.%20)
Oh the dollar store. I have this love hate relationship with it. Where else could I land and all of the items have a flat rate, making it incredibly easy to add my total as I go along? Where else could I find everything under the sun – from seasonal items to steak – for only a buck? In a same or similar vein, where else could I go and drop $30 without really knowing what I’ve purchased. Worse yet, how often have I thrown away dollar store finds realizing that I probably should have spent more money? Which leads to me to the question of the day – is the dollar store really a deal? As is the case with most things, the answer is complicated. So rather than give you thesis on why you should or shouldn’t shop there (really that’s your choice to make), I’ll give you some shopping guidelines to keep your dollar store adventures happy and fruitful.
Watch The Size
While I’m not paranoid enough to believe that everyone is out to get me, I’m no Pollyana either. Some products at dollar stores could be purchased at a better price per unit or ounce. So it’s important to pay close attention to detail. You might be able to get the same or similar size at a big box store for under a dollar. Or you might be able to pay just a little bit more and get a product twice the size.
Don’t Go Crazy on Seasonal Items
Every time I visit the dollar store, I’m tempted to celebrate whatever season is currently underway with all of the cups and plates and necklaces and plastic doohickeys and window peels and decorations and baskets and . . . you get the point. The front section of most stores beckon in shoppers with plenty of things we probably don’t need. I’m not saying you can’t buy any seasonal items (I’m not a total Scrooge McDuck), but it would be wise to set yourself a clear boundary before you leave about how many items you will purchase. Keep in mind that most of these very cute items will be in your very cute trash can in about a month’s time.
Play Favorites
There ARE items that are most cost effective at the dollar store (and here you thought I was all doom and gloom). For me in particular, I know that I can get the best deal on spray bottles to make my own cleaners and stainless steel scrubbing pads for the dishes at the dollar store. So when I’m in the store for any reason more than likely going to pick up one of these items (especially the scrubbing pads because we are always a mess around here). For you it might be a different item, but stocking up while you’re there is never a bad idea. In case you were wondering, dollar store pregnancy tests do do the trick. I have one child that’s living proof.
Spend Cash
For the longest time, our dollar store wouldn’t accept our debit card. This was a HUGE blessing. It forced me to get cash before shopping and stay within a specific budget. The age old trap of “itsonly” is tempting for even a professional penny pincher like me. You’ll shy away from the “but it’s only a dollar” excuse when you bring a set amount of cash instead of using plastic (even debit).
Only Buy Items You Love
This guiding principle should honestly be a consideration for every purchase you make. Especially when faced with the opportunity of a great deal – whether in the clearance bin or at the dollar store – you need to ask yourself no less than three times the question “Do I love it?” If you waver at all, then put it back and FLEE friend before you make an impulse buy. Our resolve weakens when encountering a great deal (there’s actually research about saving money that proves that the addictive areas of our brains flair when we find a steal).
While I wouldn’t put shopping at a dollar store under “hobbies” on your resume, you can find great deals and save money if you’re intentional about your shopping. Think twice. Spend once.
Gain inspiration to pay off debt! Check out Inspiration to Pay Off Debt: 30 Days of Encouragement from the Queen of Free
This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal or maybe even something for free, you also help our family pay off our mortgage early. And for that, we royally thank you!
[…] Is the Dollar Store a Deal? It’s the question I set out to answer in this post! […]