Dollar stores aren’t that much of a bargain!Â
Whenever you see “Dollar Store” advertised, you think that you’re able to score a good deal! However, a dollar is only a dollar until it suddenly becomes $1.25. Given the recent price hike at Dollar Trees across the nation, where most of the $1 items turned into $1.25, it’s time to evaluate the true value of dollar store purchases. If you frequently purchase items from the dollar store but you can never use them because of their poor craftsmanship or subpar quality, you’re just throwing money out the window.
Because we love to help out our brainiacs and we do enjoy a bit of research, in today’s article we will share some of the worst things you can buy at dollar stores. And if you want to save some money next time you go shopping, you may want to start taking notes. Let’s get into it!
1. Tools
Tools are among the first items that should be avoided at dollar stores. Why? Because the tools sold at dollar shops are of poor quality and probably won’t last very long. Tape measures, screwdrivers, paint brushes, and wrenches are some of the worst items you can buy at these shops. They are undoubtedly extremely affordable, but the material is poor.
It is best to stay away from purchasing your tools from dollar stores if you enjoy DIY tasks. Even if they are low-cost, you will eventually become frustrated by them.
2. Batteries
Shoppers have long been cautioned against purchasing batteries at dollar stores, particularly carbon-zinc ones, by dollar store experts and deal websites. Why? They don’t last as long as alkaline batteries do, and if they leak, they can harm your gadgets. The e-circuit and Panasonic brands of the “heavy duty” batteries that were promoted for $1.25 each came with a warning to be used only for small devices, such as remote controls and clock radios.
Instead of shopping for batteries at these stores, try buying Duracell. They are definitely better quality, plus they will also cost you less money than you think! You’re not a fan of Duracell? Try the ones from Kirkland Signature.
42 thoughts on “Warning: Avoid These 10 Dollar Store Items at All Costs!”
Lovely
Certainly there are more than 10 items not to buy at Dollar stores. When will more be provided??
As an educated consumer I thank you and appreciate your advice. Although the store is now $1.25 there are some good deals still there.
The greeting cards are a good deal at 2 for 1 or even $1 each. One needs to have patience to browse the aisles. Sometimes amazing things can be found.
You are absolutely correct! I buy they’re package of Sponges for my dishes, 6 to a package and the quality is great! Gift bags and very nice gift boxes, brand name toothpaste, lotions, Yardley & coast bar soap, stationary items, mylar balloons…the list goes on!
Go in with time to look around, lots of
good deals!
AMEN DEBBY !!!! You are so right !!!!!!
A better list would be the Top 10 Items to Purchase from the Dollar Store. *BTW I totally disagree with one of your ‘avoidances’ which is why I’m placing it at #1 on my list.
TOP TEN THINGS TO PURCHASE AT THE DOLLAR STORE
1. TOILET PAPER. It isn’t 1-ply it’s 2-ply and the fibre-thing mentioned in the article is not true/non-existent = IT WORKS FINE FOR MEN & WOMEN
2. BREAD. The Dollar Store (Dollar Tree) in my area has white bread, wheat bread, rolls, bagels, hot dog & hamburger buns, sliced sourdough, etc., $1.25 + tax. THERE’S NO REASON TO BUY BREAD ANYWHERE ELSE.
3. NON-DAIRY MILK. There are several types to choose from (oat, soy, etc.,), all for $1.25. + tax. *Granted, most are smaller sized containers but even purchasing two is cheaper than purchasing one milk anywhere else.
4. 2-LITER OR 1-LITER SODA. Shasta 2L for $1.25 + tax or bigger name brand 1L for $1.25. It’s a good price hard to find elsewhere.
5. PAPER TOWELS. Okay so they’re not the best or highest quality but for $1.25 + tax I doubt you can beat that price.
6. LIGHTERS. Yeah they’re cheap as F but they work. I can remember buying lighters for like 40¢ back in the day but good luck finding one for less than $3 these days.
7. PAPER PLATES. Once again they’re cheaply made but they work. Even doubling up two of them is a cheaper option than using 1 of the more expensive brands.
8. COFFEE. I can’t afford quality coffee anymore. Wish I could. Coffee quality DOES matter obviously. However, if you just want coffee that is drinkable and affordable you can buy a bag for $1.25 + tax. I think I got 8 coffees or more from the bag. *Just fill up one of those little multiple use plastic Keurig cups (mine’s orange) for your Keurig coffee maker or similar and you’re all good. It’s how I manage to drink coffee nearly every day though I’m on a dollar-sized budget.
9. HOT DOGS. Yes…who knows what’s actually in them(?)…the ones I get say Turkey…my least favorite choice I’ll admit but I think they have a beef choice too and air fried for 6-7 mins they’re decent.
10. CANDY. Candy is crazy expensive wherever you buy it but there is a large selection of name brand candy i e., Reese’s, Milky Way, Snickers, M&M + Peanut M&M, for $1.25 + tax – FOR A BAG OF THEM (they’re usually mini-sized or medium-sized) but not bad for a dollar budget.
OTHER NOTABLE ITEMS.
Sliced American cheese, cheap cookies. *Not the tastiest sliced cheese but certainly not the worst.**For cheap cookies I think the best they offer are the vanilla or fudge-striped kind, both are generic brands but they’re edible and better than nothing.
Thank you for mentioning items that are actually decent at the dollar store. I do drink coffee and I love the small bags of flavored coffee. I usually grab two and I also on occasion pick up candy and or the Planters peanuts.
Solid advice! TP who gives an S, but it’s the best buy at a dollar store err 1.25 for 4 rolls? Heck yes.
I got a 12 pack for $3.00
You are a smart shopper Michael !!!! Good for you, I LOVE the Dollar stores !!!!
Hi Michael! I must agree because whenever I’m in the US for travel its always the store for me to buy things I need like coffee, creamer, snacks, soda, canned goods, etc at a very low price and I even brought some at home in the Philippines. Nothing’s wrong about the items being sold and 1.25 + tax isn’t bad compared with some other stores. I remembered I bought a lot of chicolates that I brought in the Philippines. Please don’t do this. The store is really a place for people who spends money wisely. Sonia V
So true Lanette !!!! Cards are the number one thing I buy there. Coloring books & puzzle books are another thing I buy. I always buy facial bronzing powder & other makeup. Cleaning products also. I think a big corporation wrote this article because the dollar store is stealing their business !!! KEEP BUYING AT DOLLAR STORES !!!! 90% of the stuff there is a GOOD BUY !!!!
Dry useful I agree no one gets something for nothing in this day and time and if it seems too good to be true it probably is!!!
BULL**** !!! The dollar store rocks !!!! It’s a MUST HAVE place to shop for people with low incomes !!!!!
Thanks again No one gets something for nothing in less it’s a gift from God!!!
Thank you for this valuable$$$ advice.
MOST of that advise is crap !!!! I KNOW, I shop there ALL THE TIME & most of this stuff is a bargain & worth it !!!
NOW THEY ARE COSTING MORE BECAUSE THEY ARE NOW DOLLAR TREE/ FAMILY DOLLAR IN WHICH THEY HAVE NICE NEW STUFF BUT IT COST FROM $1.25 TO $5.00 TO EVEN $10.00 . I KNOW STUFF IS COSTING MORE EVERYDAY . IT STILL IS A CHEAP PLACE TO BUY THINGS .
BATTERIES DON’T LAST VERY LONG AND SOME OF THE TOYS HAVE BAD PAINT . I HAVE NOT HAD ANY PROBLEM WITH ANY THING ELSE . I LIKE THE DOLLAR TREE AND NOW THEY ARE DOLLAR TREE / FAMILY DOLLAR . EITHER WAY YOU LOOK AT IT THEY ARE A GOOD STORE AND NOW THEY GOT NICER THINGS AS WELL .
This may be helpful regarding the use of cheap batteries, buy battery charger which charges all different sizes of batteries.
R U serious a battery charger won’t chare a non-chargeable battery. Good way to burn you place down.
AMEN Cheryl !!!! LOVE Dollar stores !!!! Helped me stretch my dollars for MANY years !!!!!!
Sounds like your out to get DOLLARTREE…we all know its cheap stuff but for the most part IK think we can see with our own eyes and know what’s good and not good..
You are so right Danney !!!! Keep shopping there and saving !!!!
Paint brushes, the ones with brown handles are of good quality. I definitely disagree with items you have posted. I remodel quite a bit at home and outside and I have used these brushes for years with no problems. I also use the leveling tools they sale with no issues among others.
You can find some good things at Dollar Tree but it depends on what you are looking for. I do think they have good greeting cards, paper towels, and things of that nature. Always remember that you get what you pay for, so the quality of things in the store is not that great.
There are certain things in Dollar Tree that are worth the money, other things not so much. It’s still a good store to shop in and get some good stuff. When people can’t afford the groceries from major stores they have no choice but to buy cheap. We all need to survive. I always buy certain merchandise from Dollar Tree.
I like Dollar tree… they have name brand bread and snacks that are always fresh and not outdated, you have to get there early in the morning when the bread delivery person comes, that bread and snacks go fast and they’re only 1.25 ea.
Sometimes you just cant afford the higher prices on every day items. And you find it necessary to use cheaper items. Other times, it is just plain refreshing to find items like greeting cards, yard decorations, books for kids, crossword puzzle books for adults, travel cosmetics that can be descarded at the end of the trip. Good job, Dollar Stores. Keep helping me save money!
AMEN JUDY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🙂
Powdered detergents don’t expire. Liquids could become clumpy. I have not read on any legit site that the expired liquids could damage your skin. They may lose some fragrance or some cleaning power.
Use the nail polish from DT as cheap touch up paint to cover up small spots/scratches for my vehicles & bikes. Not an exact match but works well overall for the most part. Buying the same quantity from the car dealer or auto parts store will cost you at least 10X’s as much and sometimes you still can’t get an exact match, even if it’s from the car dealer’s parts dept.
the body liquid wash is so weak. too much liquid , takes twice as much to bathe.
the body lotion is not quite as weak, If you want nice thick lotion, get the tubes of lotion. it is good, but can’t be poured into pump container
Most household items are produced by the same company as the popular brands such as laundry detergent, therefore it is just as good as the name-brand … Guaranteed!!! Also never ever purchase plastic utensils unless you like melted-plastic in your food. Don’t ever buy so called fresh vegetables from the Dollar Store, because it was purchased from CHINA, there food has plastic in it!!!
I appreciate your comments, but I feel they are misleading. Maybe you’ve had a bad experience with Dollar Tree. However I shop there all the time, especially for my tools (some are not great but most of the tools are good and they do work).
I buy cleaning supplies, toiletry items, socks, food, dishwear and decor. I give my grands money when they do good and they go to the toy section and love it. This day and age you must be frugal and I’m glad Dollar Tree helps me to keep extra money in my pocket for emergencies.
art supplies, glass items (especially plates and glasses), name brands of toiletries, school supplies, writing materials, canned goods and nut milks, soap and cloth towels, books, (often great one and
books for kids), children’s learning items (puzzles, coloring books, canvasses, crayons and pens, ns, etc.)
There are many good buys I have not listed. There is no basis for disparaging dollar stores. The quality of goods varies, of course, but no more than at regular discount stores. Admittedly I only use Dollar Tree.
I like the dollar store because I do Arts and Crafts. My husband says ” the best thing to buy from the dollar stores are the Gift Bags. Because you are giving everything you buy from there away”.
I love the Dollar Tree. I have bought many things that have been great. I don’t like the cosmetics but that is all. Always fun to browse with a few extra dollars.
Nancy
I love the dollar tree, I’m a preschool teacher and I get a lot of my educational stuff there. I also like getting personal there. Time have changed everything cost more from groceries to rent etc.
I’m elderly and still bowl. I buy the lidocaine patches for my back. I also buy the heavy duty plastic spoons and forks. Less washing than metal. I also like the snacks (chips-corn nuts-ritz bits-etc. I’ll not dis-respect any store for any reason.
Some of those things, including tools, I didn’t know Dollar Tree offered. Although, for toilet paper, Dollar Genera isn’t so bad,
Why would someone want EXp date on detergent?,What does that matter? So odd?