11 Foolish Ways People Waste Money at Dollar Stores

Dollar stores are a great place to shop if you’re trying to stick to a budget, but you also could be throwing money away with your dollar-store purchases.

You may think you’re getting a good deal, but sometimes, the cheaper item at the dollar store isn't the best option.

So, when you’re browsing through the dollar-store aisles, here are a few things to remember to save more money shopping .

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1. Buying small sizes

You may be excited to find affordable prices for things like toothpaste or shampoo but check the size of those items before you buy. You might think it helps you keep more cash in your wallet , but it generally does not.

You may be surprised to find that the dollar-store version is smaller than what you can find at other stores. This means you may have to pay more per ounce for an item you will use quickly.

2. Impulse buys

You may think you’re getting a great deal if you buy this one item for a low, low price, but what happens when you fill your cart with all those items?

Grabbing items on impulse can be expensive, even at the dollar store. One item here or there is cheap, you think, but all those purchases can add up.

Instead, keep an eye on your budget as you shop to make sure you don’t go overboard with purchases.

3. Buying items that are cheaper elsewhere

You may think everything is so super cheap at a dollar store that you don’t have to comparison shop, but you might be wrong.

It’s a good idea to note items you buy regularly and compare their costs to similar items at a dollar store.

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4. Getting cheaply-made items

Dollar stores are affordable because they may not use the highest quality standards to create products. Keep that in mind when you’re buying products like toys, housewares, and such.

You may be surprised at how quickly these items, particularly toys in kids' hands, can fall apart with minimal use. You probably want to save money instead of buying useless stuff that breaks fast.

5. Buying fresh products

Dollar stores can be good places to buy canned foods and other shelf-stable or nonperishable items that will help you save money on groceries . You can even stock up on snacks like chips and crackers from your local dollar store.

But skip any perishable items you may find at your local dollar store. Some foods may be past their expiration date or are about to go bad, which means you could end up wasting money on food that you won’t be able to eat before it expires.

6. Assuming everything is a dollar

Just because it’s a dollar store doesn’t mean everything costs a dollar. Some stores have been quietly increasing prices on items throughout their stores, and you may not notice the change until you get to the checkout counter.

As you grab things from the shelves, keep an eye on prices and make sure there isn’t a note or price tag mentioning a higher price.

7. Not comparison shopping

It may be a good idea to comparison-shop before you assume that everything at a dollar store is more affordable. While you want to find ways to save money, a dollar store may not be the answer.

Check your local grocery or drug stores for paper products, nonperishable foods, cleaning products, and other items to see if you can get them cheaper.

It’s also a good idea to do some math and compare the price per ounce. The price for a larger size at another store may be less than the dollar store choice.

8. Missing the dollar section at other retailers

Places like Target and Walmart have dollar sections in their stores, packed with small household items, toys, and electronics. You may even find nice seasonal decor in the section.

These large retailers may pack their dollar sections with unique items that have the same or better quality at an affordable price. Don’t skip these sections and just assume you can get the same thing at your local dollar stores.

9. Making compromises

Dollar stores may not have the same selection as other stores, so while items might be cheaper, there are fewer options to choose from.

For example, gift bags and wrapping paper may not have as many designs or colors at a dollar store as at a retail store. Similarly, food items like snacks or canned foods may not have as many choices at a dollar store as at a local grocery store.

10. Buying everything there

Dollar stores are great for some products, but you can’t completely replace a trip to a local retailer.

You may have to pay a little more per item, but it’s probably a good idea to skip a dollar store for grocery shopping and go to your local grocery store. Coupons and frequent-shopper cards could help you make up the difference.

Certain kitchen items may break easily if they’re from a dollar store, so it’s a good idea to pay a little more and invest in something that will last longer.

11. Buying items that need to last

You may need tools to regularly fix household items. Or perhaps you want plastic containers that can be reused for leftovers every night.

If you’re picking up items that you’ll want to use repeatedly, it may be better to buy them at a different store and pay a bit more than grab something from the dollar store.

You might be surprised at how spending a little more can save you a lot more money because you don’t have to constantly replace an inadequate item. So stop wasting money on things that won't be around in a year.

Bottom line

Dollar stores are a great way to save money, especially if you’re on a budget or want to stop living paycheck to paycheck . But you also may not notice the little ways that these stores can be money wasters.

Keep an eye on what you purchase on your next dollar-store run and consider comparing dollar-store products with those that you buy regularly at other retailers.

Money tips that can work for everyone

No matter what your bank account balance is, there's always an opportunity to optimize and improve your finances. Here's a quick checklist of things you can look at today.

Focus on paying off your debt . Debt can hold you back from making progress with your overall financial well-being. Aside from cutting expenses, there are tools that can help you pay off debt faster like balance transfer credit cards and debt counseling.

Earning extra income can give you breathing room. If finances are tight, earning some extra money to supplement your income can make a huge difference. A new job is one option to consider, but if you're not ready to make a big change or already retired, a part-time side job could be a better choice.

Cut your expenses. It sounds painful and so not fun, but it doesn't have to be. Take a look at your biggest expenses because that's where you'll probably find the biggest savings. For example, auto insurance rates have been soaring so shopping around for a new insurance company can be the fastest way to cut your bill. Also, look for ways to cut your grocery bill (despite rising inflation).