Walmart May Owe You Some Money: How To File A Claim
Walmart could owe you up to $500 as part of a class-action lawsuit settlement. If you purchased weighted groceries or bagged fruits between October 2018 and January 2024, you could be eligible to receive a settlement check. The settlement claims that Walmart overcharged for packaged meat, poultry, pork, and seafood, and bagged citrus.
The class-action lawsuit claims the grocery chain’s customers “paid more than the lowest in-store advertised price” on certain products. According to the lawsuit obtained by TODAY, the grocery chain executed an “allegedly deceptive pricing scheme.” They said the document claims the retailer “falsely inflates the product weight” on weighted products and “mislabels the weight of bagged products.”
Eligibility For Walmart Settlement
According to the settlement website, those who bought an eligible product and have a receipt are entitled to get 2% of the total cost of their purchase, capped at $500. Walmart customers without a receipt for their purchase during the designated time period can still submit a claim for between $10 and $25, depending on how much they attest to buying.
If you don’t have your receipts at hand, you may be able to retrieve them from Walmart’s website here.
“In addition, the amount that a Settlement Class Member will receive depends on the number of people who submit valid Claim Forms because all amounts are subject to a potential pro-rata increase or decrease and to a supplemental distribution,” said the settlement website.
How To File a Claim
If you are eligible, you can submit a claim form online or via mail. It must be postmarked or submitted online by June 5, 2024.
Customers will receive payment electronically through Venmo, Zelle, ACH, or a virtual pre-paid MasterCard, according to the settlement website. Those who prefer a paper check or are unable to receive electronic payment can request one on the website.
Furthermore, customers have until June 5 to submit a claim to participate in the settlement, which still needs to receive final approval at a hearing scheduled for June 12. Those who want to be excluded from the settlement have until May 22 to opt-out.
Walmart has agreed to pay $45 million to customers, with some shoppers receiving up to $500.
A Walmart spokesperson shared a statement with TODAY, that said “We will continue providing our customers everyday low prices to help them save money on the products they want and need. We still deny the allegations, however, we believe a settlement is in the best interest of both parties.”
More about the class-action settlement can be found here.
Steer Clear: 8 Grocery Store Behaviors to Avoid
Disrespecting Employees
This should be common sense, but one of the fundamental rules of grocery store etiquette is to treat employees with respect and kindness. While it’s understandable to occasionally have moments of price shock or policy gripes. But don’t take it out on the people working at the grocery store. They’re not the ones setting the prices. Venting your frustration on employees is never the right approach. Refrain from raising your voice or engaging in arguments with cashiers and staff members on the sales floor.
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Packing Out the Express Checkout
We all love the quick in-and-out experience of using self-checkout for those small hauls. But the self-service lane loses its charm when people with massive shopping carts, loaded with groceries decide to set up camp there. It’s even worse when they have items needing special codes. So, think of self-checkout as the express lane, where it’s best to stick to around ten items or less. Using the express checkout lane with more items than the posted limit can hold up the line for others who are following the rules. It’s worth mentioning that many grocery stores are opting for more self-checkout lanes in their stores.
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Aisle Bites
You’ve probably seen people snacking on food they haven’t paid for yet at the grocery store. Some even take half-eaten items to the cashier to scan. This is not only rude but also unhygienic. It’s like treating the store as your personal buffet and it makes others uncomfortable. While satisfying your cravings is perfectly fine, there are better ways to go about it.
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Grocery Blocker
You’re bound to bump into a friend or neighbor while grocery shopping, but consider where you stop for a chat. If you see someone eyeing the produce behind you, it’s a good sign to wrap up and find a quieter spot. Keep in mind that grocery store catch-ups should be relatively short. It’s not the ideal time for lengthy reunions, especially if others are waiting to shop. The same courtesy applies to your shopping cart. Don’t park your cart smack in the middle and block the way for everyone else.
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Stashing Unwanted Groceries and Trash
If you change your mind about something while shopping, do everyone a favor and return it to where it belongs. Dumping unwanted items in random aisles instead of returning them to their proper creates frustration for both store employees and fellow shoppers. Nobody wants to discover a rogue carton of buttermilk sitting next to the potato chips. It makes the store messy, confuses people, and turns a simple grocery trip into a weird scavenger hunt. In some grocery stores, you might find cafes where you can stroll the aisles with a coffee or beverage in hand. Chances are you’ve come across half-empty Starbucks cups or abandoned water bottles among the store shelves. When you’ve finished your drink, it’s best to dispose of the cup or bottle properly.
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Leaving Your Grocery Cart Wherever
Bringing back your shopping cart is the most basic form of grocery store courtesy. Returning your shopping cart is a quick task and it’s a huge help for the store staff. Additionally, left-behind carts can lead to more significant problems. A deserted cart in the parking area may potentially cause damage to vehicles. A cart left behind inside can cause a roadblock in the store.
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Lack of Personal Space
When we’re shopping at the grocery store, give people their personal space. Whether browsing the aisles for your favorite snacks or waiting in line at the checkout, respecting personal space is key. No one likes feeling crowded or rushed while making their selections, and we all appreciate a bit of privacy when completing our transactions.
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Rude Cellphone Usage
When you’re at the store, try not to use your phone too much. It’s okay to make a quick call to roomie to ask about ketchup, but keep it quiet and brief. Save the catching up for later. Also, don’t text and push your cart at the same time because you might bump into something or someone. Lastly, unless you’re using your phone for digital coupons or rewards, it’s best to put it away during checkout.
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