How to Decide What to Buy at a Variety Store

Dollar Tree, Dollar General, Daiso: a few examples of variety stores—stores that sell almost everything at a price of $1 or £1 or ¥100. While it may be good to be able to get everything at a discounted price, know that you get what you pay for and not everything may be of high quality. This wikiHow will help you find good deals at variety stores. [1]

Steps

  1. Some dollar store items are actually markups, not markdowns. If you can find a better deal at a local supermarket (you can check online), then it may be better for you to get items from there.
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Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Obtaining Good Deals

  1. Anything ranging from paper plates to greeting cards to party streamers are good to get at variety stores. Although the quality may not be as high, for something that is one-time-use only, it will not matter.
  2. Disposable utensils are great for parties and picnics. You can also get plastic containers, and while the plastic may be thinner, if you are only storing paper clips and pens, it will not matter as much.
  3. You can find a lot of good deals on toiletries at variety stores than at drugstores. Save a few extra bucks and go cheap if you are traveling, instead of having to pay a lot for a small 100mL container of shampoo.
  4. If you are only using the eyewear for a short trip, then a variety store may be the best way to go. Plus, losing a cheap item on a trip will not be a big deal, as you can get another one without having to spend an arm and a leg.
  5. Anything that you can put and use in the home may be a good deal. Just note that the glassware you get may break more easily, but it will save you money as you can just get a replacement for a significantly cheaper price.
  6. Because of strict government regulations, pregnancy tests being sold have to comply with certain standards and be safe to use. Although pregnancy tests can cost a fortune at a local drugstore, they can be very inexpensive at a variety store.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Staying Away from Bad Deals

  1. A toy you get for a dollar may not last as long as a toy you get for twenty-five dollars. Some toys can pose a choking hazard to young kids and some dollar stores may not receive all notifications of recalls. Other toys may break more easily. Coloring books and cardboard puzzles are okay, but if you get a toy from a dollar store, don't complain that your kid had a meltdown because it broke.
  2. Anything from fans to power strips to chargers are usually of inferior quality. These have the potential to damage your devices or start a fire. It is best to get electronics directly from the manufacturer.
  3. These batteries are also cheaply made and may not last as long. Unless if you see a reputable brand name (like Duracell or Energizer in the US), it is best to steer clear of them. Some may have been sitting on shelves for years and may not last as long.
  4. Generic sunscreen may not be as effective as brand-name sunscreen, and even then, the sunscreen may be close to its expiration date. While it will not hurt you, it will not be as effective at reducing sunburn.
  5. Pet food has the same problems as other consumables: they may be close to their expiration date or they were made off-shore, meaning it may make your pet sick. That does not mean you can't get water bowls and pet toys; these should be okay.
  6. Generic mascara or makeup as well as drugs may contain harsher ingredients than their brand-name counterparts, or they may contain less per ounce or less per gram. Verify the price per ounce and the expiration dates to make sure you are getting a good deal.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/home/what-to-buy-and-not-to-buy-at-the-dollar-store/2019/07/22/45647742-9db9-11e9-b27f-ed2942f73d70_story.html

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