Memorize These Ways To Take Advantage of Dollar Store Secrets When You Shop
Dollar stores are known for their incredible deals — but there are ways to save even more on their already low prices.
We talked to shopping experts to find out how to get the best prices at dollar stores, what sets the different chains apart and the surprising things you should always — and never — stock up on when you go.
1. Some Dollar Stores Have Money-Saving Apps
You might not be aware, but both Dollar General and Family Dollar have their own apps.
"Download the apps for both," said Kendall of The Freebie Guy. "Most weeks, both will do a digital [coupon for] $5 off $25."
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2. Dollar General Has Major Clearance Days
Dollar General already has low prices, but you can save even more during its clearance days.
"They do an additional 50% off on their clearance items," Kendall said. "They have things like shampoo, soap, paper towels, etc., that are normally 10% off on clearance that will be an additional 50% — which is when I try to stock up on paper towels."
3. Dollar Tree's Customer Appreciation Events Can Help You Save More
Dollar Tree also has special savings events. During the chain's Friends and Family Events, you can save 10% off your purchase of $10 or more. These events typically happen in the summer and during the holidays, according to The Krazy Koupon Lady. Follow Dollar Tree on Facebook to see when the next event is taking place.
4. You Can Save Even More With Cash-Back Apps
Dollar General, Dollar Tree and Family Dollar are all compatible with the Ibotta app, which allows you to earn cash back on your in-store purchases. You can also earn cash back on specific items you buy with the Checkout 51 app and Fetch Rewards.
5. Dollar Tree Is the Best Dollar Store for Household Goods
"Different dollar stores offer different user experiences," said Michael Bonebright, former senior editor with DealNews.com. "For example, Dollar Tree has more household items [and] paper goods."
6. Dollar General Is the Best Dollar Store for Groceries
Dollar General has a larger selection of groceries than other dollar store chains, Bonebright said.
7. But You're Better Off Buying Groceries Elsewhere
Even though you can purchase groceries at Dollar General, Bonebright doesn't recommend doing so if you have access to other options.
"If you have the ability to do all your household shopping at a big-box or grocery store, I'd avoid making those purchases at a dollar store," he said. "Because dollar stores sell smaller quantities of goods, you'll have to go shopping more often. Larger chains also offer a wider selection of goods, especially fresh foods, so your family will have the opportunity to eat healthier if you avoid dollar store groceries."
"Dollar stores typically offer brand-name items, but in smaller quantities than you'd see at the grocery store," said Bonebright. "This means you can end up overpaying per ounce or per count. For example, Dollar General offers a 22-ounce bottle of Lysol All Purpose Cleaner for $2, but Walmart has a 32-ounce bottle of the same product for just a few cents more."
8. You'll Get the Best Selection of Holiday Items if You Shop Early
Dollar stores famously have a great selection of holiday supplies and decor, so people know to stock up around the holidays. The earlier you go, the better the selection you'll get. If you wait too long, you'll be left with the picked-over scraps.
9. Dollar Tree Accepts Manufacturer Coupons
If you know there's a specific item you want to buy, check online and in your paper for a manufacturer's coupon. You can use an unlimited number of newspaper coupons and up to two printable coupons per day at Dollar Tree, according to The Krazy Coupon Lady.
10. Dollar Tree Offers Free In-Store Pickup
If you prefer to do your dollar store shopping online but don't want to pay shipping fees, take advantage of Dollar Tree's free shipping to your local store.
11. Dollar Stores Are the Best Places To Shop for Party and Holiday Supplies
"The best deals you can score at the dollar store are on items that are disposable like party decorations, balloons, gift bags and stuff for Halloween costumes," Gramuglia said. "These items are usually pricey elsewhere, but you can find these same items at a dollar store for much cheaper."
12. Don't Overlook the Decor and Housewares
Be sure to peruse the decor items to find great pieces for less than you can get anywhere else. This is especially true for seasonal items.
"Don't shell out big bucks on decor or houseware items that may break or lose value," Gramuglia said. "Instead, head to your local dollar store to find seasonal decorations like Halloween-themed kitchen towels, mugs, candle holders and bins for organizing."
13. Parents Can Find Big Savings at Dollar Stores
Savvy parents should head to a dollar store to stock up on kid-friendly supplies.
"Dollar stores are a perfect place to find inexpensive items like books, puzzles and stickers that will not only keep the kids busy on rainy days, but also act as perfect goody-bag fillers," Gramuglia said.
"I buy all my children's school project supplies at our local dollar store," Bonebright said. "School-age necessities like posters and art supplies are significantly cheaper there."
14. Some Kids’ Purchases Should Be Purchased at More Reliable Stores
Books, puzzles and craft supplies are fine to buy at the dollar store, but plastic toys should be bought elsewhere.
"Plastic toys sold at dollar stores can often break into small pieces and become a choking hazard," Gramuglia said.
Think twice before purchasing a pool float at a dollar store. While the quality could be fine, it's better to not take a chance.
"With anything involving safety, you're better off paying more for quality and durability somewhere else," Gramuglia said.
15. Be Wary of Buying Beauty and Cleaning Products
You can find makeup, beauty products and cleaning products for cheap at dollar stores, but these are items where the quality really does matter.
"Products in these categories at dollar stores typically are generic or off-brands and may have harmful chemicals in them," Gramuglia said. "The better — and safer — option is to use coupons at supermarkets and drugstores if you're looking to save money on these types of products."
16. However, It's a Great Place To Find Cleaning Supplies
While you shouldn't buy cleaning products at the dollar store, it's a smart place to pick up the other supplies you need to get your home sparkling.
"You can easily find household accessories like buckets, dish rags and sponges for less at the dollar store," Gramuglia said.
17. Avoid Buying Vitamins and Medications
"Don't sacrifice your health for a good price," Gramuglia said. "Studies have shown, for example, vitamins and other drug-related products sold at dollar stores have been altered with other ingredients and are not FDA-approved."
18. You Can Find Surprisingly High-Quality Kitchenware and Barware
If you're looking for seasonal kitchen items or want to add some flare to your at-home bar, a dollar store is a good place to go.
"The dollar store is a great place to get wine glasses, Coca-Cola-themed glassware and even catering trays and platters for as little as one buck," Gramuglia said.
19. You Can Buy the Sunday Paper at a Dollar Store
You can pick up the Sunday newspaper — for a discount — at your local dollar store, according to The Krazy Coupon Lady.
20. Greeting Cards Sell for 50 Cents
The dollar store is the best place to buy greeting cards for every occasion — they sell for less than a buck.
"You will find the best price at the dollar store, where you can snag them for 50 cents each," said budgeting expert Andrea Woroch. "Stock up when you go: Think ahead to which celebrations and birthdays you will be celebrating over the next six months and buy enough cards for those events. Buying ahead ensures you have them when you need them and don't end up spending 10 times that amount out of convenience at the grocery store or Walmart."
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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