Dollar store deals and duds

**Contrary Housewife** · 11-28-2009, 08:15 PM

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com...-and-duds.aspx

This is a guide to what's worth buying, and what you should skip when you are shopping the dollar stores. I found it useful.

**NikoSan999** · 11-28-2009, 08:31 PM

Nice article...read some of the articles surrounding it also.

**ohwhataday03** · 11-29-2009, 09:38 PM

Thank you for posting the link.

**Luckybustert** · 11-29-2009, 09:41 PM

Thanks for sharing the article - I found it very interesting!

**frugalwarrior2** · 11-29-2009, 09:59 PM

My opinion is : Pay attention. If you just assume it's a better deal at the $$ store you will be unhappy. Sizes can be smaller and you will pay the same or more. Quality may be less but will it still work well enough. I have found some great deals and some cheap junk. What can you expect,its the $$ store.

**frugalfranny** · 12-03-2009, 04:52 PM

Thanks - some interesting reading......always like learning and being reminded about potential pitfalls while shopping.

**Incognito** · 12-03-2009, 06:22 PM

Good article, although I don't agree with some points mentioned there. I don't buy shampoo at Dollar Stores anymore because it's too watery, gives me hives and rashes and often has a unpleasant perfume or chemical smell. Instead, I buy the name brand kind on sale and with coupons, and it costs very little and lasts 3 x longer because it's much thicker.

I don't buy gift wrap there anymore, because some of it smells toxic. I've thrown some out that has this problem (the gold or silver paper was the worst).

Socks and mitts are usually poorly sewn, and some also have a toxic odour. I watch out for toxic-smelling books, paper, colouring books.

Lots of the kitchen utensils are poorly made, and will fall apart; the rubber gloves did not last even one use when I was hand-washing some laundry. Wringing out a couple of things made huge holes in the rubber gloves.

I do buy lots of other stuff there, but I bring a magnifying glass to read the contents list and check out the quality first to make sure it is something I won't be sorry about later.

**Debbie-cat** · 12-03-2009, 08:46 PM

Thanks for posting the link. Very interesting reading.

**jas** · 12-03-2009, 09:07 PM

I buy the party supplies and balloons there all the time. Some plastic bins for organizing by stockpile of HBA products and my stand up freezer. I have gotten some cheap but cute holiday decorations. Toothbrushes, but not toothpaste. Candy even a book or two.

**spyzvixxen** · 12-03-2009, 11:29 PM

Dollar Tree is hit or miss for me.

Deals:

Swiffer wet wipes, diaper disposal bags for dog poop, gift bags, cooking utensils (I have some from over 5 years ago still holding up strong)

Not deals:

Food & HBA (except spices) - can get free/cheap w/ coupons at the grocery store. Many of the body mists, lotions, etc. are watered down & the scent wears off in a matter of seconds.

I find that you really need to pay attention to the product size and know your prices. Just because it's "only a buck" doesn't necessarily make it a good deal.

**ipklove** · 12-04-2009, 02:59 AM

Nice deal.
Thanks for this post.

**Ms. Clear** · 12-06-2009, 01:28 PM

Pregnancy tests. Why pay more? They work too. I'm about three months along.

**Trishagirl** · 12-06-2009, 01:45 PM

Good info in that article thanks!

**MomK** · 12-06-2009, 07:00 PM

Originally Posted by Ms. Clear

Pregnancy tests. Why pay more? They work too. I'm about three months along.

hahaha! I've seen those in our Dollar Tree and wondered!

**CountryChica** · 12-07-2009, 11:05 AM

Very interesting article! Makes me feel better about some of the things I shop for at the dollar store =) Although I never really felt bad about it previously haha