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Cheap and Awful: 10 Items You Should Never Buy From Dollar General

January 13, 2025 By Latrice Perez Leave a Comment

Image Source: 123rf.com

Living in rural towns and small cities, you’ll often see the well-known yellow and black sign of Dollar General. These stores tend to be lifesavers for those who live in less populated areas. They stand in the gap between sometimes grocery and retail stores. You can find most of the products you’d find in larger stores at what often looks like a great deal. While some products offer genuine value, others come with hidden costs like poor quality, inefficiency, or even potential health risks. When shopping at Dollar General, it’s important to know which items to avoid so you don’t end up wasting your hard-earned money. From poorly made tools to questionable beauty products, here are ten items you should think twice about before tossing them in your cart.

1. Electronics

Electronics at Dollar General might seem like a steal, but they’re often too good to be true. These items, like headphones or USB chargers, tend to be poorly made and have a high failure rate. Cheap electronics can also pose safety risks, such as overheating or electrical malfunctions. Investing a little more in quality electronics from reputable brands can save you money and headaches in the long run. Remember, durability and reliability are key when it comes to electronics and Dollar General’s options usually fall short.

2. Cleaning Products

You need to the house clean, so you head to your nearest Dollar General. While the cleaning aisle at Dollar might be tempting, some items can contain toxic chemicals. With this in mind, you may want to look for sales or coupons at larger retailers to stock up on trusted cleaning products. Your wallet and your home will thank you for skipping these options.

3. Kitchen Utensils

Dollar General’s kitchen utensils are often made from flimsy plastic or low-quality metal that can easily break or warp. This lack of durability means you’ll likely have to replace them frequently, negating any initial savings. Poorly made utensils can also pose safety hazards, such as breaking while in use or melting when exposed to heat. Opt for higher-quality kitchen tools that can withstand regular use without falling apart. Investing in reliable utensils will save you money and frustration over time.

4. Over-the-Counter Medications

While it’s convenient to grab over-the-counter medications like pain relievers or allergy pills at Dollar General, the quality and effectiveness of these products can be questionable. Some may contain inactive ingredients that make them less effective, or they could be nearing their expiration dates. When it comes to your health, it’s better to buy medications from trusted pharmacies or larger retailers. The small price difference is worth ensuring the product’s safety and efficacy. Always check labels and reviews before purchasing health-related items.

5. Batteries

batteries
Image Source: 123rf.com

Dollar General’s batteries might seem like a good bargain, but they tend to drain faster and have a shorter lifespan than those from reputable brands. Cheaper batteries often leak, which can damage your electronics and cost you more in replacements. Investing in high-quality batteries from trusted brands like Duracell or Energizer will give you better performance and longevity. Rechargeable batteries are another great option for long-term savings. Skip the frustration of constantly replacing dead batteries and choose quality over convenience.

6. Toys

Toys from Dollar General are often made from low-quality materials that can break easily, posing potential safety risks to children. Small parts may detach, creating choking hazards, or the paint and materials used might not meet safety standards. While the low price may be appealing, these toys are rarely durable enough to last through regular play. Consider spending a bit more on toys from reputable brands that prioritize safety and quality. Your children deserve safe and long-lasting playthings, even if it costs a little more upfront.

7. Makeup and Beauty Products

Makeup and beauty products at Dollar General may be cheap, but they can come with hidden risks. Many of these products are made with low-quality ingredients that may cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, or breakouts. Additionally, some items may be counterfeit or past their expiration dates, making them unsafe to use. Investing in trusted beauty brands ensures you’re getting products that are tested and safe for your skin. When it comes to personal care, it’s better to prioritize quality over price.

8. Tools

Dollar General’s tools might work in a pinch, but they’re not built to last. Items like screwdrivers, hammers, or wrenches are often made from low-quality materials that can break or bend under pressure. Using poorly made tools can be dangerous, especially for heavy-duty tasks. Spending a bit more on durable, high-quality tools from a hardware store will ensure you’re equipped for any project. Reliable tools are an investment that pays off in safety and longevity.

9. Food Items

While some food items at Dollar General are a good deal, others are overpriced or of questionable quality. Perishables like dairy, meat, and produce often have shorter expiration dates, leaving you with less time to consume them. Off-brand or imported food products may also lack the quality and taste you expect. It’s worth shopping for groceries at larger stores where you can find fresher and higher-quality options for a similar price. Always check expiration dates and ingredient labels when buying food.

10. Pet Supplies

Although Dollar General does offer some premium dog foods and other pet supplies, there are others that may be made with low-quality ingredients or materials that may not meet your pet’s nutritional or safety needs. Cheap pet toys can break easily, posing choking hazards, while low-cost pet food may lack essential nutrients. Your furry friends deserve the best, and cutting corners on their care can lead to health issues and vet bills. Invest in quality pet products from reputable brands to keep your pets happy and healthy. Their well-being is worth the extra cost.

Shop Smarter and Save More

Dollar General can be a great place to snag deals on certain items, but it’s important to shop carefully and avoid these ten pitfalls. By knowing which products to skip, you can make smarter choices and stretch your budget further. Look for higher-quality alternatives at other retailers or online to get better value for your money. Share this article with friends and family to help them avoid wasting money on these subpar items. Together, we can all become savvier shoppers and make every dollar count.

What items do you avoid buying at Dollar General? Have you ever had to return an item and if so, why? We’d love for you to share in the comments.

Read More:

  • Dollar Tree Dilemma: 12 Grocery Items That Are Cheaper At Every Store Except Dollar Tree
  • Save Money By Not Shopping At These 10 High-End Grocery Stores
Latrice Perez

Latrice is a dedicated professional with a rich background in social work, complemented by an Associate Degree in the field. Her journey has been uniquely shaped by the rewarding experience of being a stay-at-home mom to her two children, aged 13 and 5. This role has not only been a testament to her commitment to family but has also provided her with invaluable life lessons and insights.

As a mother, Latrice has embraced the opportunity to educate her children on essential life skills, with a special focus on financial literacy, the nuances of life, and the importance of inner peace.

Filed Under: Shopping Tagged With: avoid wasting money, bad dollar store buys, budget-friendly shopping, Dollar General, frugal living, Money-Saving Tips, product quality, Shopping Tips

Amazon Deals: 12 Tips to Find Real Bargains on Amazon

May 1, 2024 By Catherine Reed Leave a Comment

Amazon Deals 12 Tips to Find Real Bargains on Amazon

Shopping online offers convenience and a variety of products at competitive prices, especially when scouring for Amazon deals. But how do you ensure you’re getting real bargains on Amazon and not just caught in the allure of flashy promotions? Here are 12 savvy tips to help you identify the best deals, making your shopping experience both fulfilling and cost-effective.

1. Keep an Eye on Daily and Lightning Deals

Keep an Eye on Daily and Lightning Deals

Amazon is notorious for its Daily Deals and Lightning Deals. These time-sensitive offers often feature hefty discounts on a wide range of products. To catch these real bargains on Amazon, start by checking the Amazon website’s ‘Today’s Deals’ section. Setting up deal alerts through the Amazon mobile app can also keep you in the loop about upcoming promotions on your favorite products.

2. Subscribe to Amazon Prime

Subscribe to Amazon Prime

For frequent Amazon shoppers, subscribing to Amazon Prime can be a worthwhile investment. Prime members enjoy benefits like free two-day shipping, exclusive access to sales, and the first dibs on Lightning Deals. The annual fee might seem steep, but it often pays for itself when you factor in the shipping savings and exclusive access to Amazon deals.

3. Use Price Tracking Tools

Use Price Tracking Tools

Use price tracking tools like CamelCamelCamel or Keepa to ensure you get real bargains on Amazon. These tools track the price history of products sold on Amazon, alerting you when items drop to their lowest prices. By analyzing price trends, you can buy at the optimal time and save money.

4. Explore Amazon Warehouse Deals

Explore Amazon Warehouse Deals

Amazon Warehouse offers excellent deals on quality used or refurbished items in good condition but do not meet Amazon’s rigorous standards as ‘new.’ These items can range from electronics to home appliances, and they often come at a fraction of their original price, making them real bargains on Amazon.

5. Check Out Amazon Outlet

Check Out Amazon Outlet

Similar to the Warehouse, Amazon Outlet houses overstock items and markdowns. Here, you can find lesser-known brands that might offer better value for the same product types. It’s an excellent spot for scouting real bargains on Amazon, especially for items where the latest model isn’t a necessity.

6. Clip Amazon Coupons

Clip Amazon Coupons

Amazon offers clippable digital coupons before shoppers make a purchase. These coupons provide instant discounts and are often available for a wide range of products. Always check the ‘Today’s Deals’ page for new coupons to ensure you’re capturing the best Amazon deals available.

7. Join Amazon Family

Join Amazon Family

For families, particularly those with young children, Amazon Family offers substantial savings on necessities such as diapers and baby food. Alongside the discounts, you can set up regular deliveries and enjoy an additional 15% off with Subscribe & Save, which can compound into real bargains on Amazon.

8. Leverage the Amazon Credit Card

Leverage the Amazon Credit Card

The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Card provides users with cashback options: 5% back at Amazon and Whole Foods and 1-2% on other purchases. If you frequently shop on Amazon, the cashback can offset purchase costs significantly, which helps stretch each dollar further.

9. Take Advantage of Amazon Student

Take Advantage of Amazon Student

For college students, signing up for Amazon Student can offer a six-month free trial of Prime, followed by a 50% discount on the membership fee. This service includes offers explicitly tailored to students, making finding Amazon deals relevant to their needs easier.

10. Watch for Special Promotional Credits

Watch for Special Promotional Credits

Amazon often offers promotional credits for simple actions like trying out new features or purchasing gift cards. Keep an eye on notifications and promotional emails that can lead to credits for future purchases, ultimately lowering the cost of subsequent orders.

11. Utilize the ‘Subscribe & Save’ Feature

Utilize the Subscribe Save Feature

For regular purchases like household supplies or personal care items, the ‘Subscribe & Save’ feature offers convenience and savings of up to 15%. It’s particularly beneficial for stacking savings on top of already reduced prices in Amazon deals.

12. Engage with the Amazon Community

Engage with the Amazon Community

Engaging with the Amazon community by reading customer reviews and answering questions can provide deeper insights into product quality and value. Sometimes, the best Amazon deals offer the best value over time, not just the lowest initial price.

Use These Tips to Find Fantastic Amazon Deals and Real Bargains on Amazon

Use These Tips to Find Fantastic Amazon Deals and Real Bargains on Amazon

Finding real bargains on Amazon requires a bit more than just browsing the site; it requires strategy and timing. By employing these twelve tips, you can enhance your shopping experience, ensuring you get the most bang for your buck. Remember these strategies the next time you log on to Amazon, and start turning those ordinary purchases into extraordinary savings.

Read More:

Oh Amazon: 12 Sneaky Tricks Amazon Is Using to Get More of Your Money

Why We Decided to Keep Our Amazon Subscription

Catherine Reed
Catherine Reed

Catherine is a tech-savvy writer who has focused on the personal finance space for more than eight years. She has a Bachelor’s in Information Technology and enjoys showcasing how tech can simplify everyday personal finance tasks like budgeting, spending tracking, and planning for the future. Additionally, she’s explored the ins and outs of the world of side hustles and loves to share what she’s learned along the way. When she’s not working, you can find her relaxing at home in the Pacific Northwest with her two cats or enjoying a cup of coffee at her neighborhood cafe.

Filed Under: Shopping Tagged With: amazon bargains, amazon deals, online shopping, online shopping deals, shopping, spending

Oh Amazon: 12 Sneaky Tricks Amazon Is Using To Get More Of Your Money

March 26, 2024 By Catherine Reed 1 Comment

Sneaky Tricks Amazon Is Using To Get More Of Your Money

Amazon, the e-commerce giant, has transformed the way we shop online, offering convenience, variety, and competitive pricing. However, as consumers increasingly turn to Amazon for their shopping needs, it’s crucial to be aware of the subtle tactics the platform employs to encourage spending. Here is a closer look at 12 sneaky tricks Amazon is using to get more of your money, shedding light on the company’s sophisticated strategies and how you can shop smarter.

1. Prime Membership: The Loyalty Hook

Prime Membership

Amazon Prime is a masterclass in customer loyalty programs, offering enticing benefits such as free shipping, exclusive deals, and access to streaming services. However, the annual or monthly fee creates a psychological urge to “get your money’s worth,” driving more frequent purchases and higher spending to justify the membership cost. The convenience and perceived savings can make it easy to overlook the accumulation of purchases over time.

2. “Frequently Bought Together” Recommendations

Frequently Bought Together

The “Frequently Bought Together” feature is more than a helpful suggestion—it’s a clever upselling tactic. By showcasing complementary products, Amazon taps into the consumer’s desire for convenience and completeness, encouraging additional purchases that might not have been initially intended. This strategy not only increases the average order value but also introduces shoppers to items they might not have otherwise considered.

3. The Endless Scroll of Deals

Endless Scroll of Deals

Amazon’s interface is designed for discovery, with endless scrolls of deals and recommendations that keep you engaged and browsing for longer. This endless aisle effect, akin to wandering through a vast, digital storefront, increases the likelihood of impulse purchases as you’re continually exposed to enticing deals and new products.

4. One-Click Ordering

One-Click Ordering

The convenience of one-click ordering is undeniable, but it also makes it dangerously easy to make impulsive purchases without a second thought. The absence of a checkout process removes a crucial pause for consideration, leading to quicker and potentially less deliberate spending decisions.

5. Countdown Timers on Deals

Countdown Timers on Deals

Countdown timers on limited-time deals create a sense of urgency, compelling you to make quick purchasing decisions for fear of missing out. This psychological tactic, known as scarcity marketing, leverages the fear of loss to prompt immediate action, often bypassing more careful consideration of the purchase’s necessity or value.

6. Amazon’s Choice and Best Seller Labels

Amazon's Choice and Best Seller Labels

Labels like “Amazon’s Choice” and “Best Seller” serve as powerful endorsements, guiding consumers toward specific products. While these labels suggest quality and popularity, they can also steer shoppers towards items with higher profit margins for Amazon or those from preferred sellers, subtly influencing purchasing decisions.

7. Subscribe & Save Program

Subscribe & Save Program

The Subscribe & Save program offers convenience and discounts on repeat purchases, but it also locks you into recurring payments. This can lead to overstocking items you don’t need immediately or continuing to buy products out of habit rather than necessity, increasing your overall spending.

8. Dynamic Pricing

Dynamic Pricing

Amazon’s dynamic pricing strategy means that the prices of products can fluctuate based on demand, time of day, and your browsing history. This practice can lead to impulse buying if you notice a price drop, fearing that waiting could mean paying more later.

9. Hidden Costs in “Free Shipping”

Hidden Costs in Free Shipping

While free shipping is a major draw, it’s often contingent on reaching a certain purchase threshold. This can entice you to add more items to your cart than initially planned just to qualify for free shipping, subtly increasing your total spend.

10. Amazon Prime Video and Music Upsells

Amazon Prime Video and Music Upsells

Integrating services like Prime Video and Prime Music into the Prime membership not only adds value but also creates more touchpoints with Amazon’s ecosystem, increasing brand loyalty and the likelihood of making Amazon your default shopping destination.

11. Personalized Advertising

Personalized Advertising

Amazon’s sophisticated use of data analytics allows for highly personalized advertising, both on and off the platform. By presenting tailored ads based on your browsing and purchase history, Amazon keeps products and deals top-of-mind, nudging you towards more purchases.

12. Amazon Credit Card Incentives

Amazon Credit Card Incentives

The Amazon credit card offers attractive rewards and cashback on purchases, encouraging you to use it as your primary payment method. This can lead to more frequent shopping on the platform, driven by the allure of rewards and discounts, potentially increasing your spending.

Watch Out for the Sneaky Tricks Amazon Is Using to Get More of Your Money

Watch Out for the Sneaky Tricks Amazon Is Using to Get More of Your Money

Understanding the sneaky tricks Amazon is using empowers you to shop more mindfully, resist impulsive purchases, and make more informed decisions. Remember, every feature designed for your convenience also serves Amazon’s goal of boosting sales. Shop smarter by recognizing these tricks and keeping your spending in check.

Read More:

Why We Decided to Keep Our Amazon Subscription

Spending Your Money Wisely

Catherine Reed
Catherine Reed

Catherine is a tech-savvy writer who has focused on the personal finance space for more than eight years. She has a Bachelor’s in Information Technology and enjoys showcasing how tech can simplify everyday personal finance tasks like budgeting, spending tracking, and planning for the future. Additionally, she’s explored the ins and outs of the world of side hustles and loves to share what she’s learned along the way. When she’s not working, you can find her relaxing at home in the Pacific Northwest with her two cats or enjoying a cup of coffee at her neighborhood cafe.

Filed Under: ShareMe, Shopping Tagged With: amazon, budgeting, online shopping, sneaky tricks, spending

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