http://www.allelectronics.com/pdf/59.pdf
The pdf talks about how ac and dc wall transformers are not regulated unless
otherwise stated. They provide a specific voltage at a specific load. A 12V
500ma wall transformer may read 20 volts with no load or 9 volts with a
600ma load.
So matching up your load at the required voltage is what you need to do.
Exactly who expects a $3 part to be regulated?