How to Save Money

7 Reasons You Should Never Shop at Dollar Stores

Comments (20)
  1. Lisa Webb says:

    I have had the smaller size issue. I went the other day to get some werthers candy to take on a trip and they had multiple sizes, one was 3.5 Oz and one was 5.2 oz. Glad I looked before I bought them!

  2. MommieDawn says:

    Sizes are smaller – in some things. Not everything. But being the Dollar Store, I think we know this. I buy at the Dollar Store and 99 Cent Store because it’s for my guest bathroom, or goodie bags, or my college kid’s goodie boxes I send.

    You impulse purchase – you do that anywhere. Literally – the gas station, Walgreens, the grocery store, Michaels….there are impulse buys anywhere.

    Below Par Quality – I think this is a given. It’s the dollar store. But when I can get parchment paper that does the same thing and pay about 300% less than the grocery – I’m going to get it. Or tupper wear. Or coffee cups. Glass plates. Baking pans to throw away after one use.

    Healthy Options – Who goes to the dollar store for healthy options?

    Avoid knick knacks – I happen to like knick knacks. They make great stocking stuffers and holiday gift baskets and when the neighbor kid comes over for me to baby sit, it’s awesome to send her home with cute little things I get and keep in the cupboard.

    A buck isn’t always a good deal – True. Name brand isn’t always a good deal either.

    Name Brands – Who cares?

    As someone who sticks to a VERY strict budget and also LOVES to entertain and has two children, has a blog, loves to cook and blog about it – Dollar Tree is a lifesaver. Holiday decorations are an awesome thing to get there, Xmas tree decorations make it affordable for me to have a themed tree every year.

    Why have an article on your site about free shipping on Dollar Tree and talk up the store, to only talk it down in this one?

    Thumbs Down on this.

  3. I think these are great things to AVOID at the dollar store, but I LOVE the dollar store! There are definitely many things that you can find for a good price there. I actually have two whole posts on how you can create boredom busters for kids there for a good price! Good reminders of what NOT to buy. :)

  4. Lois says:

    I don’t know where you are buying toothbrushes for a dollar unless they are the ones for babies. Also mac and cheese goes on sale for more than a dollar. Dollar stores do have some good deals but obviously is not for all items or all shopping.

  5. Cindy says:

    I only shop at Dollar Tree – NEVER at Dollar General or Family Dollar, they are definitely rip offs. And, everything is not a dollar except at Dollar Tree.

    Never buy food, or cosmetics, but a great place for gift bags and odds and ends for kids birthday parties, etc. You have to be careful, but there are some good values there. Ours has grab bags for $1 which have been wonderful diversions for bored kiddies on car rides, etc. Just junk, but keeps them occupied for awhile.

    The impulse thing is a problem, DIL and I pick up everything and then discard most of it before we check out, LOL.

  6. Karen says:

    As with every store you shop in you have to be an educated consumer…BE choosey.

  7. Amy B says:

    You forgot to mention the high lead content found in many of the items at the dollar store, particularly children’s items like toys and play jewelry.

  8. jc says:

    Totally off the mark. Reasons are incorrect. Also so many good reasons to shop there especially if you are on a budget.

    1. Natalie says:

      I 100% agree with comment above..I am a poor 20 something year old and I have been SMARTLY shopping dollar stores for years, and let me tell you, the kitchen utensils that I paid $1 have lasted me for years, the glass food containers with lids have held up and are still BPA free, and non chipped, and the pens and pencils, notebooks, folders and other school supplies I purchased saved me major $$. Also they DO have full sized bath and body products, many name brand. Maybe try a different location?

  9. Dora says:

    I agree with every point in the article!

  10. Paula Strong says:

    Sorry – I do not agree at all. This teacher survives because of their school supplies. When you have to buy supplies for all of your students you have to shop cheap. I also love their gift bags!

  11. Laineykins says:

    I buy my bread there for $1 when it’s over $2 at the grocery store. Say what you will about Dollar Tree, I think you can get some great deals there. I haven’t noticed that the toothpaste is any smaller than what is sold at the pharmacy. However, I don’t buy just regular toothpaste. I need sensitive formula and prefer tooth whitening.

    I wouldn’t totally dismiss Dollar Tree. You can get good deals there, as with any other store, you do have to watch to make sure it’s a deal.

  12. Elizabeth Roby says:

    I agree with all of these! However, I do go for one thing. Awesome. It is the best cleaner and I have never found it elsewhere. But I know where that is and I grab it and leave. :)

  13. Kaycee Fisher says:

    This list, for the most part, should be ignored.

  14. sherri says:

    I work for a dollar store and if it wasn’t for dollar stores people with low income could not shop and get the deals they do to survive

  15. Linda says:

    I totally disagree on every point :( Here’s why: http://bit.ly/1wHQmpu

    1. Amy says:

      Linda.. Where do you live? It seems your $.99 store is much better than that dollar store we have here. I shop there sometimes but only for specific things that I know I will spend more elsewhere but I have never seen fresh produce ever. The pics you posted are a lot of things I look for and would love to find at the dollar store but the quality and brands just aren’t what I’m looking for. I would love to visit your $.99 store. It seems to have much better deals. Lol.

      1. Dogma71 says:

        99 Cent Only are mainly in California and Nevada. The prices went up for certain fruits & vegetables but it still helps out.

  16. Jen says:

    #1 and #7 are not always true. I have seen name brands at dollar tree as well as full size packages of things.

    1. lynda says:

      I have noticed that dishwashing liquid such a Dawn, Palmolive, etc is not the same as the soap that you buy at the big supermarkets. The ones that you buy at Dollar Tree, Dollar General and Big Lots are watered down. They may only cost a 1.00 but they are not a bargain.

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