The dollar stores have shelves full of products ranging from cleaning supplies to cosmetics; all of them at just $1. An excellent bargain, you'd think. However, not all these cheap products give you the bang for your buck, as you imagine.
Some items in your cart may be lower in quality, expired, or even expensive. Yes, you read that right. Although a dollar seems very little, certain items are not worth the measly price. Here's a list of some of the products you shouldn't get from the dollar stores. Read on!
Deodorant - $1
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When you want to buy products for your hygiene like deodorants and antiperspirants, always think twice. Most brands at the dollar store aren't very popular or advertised. Therefore, finding any user reviews about the products you want to get isn't a piece of cake.
Due to this, rather than risking the development of infection by using inferior deodorant, it's always best to invest in something a little safer. Because even though the product is cheap, the quality, on the other hand, may not be the best. Personal hygiene isn't a gamble, and you don't want to undergo surgery to remove underarm lumps caused by bad deodorants.
Toys - $1
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You would think that buying a toy for an infant or toddler is way easier than getting something for an adult, but it's not. The child's safety should be your number one concern. Purchasing toys for the kids from the dollar store would be acceptable if they're things like stuffed animals or large building blocks.
However, stuffed animals weren't the most exciting part of our childhoods for some of us. Some kids like more engaging playthings like puzzles, vehicles, or crayons. Since dollar store toys can have loose pieces, children are prone to choking hazards and injuries. Hospital charges and horrifying injuries are not worth the single-digit prices.
Batteries - $1
We use batteries in most of our day-to-day products that make our lives more comfortable. Sometimes, it takes an entirely different path than expected, and the devices meant to help us could ruin the day instead because of faulty batteries. Since there's a fixed cost to manufacture them, cheap batteries are always low in quality.
Another downside of cheap batteries is that their production doesn't involve modern formulas. This means that when you use faulty batteries for your devices, their circuit boards may malfunction. Now, you understand why paying for good batteries is better than ending up buying new electronics.
Earbuds/Headphones - $1
If you travel to public places—which we're sure you do, you might have noticed that a lot of people use headphones or earbuds. Excellent pairs of headphones in the market are way too pricey, so most of us look for cheaper alternatives. As with every other product, you can actually find a pair for a dollar.
There are safety measures that the manufacturers must follow, and there are a lot of tech-related things going on that we have no clue about. Nonetheless, it's not too much to spend a bit more money and buy a decent pair of headphones to be on the safer side.
HDMI Cables - $1
Did you know that some places charge big bucks for an HDMI cable? Well, now you know they do. Therefore, people always look for cheaper substitutes. It is indeed costly to manufacture HDMI cables because of the raw materials they use. So, only the right fit will give you the best value for your money.
Some stores sell very inexpensive cables at unimaginably low prices, and they are also presumably very low in quality. These cheap cables could probably even ruin your TV or monitor. You can never go wrong by purchasing a genuine product to avoid wasting money on repairs later.
Pet Food - $1
Some people love their pets almost as much as their children. Just like you wouldn't feed cheap food to your kids, you should think hard before you give any dollar store pet food to your fur buddies too. Since the prices are shockingly low, we can assume that the ingredients used may be of poor quality.
A trip to the vet could empty your wallet, so it's best to double-check the food labels containing the ingredients as well as the expiration date for the health of your pets. Also, exercise extra care when dealing with a pet that has dietary restrictions.
Makeup - $1
With makeup gurus introducing new makeup products on YouTube regularly, finding reliable cosmetics isn't a huge struggle. However, not everyone can afford the expensive products recommended by these influencers, and, thus, people opt for cheaper choices. Drugstores are always an option to get decent cosmetic products without facing repercussions.
Somehow, we don't suggest using dollar store makeup on your skin because of the higher risk factor. Furthermore, the raw materials used cannot be trusted, and the products could be years past their expiration dates, resulting in rashes, infections, acne, and wrinkles. Consequently, the visits to the dermatologist will cost much more.
Canned Goods - $1
With everyone having busy lifestyles, canned goods have become a lifesaver. Some people are used to eating canned food every day, and that's all the more reason to think about what's inside the tin. Non-branded products may not meet the proper standards, and they could contain harmful chemicals like BPA.
Even branded products can contain chemicals due to their production procedures. This means that nothing beats farm-fresh produce. However, there are days when you have no choice but to turn to canned food as your ingredient. But if you ever need to purchase these, always read the food labels. You don't want to make hospital runs amidst your busy days.
Gum - $1
Most of us have chewed gum at least once. Some people like it, while some don't. Somehow, if you are a big chewer, this will be very beneficial for you. There's nothing wrong with buying a pack of gum from a dollar store, but you're probably paying more.
At a dollar store, chewing gum is a fast-moving product. However, since it costs as low as cents in other places, you must realize that you're overpaying for gum by spending $1. If you buy in bulk from a regular grocery store, that would cost you less. Be smart because dollar store finds are not always cheaper.
Electric Cords - $1
Many of us use power cords regularly, but we don't stop to think about their quality. These cords transfer electricity from one place to another for our convenience, but these guys can also cause many serious problems if defective or misused. For these cords, the first thing you look for is the CSA certification.
Power cords could cause fires in the blink of an eye, and let's not forget that electricity is a major reason for household fires. Hence, make sure you take every possible precaution to be on the safe side because one spark is all it takes to ruin what you have.
Vitamins - $1
Vitamins are essential for the human body and have a lot of health benefits such as improving our immune systems. However, the situation could get ugly real quick if the vitamins are not up to the desired standards. Inferior vitamins can cause damage to the internal organs and also cause multiple diseases.
We think it's best to stay away from dollar shop vitamins because you don't want to break the bank on healthcare as a consequence of inferior products. Always read the back of the container to make sure you purchase the right one.
Oven Mitts - $1
An oven mitt is commonly ignored but is one of the most essential items in the kitchen. Although important, the amount of thought we put to their quality is next to none. Among the extensive range of brands, patterns, and colors available, pick a viable one that can serve its purpose.
Their quality is actually quite relevant because you wear them when handling hot kitchenware. Cheap oven mitts offer less protection because they use low-quality materials. If you want to get through dinner preps unscathed, invest in a good pair. After all, you don't want your hands burning through the mitts.
Cleaning Products - $1
Cleaning supplies are essential to maintain a spotless house, but choosing the correct products can be a tricky business. Each cleaning product has industrial standards and certifications to meet to prevent hazards. Dollar shop cleaning supplies, though, may not perform as well as stated in the label.
Most of them are products cheaply manufactured or items bought for resale because the expiration dates are nearing or already passed. The chemicals they used could be harmful to humans' well-being, and they may not have warning labels or proper directions for use. Therefore, always handle them with care or regret later.
Hair Dye - $1
From ammonia to hydrogen peroxide, hair dye already consists of many harmful chemicals. Yes, they're dangerous; that's why colored hair can also be called damaged hair. A decent pack of permanent hair dye can cost an average of seven to ten dollars at your local Walmart.
With that said, can you imagine what you may be getting as hair colorants at $1 from the dollar stores? We can't guess either, but it surely can't be safe. Going cheap and losing your precious hair or harming your scalp isn't worth the troubles. Choose wisely!
Trash Bags - $1
Trash bags are a necessity especially in developed countries, and they play a significant part in keeping our houses, gardens, and environment clean. It is a simpler, faster, and organized way to get rid of our garbage, and it makes the lives of the garbagemen so much easier.
From grocery stores to the dollar store, every little shop has garbage bags arranged on their shelves. But, be wary when you purchase them from the dollar store because you may be buying some unusable bags that rip up easily. You might end up picking up scattered trash because of that flimsy bag.
Wrapping Paper - $1
Most people's go-to store to by wrapping papers is a dollar store, but what they don't realize is that the amount of paper you get at a dollar store is less than what you would at a regular store.
You will be getting at least three times more paper from a regular store for only a fraction more of the price. To add to that, the quality of the $1 paper is very low. The wrapping paper is often too thin or easily torn, and your gift-receiver will probably see through the wrapper before opening it.
Sunscreen - $1
Putting on sunscreen is one of the steps in your daily skincare routine that you should never skip. It is also a product that cannot stand on your vanity for years, unlike other products. Sunblock has a shorter shelf life, and its ingredients like oxybenzone and homosalate oxidize quickly and turn the product ineffective.
When used past its expiration date, sunscreen doesn't provide sun protection and can seriously damage your skin instead. There have been incidents in the past involving consumers getting skin damages by using sunscreen from the dollar store, and that's the last thing you need in the summer.
Steak - $1
Steaks are exquisite meals; unless, of course, if you are a vegetarian or vegan. Getting steak for a dollar may seem like a bargain you cannot turn down. However, it's one of the last things that should be on your list for the trip to the dollar store.
Usually, a pound of beefsteak costs between $18 to $21. With a price like that, how do you think the dollar store offers steak at $1? It's the lowest grade of beef that has low in nutrients. Although edible, it surely won't be the best steak of your life—and that's a shame.
Soda - $1
Soda is a multi-million dollar market. Although it's unhealthy, drinking soda has become a part of the daily routine of some people's lives. If you are someone who purchases sodas from dollar stores, this is for you. Dollar stores do not always price their products competitively.
Usually, they sell a one-liter bottle for a dollar when the grocery chains sell more than one liter for the same price. If you do the math, you will understand that you are paying nearly twice as much at a dollar store. Don't let them fool you!
Spices - $1
Spices are one of the most expensive items in the monthly grocery list. With spices, it's always best to buy them in bulk if you need some savings. But when the dollar stores offer spices, you get a natural temptation to reach out and grab them from the shelves.
However, if you sit down and do the math, their prices are much higher in reality. At $1, the dollar shops offer a shrunk size of the spice container. You can purchase a bigger size—almost twice as big—from other stores if you pay a few cents extra.
Cereal - $1
Regardless of age, most of us love to eat cereal. It tastes good, easy to prepare, and filling too. Because of the huge demand, there are many companies around the world competing in the breakfast cereal market. Some of them sell their products at very cheap price tags, although the quality isn't the best.
Manufacturers of unknown brands often put their products for sale in dollar stores. Moreover, the products that aren't frequently selling at grocery stores end up in dollar store shelves at lower prices. Since cereal is something you eat, be extra cautious because you don't want you or your child to have food poisoning.
Candles - $1
Whether it's for a dinner date or a relaxing dip in the hot tub, we light candles during several occurrences to set the mood. Depending on the occasion, we sometimes use scented candles for a soothing aroma. Many stores sell candles in various shapes, scents, and sizes, and the prices can range from single digits to even triple-digit figures.
Have you ever walked into a dollar store and smelled candles? Yes, they smell amazing. However, when you take them home and light them up, they become regular unscented candles and you instantly regret your purchase. You can find better-valued candles that smell great and last longer at other shops.
Flip flops - $1
Especially during the summer, flip flops are great and comfortable footwear. You can wear them for a trip to the beach or for pretty much any outdoor activity. There are many stores to shop if you are looking to buy a pair of flip flops, including department stores and clothing stores.
Dollar shops are one of them. But watch out, the quality may be inferior. Can you imagine the raw materials used to manufacture a pair of flip flops that sell at $1? Bad rubber can cause allergies. The straps of your cheap pair may even give up on you. Therefore, don't ruin your fun summer days by going cheap. It isn't worth it.
Paper Products - $1
From table napkins to toilet paper, you can get them all at pretty much any store that sells household items. You would think that getting paper products from the dollar store is a win, but it's a win for the store at your expense.
The cheap paper products are often one-ply. With such thin and sheer paper, you would have to use a lot more than you usually would. You can see where we're going with this, right? The more product you use, the quicker you'll have to repurchase. You'll probably end up spending way too much than you usually would at a regular store.
Tools - $1
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A tool kit is a must-have item in the household because you never know when you'll have to do a minor handy-man job. Cheap tools are great for an emergency but not for long term use. Other problems may involve quick breakage due to the poor quality of materials, or you could hurt yourself because of faulty production.
They can cause all kinds of difficulties on the job, but the biggest issue of them all is durability. These low-cost tools surely don't last very long. Therefore, rather than spending on new tools often, investing in a good set of tools (although much more expensive) has a much higher value for money.
Knives - $1
You don't have to be a chef to use a decent knife when cooking. A good knife can make cooking less challenging and very time-saving too. However, anyone who cooks knows that kitchen equipment, especially a good set of knives, costs a large sum of money.
However, this is no reason to buy knives from a dollar store. The last thing you need is to get blunt kitchen knives at $1 every week and end up spending more money than you would on a good set. A knife you got for a dollar isn't going to cut it—pun intended.
USB Chargers - $1
In this day and age where technology rules, almost every device comes with a USB charger. Carelessly or by accident, most people tend to damage their chargers or lose them after some time. To replace it, they try to find a low-cost charger for their expensive device.
The charger is the most important accessory for your equipment. Made particularly for your device, it delivers the exact measure of power required at a specific rate so that it will not damage your device or the battery cells. Therefore, depreciating your gadget's value—or worse, blowing it up—due to a dollar store charger is not worth it.
Plastic Cooking Utensils - $1
There are several things wrong with plastic cooking utensils. First off, you don't want the plastic spoon melting into your food while stirring. Secondly, studies carried out by the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment found that they are toxic. Utensils are products that can be used multiple times over many years, so invest in reliable stainless steel items.
When all you wanted to do was make some bacon and eggs for breakfast, but you end up with liver and thyroid disease, infertility, cancer, and high cholesterol instead. Not a pretty picture, right? You surely don't want to spend all your life savings on healthcare because you purchased inferior kitchenware.
School Supplies - $1
If your child requires stationery for school, one-dollar supplies from the dollar store probably aren't the best way to go. From bad pencil points, leaky pens, and highlighters to sticky notes that don't stick, your child will have a hard time using these products at school.
School supplies are an investment for their future, and it's not like buying them an iPhone. There are smarter ways to get high-quality stationery. For instance, since they're non-perishable, you can purchase them in bulk when large stores run good sales and stock them up.
Pregnancy Tests - $1
When it comes to pregnancy tests, you're gambling with your emotions rather than your physicality. No one wants to find out they're pregnant when they're not, or vice versa. The situation can have adverse effects, especially on a woman who has been trying to get pregnant for a long time.
We don't think emotional damage and devastation is worth a few dollars. Therefore, you should choose a good brand to check if you've got a bun in the oven. Of course, you can be a hundred percent certain if you visit the doctor.