Dollar Store Buys That Cost You More Money

Additional Coverage:

14 Items That Are Weirdly Overpriced at the Dollar Store (financebuzz.com)

Dollar Store Dilemmas: 14 Items to Skip for Real Savings

We all love the idea of a bargain, and dollar stores often feel like a treasure trove of low-priced goods. But hold your horses, savvy shoppers!

The “dollar” in dollar store doesn’t always translate to the best deal. In fact, for many everyday essentials, you might be paying more than you realize.

Here’s a look at 14 items you should probably pass on at the dollar store if you’re serious about saving money:

1. Toilet Paper

Think you’re snagging a deal on TP? Think again.

Dollar stores typically only offer smaller packs, usually topping out at 12 rolls. For real savings, consider buying in bulk from retailers like Amazon or Costco.

For example, a four-pack of Angel Soft at Dollar General might cost you 25 cents per 100 sheets, while a much larger 48-roll package on Amazon comes in at 21 cents per 100 sheets. Those few cents per sheet add up significantly over time!

2. Candy

Got a sweet tooth? Resist the urge to satisfy it at the dollar store.

Surprisingly, many popular candy brands like Nerds, Swedish Fish, and Reese’s can actually be more expensive at these “discount” retailers. The one exception?

Theater box candy, which Dollar General still offers for $1, beating out Walmart’s $1.34 and other dollar stores’ $1.25.

3. Dog Food

While a small bag of dog food from the dollar store might be convenient in a pinch, it’s not the economical choice for your regular shopping. Larger bags found at other retailers almost always offer a better price per pound. An 11-pound bag of Iams Healthy Weight at Dollar General, for instance, runs about $2.16 per pound, which you can often beat elsewhere.

4. Medicine

With inflation pushing “dollar” stores to $1.25 and beyond, you’ll find that individual doses of medicine like Advil or Halls cough drops are often pricier per unit. Even larger quantities of common medications like Benadryl tend to be more cost-effective when purchased at other stores.

5. Breakfast Cereal

These days, $1.25 doesn’t get you much cereal. A 3.5-ounce pack of Cinnamon Toast Crunch at Dollar Tree for $1.25 equates to roughly $0.36 per ounce.

Compare that to a 12-ounce box at Walmart for $2.97, which is only $0.25 per ounce. Plus, who wants to trek back to the store after a single bowl?

6. School Supplies

While many stores slash prices for back-to-school season, dollar stores often don’t follow suit as aggressively. A 150-page pack of filler paper at Family Dollar or Dollar Tree costs $1.25, while Walmart offers it for $0.97 and Office Depot for $0.99. Similarly, a 24-count box of Crayola crayons is $1.50 at Family Dollar and Dollar General, but just $0.50 at Office Depot, Staples, and Target.

7. Canned Tuna

Though dollar stores carry a decent selection of canned goods, tuna fans should wait until they hit the grocery store. Dollar stores often only stock name-brand tuna, and while their prices on brands like Starkist aren’t terrible, you’ll save more by opting for generic brands at Walmart or Kroger.

8. Toothpaste

Don’t be fooled by the low price tag on dollar store toothpaste. A $1.00 tube of Crest at Dollar General sounds like a steal, but it often contains only 2.3 ounces. You’re generally better off with a multi-pack of larger tubes, like a three-pack of 5.7-ounce tubes for $4.99 at Walmart, offering significantly more product for your money.

9. Packaged Snacks

For on-the-go nibbles, a dollar store snack might do the trick. But for stocking your pantry, look elsewhere.

A 2-ounce carton of Goldfish crackers at a dollar store for $1.25 (about $0.63 per ounce) pales in comparison to a 30-ounce carton at Target for $9.29 (about $0.31 per ounce). This same principle applies to granola bars, beef jerky, and other packaged snacks.

10. Batteries

Dollar stores can be cunning with batteries. They offer AA and AAA packs for around $1, which seems like a steal.

However, these are often zinc-carbon batteries, not the longer-lasting alkaline variety you typically find elsewhere. Zinc-carbon batteries are cheaper to produce, expire faster, and simply don’t last as long.

For a better deal and more power, buy your batteries in bulk from places like Costco or Amazon.

11. Feminine Hygiene Products

Pads and tampons often come with a higher price tag at dollar stores, even when not buying in bulk. A 16-count box of Kotex tampons is $5.75 at Dollar General, but only $4.47 at Walmart.

Similarly, a 42-count pack of Always Ultrathin pads costs $8.50 at Family Dollar, compared to $7.29 at Target. For these essentials, a big-box store is your best bet.

12. Shaving Cream

The dollar store’s smaller product sizes can be deceptive. A 5-ounce can of Barbasol shaving cream for $1.25 at Dollar Tree might seem like a good deal until you realize a 10-ounce can at Walmart is just $1.93 – double the product for less than double the price. Always check the unit price!

13. Toys

Dollar store toys are notorious for their questionable quality. Many are off-brand items that won’t stand the test of time (or even a week of play). Even for name-brand items like Bicycle playing cards or Fisher-Price Rock-a-Stacks, you’ll often find better prices at Amazon, Target, or even some grocery stores.

14. Nail Polish

While the price difference for nail polish at dollar stores might only be a few cents, the main issue is the lack of quality brands. If you’re looking for salon-quality polishes like OPI or Essie, you’ll need to shop beyond the dollar store’s aisles.

The Bottom Line on Bargains

While dollar stores can offer genuine savings on certain items, it’s crucial to be a discerning shopper. Not every item is a bargain, especially when quality is compromised (think toys and batteries) or when unit prices are higher due to smaller packaging. Always compare prices and consider the long-term value to ensure you’re truly getting the best deal and not just wasting money on cheap products.

Smart Money Moves for Everyone

No matter your financial situation, there’s always room to improve. Here’s a quick checklist of financial strategies you can explore today:

Tackle Your Debt: Debt can be a major roadblock to financial freedom. Beyond cutting expenses, consider tools like balance transfer credit cards or debt counseling to accelerate your payoff journey.

Boost Your Income: If finances are tight, a little extra cash can go a long way. While a new job is one option, explore other ways to supplement your income and find an extra $300.

Trim Your Expenses: Cutting expenses doesn’t have to be painful. Start by looking at your biggest outflows, as these often present the largest savings opportunities.

For instance, soaring auto insurance rates mean shopping around for a new provider could significantly reduce your bill. If travel is on your horizon, the right travel credit card can help offset costs.