Walmart glitch let shoppers score 90% off—but beware the hidden risk that could cost you
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Scoring a huge discount can feel like hitting the jackpot. Some shoppers have found ways to get products worth thousands for only a fraction of the price—all without leaving their home.
One young bargain hunter uncovered a way to grab more than 90% off at Walmart by acting fast when a glitch appeared.
But while it may sound like the ultimate hack, there’s a serious risk tied to it that could wipe out the savings in seconds.
Meet Austin, a 24-year-old with a knack for sniffing out deals. He’s part of a growing online movement—deal-hunting chat groups—where members share secret sales, hidden discounts, and even the occasional pricing glitch.
These groups, like the wildly popular RebelDealz on Telegram, have exploded in popularity, ballooning from 20,000 to 80,000 members in just a year.
It’s a digital treasure trove for anyone looking to save a buck, with new deals popping up every few minutes.
Austin’s not just shopping for himself, either. He stocks up on everything from shoes and cookware to furniture, sometimes reselling his finds on Facebook Marketplace for a tidy profit.
It’s a side hustle that’s as much about community as it is about cash—members tip each other off to flash sales, clearance events, and even those rare, too-good-to-be-true pricing errors.
For a brief, glorious window, thousands of items were marked down by at least 90%.
It’s not about a few dollars off here and there—think robot vacuums for $14 (down from $400), wine fridges for $20 (usually $200), and even a $3,000 riding lawnmower for just $300.
Austin managed to snap up around 30 items, including gifts for friends and family and plenty to resell.
Here’s a taste of his haul:
Also read: Sam’s Club just rolled out 10 major changes—here’s what shoppers need to know
If they spot a mistake before your order ships, they can—and often do—cancel your order.
In Austin’s case, Walmart tried to halt shipments and even asked postal carriers to return the goods.
But the system was so overwhelmed that many items had already shipped, and some customers even received refunds while keeping the products.
Still, there’s no guarantee. “Retailers are almost never legally required to honour prices that are clearly the result of a website glitch,” explains commercial law expert Chad D. Cummings
In most cases, the sale isn’t legally binding until the product ships, and if the price is obviously a mistake, the courts are unlikely to force the retailer to honour it.
Also read: Don’t ignore that $4.19 charge—Chase customers are finding their accounts quietly drained with sneaky tip charges
If you push your luck too far—say, by coordinating mass purchases during a glitch—you could find yourself banned from the retailer, flagged by payment processors, or even investigated for fraud.
What starts as a cheeky hack can quickly leave a digital paper trail with real-world consequences.
And let’s not forget the reputational risk. If you’re reselling glitch items online, you might attract unwanted attention from both the retailer and your fellow bargain hunters.
Extreme couponing, for example, has helped some shoppers save tens of thousands over the years.
Others use cashback apps, loyalty programs, and price-matching policies to keep their grocery bills in check.
Just remember: if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is—so always read the fine print and know your rights as a consumer.
Read next:
Have you ever stumbled across a pricing error or scored a massive discount online? Do you have any tips on how to save big (without the risk)?
One young bargain hunter uncovered a way to grab more than 90% off at Walmart by acting fast when a glitch appeared.
But while it may sound like the ultimate hack, there’s a serious risk tied to it that could wipe out the savings in seconds.
Meet Austin, a 24-year-old with a knack for sniffing out deals. He’s part of a growing online movement—deal-hunting chat groups—where members share secret sales, hidden discounts, and even the occasional pricing glitch.
These groups, like the wildly popular RebelDealz on Telegram, have exploded in popularity, ballooning from 20,000 to 80,000 members in just a year.
It’s a digital treasure trove for anyone looking to save a buck, with new deals popping up every few minutes.
Austin’s not just shopping for himself, either. He stocks up on everything from shoes and cookware to furniture, sometimes reselling his finds on Facebook Marketplace for a tidy profit.
It’s a side hustle that’s as much about community as it is about cash—members tip each other off to flash sales, clearance events, and even those rare, too-good-to-be-true pricing errors.
How the Glitch Worked—And What He Scored
The biggest score came about three years ago, when a massive glitch on Walmart’s website sent prices tumbling.For a brief, glorious window, thousands of items were marked down by at least 90%.
It’s not about a few dollars off here and there—think robot vacuums for $14 (down from $400), wine fridges for $20 (usually $200), and even a $3,000 riding lawnmower for just $300.
Austin managed to snap up around 30 items, including gifts for friends and family and plenty to resell.
Here’s a taste of his haul:
- Robot vacuums and mops: $400 → $14
- Trash cans: $80 → $6
- Cube organisers: $45 → $3
- Wine fridges: $200 → $20
- Outdoor sets with bar table and chairs: $120 → $15
- Ottomans: $70 → $4 each
Also read: Sam’s Club just rolled out 10 major changes—here’s what shoppers need to know
When a Bargain Becomes a Gamble
But as with all things that seem too good to be true, there’s a catch. Retailers like Walmart have policies in place for pricing errors.If they spot a mistake before your order ships, they can—and often do—cancel your order.
In Austin’s case, Walmart tried to halt shipments and even asked postal carriers to return the goods.
But the system was so overwhelmed that many items had already shipped, and some customers even received refunds while keeping the products.
Still, there’s no guarantee. “Retailers are almost never legally required to honour prices that are clearly the result of a website glitch,” explains commercial law expert Chad D. Cummings
In most cases, the sale isn’t legally binding until the product ships, and if the price is obviously a mistake, the courts are unlikely to force the retailer to honour it.
Also read: Don’t ignore that $4.19 charge—Chase customers are finding their accounts quietly drained with sneaky tip charges
The Hidden Risks of Deal-Hunting Chats
Beyond the risk of a cancelled order, there are other dangers lurking in the world of online deal-huntingIf you push your luck too far—say, by coordinating mass purchases during a glitch—you could find yourself banned from the retailer, flagged by payment processors, or even investigated for fraud.
What starts as a cheeky hack can quickly leave a digital paper trail with real-world consequences.
And let’s not forget the reputational risk. If you’re reselling glitch items online, you might attract unwanted attention from both the retailer and your fellow bargain hunters.
Other Ways to Save—Without the Risk
If all this talk of glitches and group chats sounds a bit too risky, don’t worry—there are plenty of safer ways to stretch your dollar.Extreme couponing, for example, has helped some shoppers save tens of thousands over the years.
Others use cashback apps, loyalty programs, and price-matching policies to keep their grocery bills in check.
Just remember: if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is—so always read the fine print and know your rights as a consumer.
Read next:
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