Walmart Chargeback Code 21: Store-level shortage
Extracted from source — pending expert reviewLast verified: 2026-07-09
What this deduction means
A Code 21 is a shortage discovered when the shipment arrives at the store, rather than at the distribution center's initial receipt. Walmart deducts for the units found missing at the store.
Typical penalty: Equal to the cost of the units short at the store
Common causes
- Units lost between the DC and the store during handling
- A miscount that only surfaced at store receiving
- A direct-store-delivery (DSD) discrepancy
How to prevent Walmart code 21
- Ensure carton and unit counts are accurate and labeled before shipment
- Keep signed delivery proof to dispute store-level shortages in the APDP
- Reconcile DSD deliveries against store receipts
Related EDI transactions
EDI 856EDI 810
Source
SPS Commerce SupplierWiki — All Walmart Deduction Codes (secondary industry source) (Accessed 2026-07-09; pending official Retail Link verification)
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