Walmart's New Cart Fee angers customers: What You need to know

Walmart recently added a new fee of $6.99 for Walmart+ Assist subscribers who order online and spend under $35. This upset customers - in particular those using benefits like EBT or Medicaid. The new fee is called a "basket fee," and generally only applies to small purchases (even though they are paying for free delivery in their membership). Many think it is an unfair and exclusionary strategy.

Walmart+ Assist is a discounted version of Walmart+ aimed at low income/ government assistance customers. Before now, the program allowed free shipping online, without any "minimum purchase." Now that the fee exists, it gives a small benefit to those signed up to the program, and especially affects those using the program to get basic goods (such as groceries, medical supplies, etc.) paid for with benefits. Following the announcement, social media filled quickly with complaints aimed at Walmart.

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Walmart defends Cart Fee amid customer backlash and concerns over industry impact

According to Walmart in their defense of the move, the change will allow the corporate juggernaut to keep pricing down and to keep operational costs sustainable. They claim the fee promotes large orders, which mitigates the cost of delivery. However, critics state this punishes customers who can't afford such large purchases and it's now a corporate choice rather than a sustainable operational choice. There is worry that this action will set a precedent for other retailers.

Customers have shared their grievances on platforms like Reddit and X (formerly Twitter), commenting the increased fee sometimes makes them unable to afford fresh food or medications. Many have stated they will cancel their membership, stating they feel deceived. Non-Walmart+ Assist users also acknowledge that this fee could extend across retailer partnerships. Growing public sentiment seems to have a very real chance of damaging the public image Walmart corporate holds.

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Walmart faces backlash over new Cart Fee amid rising consumer concerns

To date, Walmart has made no formal acknowledgement in response to the backlash, only confirming the charge on its website and customer service, and gave no promises to review it or diverge in statements. Likewise, consumer advocacy groups have expressed their opinions, some outright calling for boycotts or alternate shopping behaviours.

This is demonstrates conflicting interests between aspirations of business and needs of society. In an economic climate characterized by inflation and struggle, policies like this risk exacerbating inequalities. Walmart, traditionally viewed as cheap, now risks reputation reformulator. Public pressure may very well entice the company to strive to review/waive the charge; for the moment, many consumers are awaiting a more clear and fair description.