The dollar store has a lot of great deals. However, the thing about the dollar store is that cheap doesn’t always mean it’s a good product, and it doesn’t always mean you’re getting a great deal.
Read on to discover ten things you should never buy at the dollar store. For further reading, you can also check out our article, 80 Things You Should Always Buy at the Dollar Store.
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Items You Should Never Buy at the Dollar Store
1. School Supplies
It can be tempting to buy school supplies from the dollar store. Dollar store school supplies are typically low quality and not worth the money (even if it’s just a dollar). The erasers on the pencils leave pink marks on your paper, and the sticky notes aren’t sticky at all.
2. Phone Chargers
I never recommend buying a phone charger from the dollar store. Often, they just don’t work. Additionally, whenever you purchase electrical items from the dollar store, they are more than likely poorly made and a safety concern.
3. Wrapping Paper
I’ve found buying wrapping paper from the dollar store to be a bad deal. Yes, the roll is only a dollar, but you usually get way less paper than you would get from stores like Target or Walmart.
4. Paper Towels
Paper products such as paper towels and toilet paper tend to be very flimsy. Plus, you can usually find a better deal at your local grocery store or Walmart.
5. Batteries
I’ve made the mistake of buying batteries from the dollar store. A mistake I’ll never make again. Dollar store batters don’t last as long as brand names like Duracell or Energizer. Even worse, they’re more likely to leak.
6. Garbage Bags
Many off-brand garbage bags are of low quality. Even the bags that say “no-tear” are much weaker than brand name bags. Spend a few extra bucks and stick with quality garbage bags.
7. Sunscreen
Sunscreen degrades over time, and at the dollar store, sunscreen tends to be expired or very close to the expiration date. If you decide to purchase sunscreen, make sure you check the expiration date. If there’s no date on the package, don’t buy it.
8. Makeup
Even though it may look brand new, makeup that you purchase from the dollar store could be expired or close to the expiration date. On top of that, dollar store makeup could also contain harmful chemicals that can lead to an allergic reaction or other health issues.
9. Medication and Vitamins
Not only can these items be expired or close to the expiration date, but you don’t really know what you’re getting when you purchase generic dollar store medications and vitamins. Play it safe and avoid buying your vitamins or medications from the dollar store.
10. Feminine Products
I’ve tried feminine hygiene products from the dollar store, and I can tell you from experience that this isn’t where you want to buy your feminine pads or tampons. The quality is not good, and you’ll end up wasting your money.