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We have the usual “dollar stores” in our town.  Dollar General, Family Dollar, The Dollar Tree, Big Lots, and 99 Cents Only all have stores here.   Dollar General, Family Dollar, and Big Lots all offer merchandise at discounted prices.  They carry name brand merchandise just like in the “mega stores.”  The Dollar Tree and 99 Cents Only offer everything in the store for $1.00 or under.   You can find some really good buys there, but you can also end up spending way too much money there.    Just the thought of going into a store where everything is $1.00 or under says “Go crazy!!!  It’s only a dollar!!!”

Tips for Shopping at the Dollar Stores

1. Know your “dollar stores.” What do I mean by this?  Know their locations.  If there is more than one store in your town, know which one offers the better merchandise, better prices, stocks frequently, and is better organized.   In our town, there are several Dollar General stores.  Each has different merchandise.  There is only one of them which I’ll go to shop.  One is well organized, keeps it’s shelves well stocked, and the staff is more friendly than the others.

2. Know which “dollar stores” accept coupons. Not all discount stores accept coupons. If the discount store where you are planning to shop accepts coupons, mark on your list which items you’ll be using coupons on. (This is a good one for any shopping trip!!!)

3. Make a shopping list and stick to it. It’s easy to go off the shopping list when you are shopping at a discount store.  Those extra dollar items add up.   Before you know it, you have totally blown your shopping budget and your monthly budget.   Discount stores do have sales and send out sales papers.  Have those handy as well when you are making your list. (This is another one that is good for any shopping trip!!!)

4. Look at the door as you are going in to see which debit cards and credit cards they accept. Also look to see if they even accept checks.  There’s nothing worse than being at the check-out and realize that they don’t accept the type of payment you are planning to use.

5. Remember that not all items are worth the “dollar” that you are paying for it. Buying batteries that have been on the shelf for a long time and are weak is not a good buy even at a dollar.  Buying food that is off-brand that does not taste good when used is not worth the savings that you would get.  What I do when I purchase the off brand items is only buy one.  Use it.  If it tastes good and my family likes it, then I’ll buy it again.  One item that I’ve found that tastes good, is an off brand, and is cheaper at Dollar General is their olive oil.  I was a little apprehensive at first but it does taste good and is way cheaper than at the grocery store.

6. Be careful when buying toys at the discount stores. If the store is one that buys in bulk from a remnant wholesaler, they may still contain lead.  Read the labels.  Also, cheap toys often break and do not last.  Remember, in this case, you get what you pay for.

7. If you are looking for accessories for your house, you can often find these at these stores. Recently I found a set of two white shelves for $5,  purchased them, took them home, sanded them a little, and spray painted them black.  They look good and like the ones that were already painted black that cost about $20 at other stores. I saved around $10 (the cost of the shelves and the spray paint).   I do the same thing with picture frames.

These are just some tips that I have for shopping at the Dollar Stores.  I’m sure there are a lot more.  If you have any more tips for shopping at these stores, please leave them in the comment section.  We look forward to your posts!!!

Till Next Time,

JT Locke

The Frugal Housewife

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