Are YOU A Fan Of The Dollar Store?

When shopping for a bargain, sometimes the dollar store is a great place to snag deals. Who doesn’t love a trip to this store? You walk in with five bucks and walk out with a bag full of stuff.

Of course, the “stuff” you have in that bag will vary in quality from good to “Should you really take the risk?” You may even be tempted to go all out for some items that aren’t even on your shopping list simply because they cost a buck.

But maybe you should think twice before buying some things. The fact is, some of the deals at your local dollar store can be a terrible buy. You could be compromising on safety or quality, and even a dollar might not be the best deal for what you get.

Dollar stores have been under scrutiny for a while now, with experts questioning the quality of the items sold. Environmental groups have even been looking into potential health hazards of products.

Their studies have concluded that even though some products have improved quality over the past few years, others still contain “chemicals of concern. Read on to see which 9 things you should steer clear of.

Medicine, Makeup, And Toiletries

Isn’t it always better to be safe than sorry? Even though there might not be anything wrong with some of the products in these categories, you might want to err on the side of caution. We recommend avoiding these types of products. You probably won’t recognize the brands.

And if you do, they may have been sitting on those shelves for a very long time. To be clear, even makeup can become less effective if it’s past its expiration date. And when it comes to your skin, do you really want to throw caution to the wind?

In 2019, the FDA sent a letter to a dollar store chain warning them that they found “multiple violations of current food manufacturing practices” at the places where house brands of drugs and certain cosmetics items were made.

Cling Wrap, Food Storage Bags, And Aluminum Foil

You really ARE getting what you pay for when it comes to household staples. It might just be a buck for a box of bags but take another look. How many bags are you actually getting? And will they hold a seal like the name-brand bags you buy in your local grocery store?

And when it comes to cling wrap, it won’t be the same quality as the types you find in the supermarket. You can be sure that it’ll be tricky to get off the roll, thin, and not very “clingy” at all. Don’t even get us started on the foil! It’ll be paper-thin, and it can tear easily.

Electronics

While visiting the dollar store, it’s best if you skip the electronics aisle, according to consumer savings experts. Most electronics that plug in are a waste and don’t last long, especially regarding HDMI cords and power strips.

When dealing with electronics, it’s best to purchase from a legit electronic retailer or an online store like Amazon.com to receive lower prices.

Extension cords and USB cables from dollar stores have previously been flagged for high chlorine levels in a dollar store safety report released by the Ecology Center and Campaign for Healthier Solutions nonprofit organization.

That meant the cords were made of polyvinyl chloride plastic or PVC. And the research suggested that this is a cancer-causing chemical.

Toys

When your kids or grandkids are involved, it’s best to take everything with a grain of salt and be cautious. Many of the unbranded toys from the dollar store are of lower quality. Even more, they might not meet the current safety regulations.

Do you really want to risk the safety of your child or grandchild just so you can save a couple of bucks? If cash is an issue for you, you can shop the clearance aisles in retail stores and supermarkets, or look for the good, used toys on Craigslist and in second-hand stores.

When it comes to children, we all know the motto: Safety First!

Pet Food or Treats

When it comes to your four legged loved ones, you might want to avoid buying pet food or any kind of treats from the dollar store. Many people have found that giving low-grade food or chewables to a pet means having a violently ill pet.

Regarding dollar store pet food, you should pay special attention to the expiration dates and the ingredients list on the back, as you would for any other food products.

Frequently, sticking to name-brand pet food is your best bet, especially if there are dietary restrictions for your cat or dog. Furthermore, you might even discover that you’ll get more bang for your buck at the big-brand stores.

Tools

Ask any DIY enthusiast, and they will always tell you: A screwdriver or hammer that costs a dollar is going to break… and pretty quickly too. Anyone who works daily with any type of tool will tell you that tools are always worth the investment.

With how low quality they are at the dollar store, you’ll have to replace them so often that you’ll wish you’d just splurged from the beginning. The bottom line is: Don’t go anywhere near the tool section in a dollar store.

You’ll just be throwing all that money down the drain. And more importantly, poorly made tools can be dangerous as well.

Plastic Cooking Utensils

The dollar store has always been a go-to destination whenever planning a barbecue or summer block part. But take a breath before you head straight to the aisle with all the plastic cooking utensils.

Plastic cooking utensils from a dollar store, like plastic slotted spoons, spatulas, and the like, might contain bromine, a component in brominated flame retardants, also known as BFRs, which have been linked to obesity, cancer, and diabetes, according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

You should think about saving your hard-earned dollars and buying higher-quality stainless steel cooking utensils instead. The environment will also thank you!

Batteries

Hear us out on this one! Batteries are one of those things we always need more of but hate to buy because they can be expensive at times. Trust us, you’re better off forking over the extra cash for batteries from another retailer than at a dollar store.

Unfortunately, they are usually duds, according to experts. Cheap batteries have a tendency to leak and damage many of your gadgets. Do you really want to risk it?

You’re better off saving money by purchasing these from the warehouse store for the best deal or using a coupon. Check your local Costco or Sam’s Club. You might just find that you can get some good deals there.

Oven Mitts

This one might be a bit tempting. After all, they’re cheap, and they look just the same as the more expensive versions. The difference is in how they’re made and the padding. You don’t want to mess around with something that’s designed to protect you.

Do yourself…and your hands a favor and buy the more expensive versions. You’ll be happy you did.

To sum up, we’re not saying you should steer clear of the dollar store. There are many items that can get you out of a bind at a moment’s notice, especially when it comes to party supplies. Just be cautious of what you’re buying!

And for another great read, we also recommend checking out: Wondering If You’re Losing Money? You ARE by Throwing Away These 7 Things