Walmart+ Members Get InHome Delivery Service Option

The mega retailer is also charging some suppliers new transport fees.

July 07, 2022

Walmart InHome Delivery Service

BENTONVILLE, Ark.—Walmart’s InHome Delivery Service, which delivers groceries to customers’ fridges, is now available as an optional add-on within Walmart+, according to a news release. The services were two separate memberships, but now new and existing Walmart+ members can choose the membership plan that includes the in-home grocery delivery service.

“When Walmart+ members ask for something, we work around the clock to make it happen for them,” said Chris Cracchiolo, senior vice president and general manager of Walmart+. “Our members want options and a shopping experience that is easy to navigate and accommodates their individual needs, while saving them time and money—this is true now more than ever.”

Members of Walmart+’s $12.95 a month/$98 a year program can add unlimited, fee-free and tip-free InHome delivery for an extra $7 a month or $40 per year. When both services are purchased annually at $138, members pay $10 less than the previous annual pricing when Walmart+ and InHome were separate memberships.

Walmart is also launching InHome in new markets, including Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Dallas, Austin, San Jose and San Francisco. The additional markets nearly double the footprint where the service is available.

“As that added layer of convenience, InHome delivery enables customers to pick and choose where their groceries are delivered—anywhere from their doorstep to directly into the refrigerator. The InHome service is both ultra-convenient and secure,” said Walmart in the release.

Walmart’s eCommerce sales grew by 38% over the last two years, according to the company, and it’s expanding its delivery slot capacity by 35% this year to meet growing demand.

“We know how much InHome members love this service—they see the same familiar faces and build real relationships with our associates, who help them get through their busy weeks,” said Whitney Pegden, vice president and general manager, InHome at Walmart. “InHome has one of the highest customer experience ratings in the business, and now we’ve made it even easier to access in even more locations as we grow to reach over 30 million households by the end of the year.”

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Walmart is charging some of its suppliers a new fee for the company to transport goods to its warehouses and stores. A memo viewed by the Journal said that companies that use Walmart to transport goods to the retailer’s warehouses and stores will be charged a fuel surcharge and a “collect pickup charge” starting August 1.

The reason for the charge “is a result of Walmart adapting to the significant transformation and increased cost seen in the transportation industry over the past few years,” said Walmart in the memo.

The collect pick up charge is a percentage of the cost of goods received by Walmart, and the fuel surcharge is based on the cost of fuel to transport the goods.

A Walmart spokesperson told the Journal that the fees help the company adapt to the current economic environment while keeping prices low for consumers.

“We’ve been working really hard on costs, top to bottom, taking action to get our costs down so that the second quarter looks better than the first quarter,” said Walmart Chief Executive Doug McMillon during a June investor meeting.

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