Provocative Wave for Men

What Should You Buy at the Dollar Store?

As many retailers are closing their doors and filing for bankruptcy – one sector is booming in these tough economic times: Dollar stores. However, not everything they stock is a good deal. Obviously these stores can’t raise their prices – otherwise they wouldn’t be dollar stores – so to make more money, sometimes they’ll reduce the size of the packaging – or they’ll lower the quality of the product itself. Take paper napkins as an example. A package that once provided 100 napkins for a dollar may now only contain 50. Or maybe the 100 pack will be made from lower quality paper. So let’s get into what’s a good deal and what isn’t according to the Bottom Line Personal newsletter:

• Starting with the great buys: Like cleaning products. You can often find detergent, cleaning solutions, and furniture polish cheaper than anywhere else. The only exception? Dishwashing liquid. Why? Because ounce for ounce a bottle at a dollar store is twice as much as you would pay at a regular grocery store.
• Another great buy? Gift wrap. A roll of gift wrap might cost $5 at a stationery store, but a dollar store roll is a deal if it’s the standard 12 square feet.
• Another great deal at the dollar store? Kitchen accessories like spatulas, dish racks and can openers. The exception? Knives. They’re low quality and dull quickly. You’re better off paying more and having a knife that lasts.

So what shouldn’t you buy at the dollar store?

• Baby food. Some dollar store baby food has been found to contain trace amounts of dangerous chemicals. The savings are not worth the risk. That goes for pet food and toothpaste too. Some contain dangerous ingredients.
• Also, don’t buy bagged candy at the dollar store. You’ll get more for your money if you buy an economy-sized pack at Wal-Mart. Same with bottled water. You’ll pay 10 cents less, bottle for bottle, if you buy a case at Wal-Mart or Costco.
• Stay away from toys at the dollar store. Not only are they made so cheaply that they’ll break easily – some dollar store toys and jewelry contain lead. However, coloring books are okay.
• One last bad buy at the dollar store? Extension cords. They’re poor quality and could be a fire hazard.