code:
- Prices ending in .00 or .01 – Final clearance, won’t go lower. Buy now!
- Prices ending in .97 – Manager markdown, great deal but might go lower
- Prices ending in .50 – First markdown, will likely drop more. Wait if possible.
- Prices ending in .88 – Clearance item, check back for further reductions
- Prices ending in .03 – Store-specific clearance, varies by location
3 Hidden Clearance Sections
Save 50-90%Every Walmart has secret clearance areas that most shoppers never find. These sections change locations and aren’t advertised.
Where to Look:
- Back corners of departments – Electronics, toys, and home goods often have clearance in rear corners
- Top and bottom shelves – Clearance items are pushed to hard-to-reach spots
- Endcaps near the back – Not the flashy front endcaps, but the ones deep in aisles
- Seasonal section after holidays – 75-90% off within 2 weeks of major holidays
- Behind customer service – Some stores have a clearance area near returns
- Garden center in winter – Outdoor items heavily discounted off-season
4 Seasonal Markdown Calendar
Time Your PurchasesWalmart follows predictable markdown schedules throughout the year. Knowing when items go on clearance can save you hundreds.
Best Times to Buy:
- January: Christmas items (90% off), fitness equipment, winter clothing
- February: Valentine’s Day items (75% off after Feb 15)
- March: Winter clearance final markdowns
- April: Easter items (75% off after holiday)
- May: Spring items, outdoor furniture starts clearance
- June: Summer toys, grills (early markdowns)
- July: Summer clearance begins, back-to-school prep
- August: Summer items 50-75% off, school supplies peak
- September: Back-to-school clearance (75% off)
- October: Summer final clearance, Halloween items
- November: Halloween clearance (90% off), pre-Black Friday deals
- December: Toys peak prices (wait until after Christmas)
5 Early Morning Shopping Advantage
First Access to DealsWalmart restocks and marks down items overnight. Shopping early gives you first pick of clearance items before they’re picked over.
Optimal Shopping Times:
- 6-8 AM: Best time for fresh markdowns and restocked clearance
- Tuesday-Thursday mornings: Most stores do major markdowns mid-week
- First week of the month: New clearance cycles often start monthly
- Avoid weekends: Clearance items are picked over by Sunday afternoon
6 Endcap Strategy
Hidden Deals in Plain SightEndcaps (displays at the end of aisles) often feature unadvertised deals, especially clearance items mixed with regular-priced products.
How to Exploit Endcaps:
- Scan EVERY item on endcaps with the Walmart app
- Don’t assume the endcap price is the actual price
- Look for items that seem out of place (clearance items mixed in)
- Check endcaps in the back of the store first
- Endcaps near clearance sections often have better deals
7 Rollback Recognition
Identify Real DealsWalmart’s “Rollback” program offers temporary price reductions, but not all rollbacks are created equal. Learn to spot the best ones.
Rollback Secrets:
- Yellow Rollback signs: Temporary price cuts, usually 2-3 months
- Check original price: Some rollbacks are minimal (only $1-2 off)
- Best rollbacks: 30% or more off original price
- Combine with coupons: Manufacturer coupons work on rollback items
- Rollback + clearance: Occasionally items go from rollback to clearance (huge savings)
8 Ask the Right Questions
Employee Insider KnowledgeWalmart employees know markdown schedules, clearance locations, and upcoming deals. Asking politely can unlock insider information.
Questions to Ask:
- “What day do you usually mark down [department]?”
- “Is there a clearance section for [category] I’m missing?”
- “When do seasonal items typically go to final clearance?”
- “Are there any unadvertised deals happening this week?”
- “Can you check if this item will be marked down further?”
💎 Bonus Advanced Tricks
Additional Money-Saving Secrets:
- Price Match Guarantee: Walmart matches Amazon, Target, and other major retailers. Show proof on your phone at checkout.
- Savings Catcher (discontinued but…): Use third-party apps like Ibotta or Fetch Rewards for cashback on receipts.
- Walmart+ Free Trial: Sign up for free shipping and gas discounts, cancel before trial ends if not worth it.
- Pickup Discount: Online pickup orders sometimes have lower prices than in-store.
- Clearance Stickers: Orange or yellow clearance stickers mean final markdown. No sticker? It might go lower.
- Store-Specific Clearance: Rural Walmarts often have better clearance than urban stores (less competition).
- Return Policy Loophole: Items bought on clearance can be returned for store credit at original price (check current policy).
- Manager’s Special: Meat, bakery, and produce get marked down 50% near expiration. Shop in evenings.
- Damaged Box Discount: Ask for a discount on items with damaged packaging (10-25% off).
- Walmart App Exclusive Prices: Some items are cheaper when ordered through the app vs. in-store.
⚠️ Affiliate Disclosure
This guide is brought to you by bragbargains.com. We participate in affiliate programs and may earn commissions from purchases made through our links at no additional cost to you. We only recommend strategies and tools we genuinely believe provide value. Many of our best tips don’t generate any affiliate revenue—we share them because they work.
Disclaimer: Prices, policies, and availability are subject to change. Always verify current prices and policies with Walmart. This guide is for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Walmart Inc.
⚖️ Legal Disclaimer
No Affiliation: This guide is NOT affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Walmart Inc. Walmart and related marks are trademarks of Walmart Inc.
No Guarantees: We make no guarantees regarding availability of deals, accuracy of prices, or savings amounts. Prices and policies change frequently—always verify with Walmart.
Limitation of Liability: bragbargains.com and its contributors shall not be held liable for any financial losses, damages, or disputes arising from use of this information. Use at your own risk.
User Conduct: Users agree to use all strategies ethically and in accordance with store policies. Do not engage in fraudulent or abusive behavior.
Last Updated: January 2025
