Beware of the Dollar Stores

[nitewalker]

I know that we all love Dollar Stores, but I learned early on just how dangerous these places can be. You need to make sure to check the prices and sizes.

Sure, I can get an 18oz juice for $1, but is it worth it when I can get a gallon for $1.75? No, but we have a natural tendency to think that its a good deal 'cause its only a dollar.

There is also a huge danger of over-shopping when things are only a buck. You go in for 2 or 3 items, and come out with $35 worth of stuff.

So before you start spending the singles, check yourself, the dollar stores aren't always worth it.

[frugrrl]

I fully agree! I lose control in the dollar store!!

[mauimagic]

As much as I envy all of you who have access to these famous stores - I know that I would have a hard time controlling myself!! Good point to always be share anytime we are spending our hard earned dollars. Mahalo!!

[scooby8themall]

I have to go either 60 miles or 120 miles to find a dollar store and I get a little crazy when I go to one .I only have a Walmart, Shop n Save and an IGA and Family Dollar so when I get to the big city I tend to get crazy I agree with the OP I go in just to look and bam I've spent 25.00 / 30.00 . Thanks for the post
Scoob

[OOwl]

I found that out the hard way when I purchased some allergy medication at the dollar store. I didn't look at the package carefully, and when I got home, I noticed the package had five tablets, at almost twice the price of just getting it at Walmart. I've been more careful since then.

[piney]

There are 2 Dollar Tree stories here but i dont do much shopping at them,and the dollar general dont seem be as good as it ust to be,guess nothing stays the same.

[Contrary Housewife]

They also charge $1 for items you can buy in any grocery or drugstore for less than that normally. An 88c can of scouring powder, for example, or a 50 cent bottle of hydrogen peroxide.

[Debbie-cat]

I agree. Check sizes. Many times items are cheaper at supermarkets because it is a bigger size than at the Dollar Tree. I too tend to overspend thinking ... 'oh, it's only a buck, it's only a buck" until you get to the till and it adds up to $20!!!

[Molemommy]

I totally agree with all you .... They are a budget breaker in descise..... I cant think of to many item that are a great deal in the dollar stores... I only go in and look for unusual items they are great for that...

[frugalfranny]

I agree. I seldom buy any canned food type items there. Most are cheaper at grocery. I will buy the mandarin oranges when they have them 2/$1.....but that is about it.

I laughed at the "only a dollar" thing..........that is a joke with my friends and I.......then we 'only a dollar' ourselves
into $20!!!

[Judi Dial]

Good reminder!

Judi

[savvy_sniper]

I learned a while back about the "just a dollar" at the dollar store. I am also a BIG comparison shopper; so I also realized that MANY things at the dollar store are NOT a bargain.

[Brat]

$ General usually runs 3-19 cents higher than Walmart in this area. Most of there things are in smaller quanity or size because they are set up for neighborhood shopping. This is where you can getings that you can buy at Walmart but smaller sizes with out haveing to drive that far. Here $ store is 9 mile and walmart is 18. So it depends..with the price of fuel which do you do?

[lilk]

I agree, you have to be careful at the dollar store. They are building one in our little town. It will be nice to go there, if I get in a pinch and need something. Our nearest grocery is 15 minutes away and Walmart is 25 minutes away.

[miss_thrifty]

totally agree. some things for the amount or size isnt worth it plus some things I just wont buy there. it doesnt take long for sure to add up. and for me living right in town it was way too easy at first not to buy too much or go over our limit.