When it comes to shopping while on a budget, chances are one of the stores that will first come to mind is Walmart. Founded in 1962 in Rogers, Arkansas, the retail company has long been offering items at very low and affordable prices throughout the years. According to their company website, “Through innovation, we’re creating a seamless experience to let customers shop anytime and anywhere online and in stores. We are creating opportunities and bringing value to customers and communities around the globe.” After all, their slogan does say, “Save Money. Live Better.”
However, despite the plethora of things you could buy at Walmart, shopping experts say that some purchases just aren’t worth it. What are these items exactly? Keep reading to know more from Kristin McGrath, shopping expert at BlackFriday.com and Julie Ramhold, consumer analyst with DealNews.com.
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Television Sets
In an article published by GOBanking Rates, McGrath shares, "Walmart is a great option if you need to minimize the costs of your next set, but it doesn’t have as big of a variety on the high-end side of the spectrum.“
She notes, "Consider electronics stores like Best Buy, or warehouse stores like Costco (which is also known for its electronics warranty). And here’s a tip for Black Friday: Walmart will always have some of (if not the) lowest doorbuster prices on select TVs—but make sure you check the brand and the specs—it might be worth paying a couple hundred dollars more at Walmart or at another retailer to get a TV that lasts longer, instead of that tempting doorbuster."
Furniture
Additionally, McGrath tells GOBanking Rates, "If you’re looking for something that will last (or stand up to pets and kids), you’ll need to spend more—and go to furniture speciality stores." She suggests checking out your locally-owned furniture stores and Ashley Furniture Home Store since they can have "higher-end furniture and a lot of variety."
Prepaid Phone Plans
"Walmart is known for offering StraightTalk wireless plans but the service routinely ranks as one of the worst available,” Ramhold warns GOBanking Rates. She explains, "You’re much better off investigating options like Google Fi for affordable plans. [If] you want to stick with prepaid, check out Mint Mobile, as it often makes the 'best of' lists."
Maple Syrup and Honey
Looking to add some sweetness to your favorite waffles and pancakes? Shopping experts believe you're better off buying maple syrup and honey at other stores, instead of Walmart. Ramhold points out that for maple syrup, "The best deal you can find on this item is undoubtedly at a warehouse club: Costco has a 33.8 ounce bottle for $13.11 which works out to about 39 cents per ounce; at Walmart, even the generic brand (which is usually the cheapest) will cost you nearly 64 cents per ounce, although a 32 ounce bottle (the closest to the Costco size) will cost about 50 cents per ounce.”
As for honey, she says, "A 12-ounce bottle of Great Value honey is about $3.72 or 31 cents per ounce; however, at Costco, you can buy 5 pounds of wildflower honey for $15.29—that’s 19 cents per ounce."
We'll definitely take note of all these shopping tips!
