Like many, I thought I was a smart shopper, comparing prices effectively and always securing the lowest price. After all, I could simply whip out my smartphone and price-check items in the store. If I found products cheaper elsewhere, I’d order them on the spot.
While I realize only a small majority of shoppers competitively price-check their items, I thought I was getting the best deals. Boy, was I wrong.
As an example, I would check Wal-Mart’s “everyday low prices” against other retailers, like Amazon, and go with the lowest cost. It never struck me that there was a better way. Well, one day I happened to be near a Dollar Tree in my neighborhood and figured I’d go in. I hadn’t been to a dollar store in years, and many of my friends won’t shop at dollar stores. They’re the type of people who shop at Target because it is “classier” than Wal-Mart. I’m the type of person who cares more about money in the bank. Anyway, when I went in, I was shocked! This place truly had low prices.
I couldn’t believe it – I saw a bottle of laundry detergent for $3. I price checked it with Amazon… $12. I thought Wal-Mart would save the day until I saw…$11.97. Astonished, I grabbed some more items. Shampoo was 75% cheaper, deodorant was 50% cheaper, and some cleaning supplies were 40% cheaper. Keep in mind, these were all checked against the same name brands and specifications. Generic brands were even cheaper.
I quickly crunched some numbers and realized that buying certain items at dollar stores could easily save $100-150 per month. Here’s what I recommend you buy at dollar stores:
Cleaning supplies. Did you know that the ingredients in most cleaning products are the same? If you pay more for any particular product, you’re just shelling out extra for the brand name. Dollar stores also have things like brooms and dustpans for rock-bottom prices too.
Greeting cards. Dollar store cards are usually one or two dollars each, while other places could run $5-7 a pop. If you’ve got a large family like me, this is a big burden on your wallet. Birthdays, Christmas, the list goes on and on. I do admit that the paper quality may not be the same, nor will a dollar store typically give you fancy designs. However, I am the type of person who prefers getting a card with more blank space to write a personal message.
Tupperware. Plastic Tupperware at the dollar store is usually 30% cheaper than Wal-Mart or Target. You can also pick up the containers in packs as well, leading to even more savings. Dollar stores also have mason jars and plastic bins to store even more stuff!
Personal hygiene products. I stated above that shampoo and deodorant were so much cheaper at the dollar store. This was the biggest shocker for me, especially since I believed Wal-Mart supplied the lowest prices. To find out that shampoos were even cheaper at Dollar Tree really surprised me. A bottle of Old Spice shampoo that was $5.97 at Wal-Mart was $3 at Dollar Tree.
Glassware. This is more for the people moving into their first home or an apartment. If this is the case, there’s no need to spend an exorbitant amount of money on a kitchen set. An entire set of plates, cups, mugs and glasses can be had for about $30-40, depending on how many you get. They’re not mix and match either – they’re actual sets with designs that go well together. They sure beat those red solo cups!
Movie candy. Now, you didn’t hear it from me, but dollar stores are just THE right choice for picking up movie candy. Why pay upwards of $7 per box when you get can a giant bag for $1? You just have to figure out how to sneak the candy inside the theater…
What else do you find is cheaper in dollar stores? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!
While I realize only a small majority of shoppers competitively price-check their items, I thought I was getting the best deals. Boy, was I wrong.
As an example, I would check Wal-Mart’s “everyday low prices” against other retailers, like Amazon, and go with the lowest cost. It never struck me that there was a better way. Well, one day I happened to be near a Dollar Tree in my neighborhood and figured I’d go in. I hadn’t been to a dollar store in years, and many of my friends won’t shop at dollar stores. They’re the type of people who shop at Target because it is “classier” than Wal-Mart. I’m the type of person who cares more about money in the bank. Anyway, when I went in, I was shocked! This place truly had low prices.
I couldn’t believe it – I saw a bottle of laundry detergent for $3. I price checked it with Amazon… $12. I thought Wal-Mart would save the day until I saw…$11.97. Astonished, I grabbed some more items. Shampoo was 75% cheaper, deodorant was 50% cheaper, and some cleaning supplies were 40% cheaper. Keep in mind, these were all checked against the same name brands and specifications. Generic brands were even cheaper.
I quickly crunched some numbers and realized that buying certain items at dollar stores could easily save $100-150 per month. Here’s what I recommend you buy at dollar stores:
Cleaning supplies. Did you know that the ingredients in most cleaning products are the same? If you pay more for any particular product, you’re just shelling out extra for the brand name. Dollar stores also have things like brooms and dustpans for rock-bottom prices too.
Greeting cards. Dollar store cards are usually one or two dollars each, while other places could run $5-7 a pop. If you’ve got a large family like me, this is a big burden on your wallet. Birthdays, Christmas, the list goes on and on. I do admit that the paper quality may not be the same, nor will a dollar store typically give you fancy designs. However, I am the type of person who prefers getting a card with more blank space to write a personal message.
Tupperware. Plastic Tupperware at the dollar store is usually 30% cheaper than Wal-Mart or Target. You can also pick up the containers in packs as well, leading to even more savings. Dollar stores also have mason jars and plastic bins to store even more stuff!
Personal hygiene products. I stated above that shampoo and deodorant were so much cheaper at the dollar store. This was the biggest shocker for me, especially since I believed Wal-Mart supplied the lowest prices. To find out that shampoos were even cheaper at Dollar Tree really surprised me. A bottle of Old Spice shampoo that was $5.97 at Wal-Mart was $3 at Dollar Tree.
Glassware. This is more for the people moving into their first home or an apartment. If this is the case, there’s no need to spend an exorbitant amount of money on a kitchen set. An entire set of plates, cups, mugs and glasses can be had for about $30-40, depending on how many you get. They’re not mix and match either – they’re actual sets with designs that go well together. They sure beat those red solo cups!
Movie candy. Now, you didn’t hear it from me, but dollar stores are just THE right choice for picking up movie candy. Why pay upwards of $7 per box when you get can a giant bag for $1? You just have to figure out how to sneak the candy inside the theater…
What else do you find is cheaper in dollar stores? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!
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