How You May Be Overspending at Dollar Stores
Are you a dollar store shopper? While dollar stores can be a great place to save money, you may be overspending on some items. Whether it’s cleaning supplies or snacks, you could be spending more than necessary on everyday items.
1. Buying Cleaning Supplies
Believe it or not, the costs of cleaning supplies in dollar stores can be more expensive than Walmart or even your grocery store. It is best to know your prices. While it may seem like a good deal, you may find that the cost isn’t that great after all when you look at the ounces. Two exceptions are when the store has a sale, or you have a coupon. Then you may walk away with a great deal as long as the cost per ounce is comparable to a big box or grocery store.
2. Buying Paper Towels or Toilet Paper
Buying everything in one store may save time, but at what cost? When you buy paper products like paper towels or toilet paper at the dollar store, you may think the price is perfect. However, you’re getting far fewer sheets than if you shopped at a big box store. For example, a 6 pack of toilet paper costs $3, which works out to about $0.50 per regular roll. It might not seem bad until you consider that you can get regular rolls for about $0.23 each at the grocery store.
3. Buying Candy and Snacks
We all have that craving when we’re out shopping, and the dollar stores make the candy and snacks seem affordable. When you look at how much comes in the package, it is easy to see it isn’t that cheap. Many times, dollar stores lure you in by rounding out the price and making the packages smaller to make them seem more affordable. Please don’t fall for it.
4. Buying Linens
You never, ever want to buy sheets, towels, etc., at your local dollar stores. While they seem like a great price, you’ll quickly change your mind after the first washing. Some towels ravel apart, sheets peel, and wash clothes shrink up to nothing. Don’t fall for those low prices. This is one case where if you buy cheap, you’ll buy twice.
5. Buying Movies
Last but not least, while DVD prices don’t seem too bad at dollar stores, many of these movies are on Netflix or other movie subscription channels. Before you buy, check to see if you can watch the movie on something you are already paying for.
Dollar stores can be a great place to shop, but only if you pay attention to the price. Do your research and compare apples to apples to get the best deals and aren’t overspending.
