Top 10 Dollar Store Buys

[This post is written and copyrighted by FIRE Finance (http://firefinance.blogspot.com).]

Shopping at a Dollar Store is really fun. Over the years we have observed that certain goods are definitely cheaper at dollar stores. So we created a game plan for dollar store shopping to cash in on the low prices. We often wondered how they kept their prices so low. Later we discovered that dollar stores, whether mom-and-pop shops or local franchises of a national chain, get some inventory from product lines created just for discount stores. The rest come as remnants from wholesalers, which explains why we see such a wide variety week to week.

However, we are suspicious about the quality of food and the alloys as well as silicones of the kitchenware sold at these stores. So as a policy we never purchase edible stuff or anything that has to do with cooking or food from them. Barring that we've found tonnes of useful goodies at rock bottom prices. Here are our top ten buys:

1. Stationery & Office Supplies: Whenever we need pens, notebooks, pads, post it notes and the likes we get it from a dollar store. Its way cheap. However sometimes for bulk purchases of the same we've seen that Costco wins. So if you have a couple of kids and you're planning to get a year's worth of supplies, it might pay off to check the prices at Costco or BJ's.
   


2. Cleaning Supplies: Usually dollar stores carry cleaning supplies created by private brands. Don't expect any recognized brand names. If you get one that's a bonus! Most of our cleaning jobs deal with removing grease and minor carpet stains. So far dollar store's supplies have done the job pretty well.
   


3. Gift Wraps, Calendars and Cards: Supermarkets burn deep holes in our pockets when we buy these items from them. On the other hand dollar stores have saved us a lot of money during the holiday season and other festivities when we needed gift wraps and cards at galore. Now a days most dollar stores carry good collections of wraps, ribbons, cards, calendars, place mats and other trivia that make our gifts look as attractive but only at a fraction of the cost.
   


4. Babies' Goodies: Experience has shown that stuff like babies' shampoo, blankets, soaps, talc, body oil, small toys (not the ones that children put in their mouth) and many more useful items rock at a dollar store. Its way more expensive to buy the same at a supermarket or online sites. At certain times of the year we have noticed that goods from recognized brands like Johnson & Johnson also adorn the shelves for babies' products.
   


5. Candles: We love candles. And dollar stores provide some great deals on candles during pre and post Thanksgiving as well as Christmas. Our norm is to stock up. We also like the beautiful glass candle holders available at different times of the year. Candles (preferably scented ones) and holders make good gifts too.
   
   
   


6. Batteries: At first we were not sure whether we should use batteries from dollar stores for our expensive gadgets. Since they are very cheap, chances were high that they were fake products. But instead of giving up, we experimented by using them in inexpensive gadgets and found that they worked as well as their brethern from a supermarket or warehouse. Its been a couple of years that we've been using batteries from dollar stores in most of our gadgets and they have given us no reason to complain. So far so good!
   


7. Photo Frames & Decorative Gear: We feel dollar stores are the place to buy decorative gear for holidays and festivities. During the holidays we have found good quality photo frames too. Keep an eye for photo frames and other decorative gear. At particular (read seasonal) times dollar stores offer good deals on quality photo frames and albums.
   
   
   


8. Bathroom Supplies: Larger dollar stores usually beat supermarket chains like KMart or Target on products like bathroom mats, shower curtains and caddies, place holders for smaller items and many more. We distinctly remember having purchased a shower caddy from Bed Bath and Beyond for $9.99 only to find the same product being sold at a Nienty Nine Cents store for $0.99! This gives us an idea of the markup of prices at most upscale chains.
   


9. Tools & Handyman stuff: Whenever we need some tool or screws or replacement kits for the usual maintenance of our assets we check the nearest dollar store before heading for a Home Depot or Lowes. Time and again we've seen that the winner was a dollar store!
   
   


10. Garden Supplies: Since gardening is a popular hobby, bigger dollar stores carry a lot of supplies like gardening gloves, tools, decorations, seeds, pots and plants at a fraction of the cost for the same at supermarkets. But their collection is not so exhaustive as the ones available at Lowes or Home Depot. So depending on our needs it might be a good idea to check out a dollar store before heading for a specialty store or a supermarket.
    

Its true that most items at a dollar store are priced at one dollar, but even at that price it offers great deals. And perhaps its the $1 price tag that attracts nearly three-quarters of Americans (according to market research firm Retail Forward) to make regular trips to so-called dollar discount stores. We love them. Long live dollar stores!

On a closing note, we'd love to hear from you about your dollar store purchases and experiences. Please feel free to share your comments with the pf community.

Image Source(s): iStockPhoto