Posted on 01/05/2025 7:13:01 PM PST by SeekAndFind
Back in the day, you could buy an entire pizza or a couple gallons of gas for just a dollar. Today, you’d have a hard time finding anything that inexpensive unless you’re shopping at the dollar store. Dollar stores are a fantastic place to buy certain essentials that other places charge far too much for. But despite the plethora of high-quality goods available, some of the items sold at dollar stores are priced that low for a reason. In these cases, it’s worth paying a little bit more for better quality and durability. Here are seven items that you should never purchase at a dollar store.
The inexpensive liquid detergent sold at dollar stores is highly ineffective, and you may just end up washing the same load of laundry multiple times to achieve a proper clean. These shoddy detergents are usually heavily watered down and fail to tackle grime and dirt as effectively as more trusted brands like Tide. Also, remember that detergents lose effectiveness in time, so be wary of those cheap dollar store brands that may have been sitting on the shelf for months.
The batteries typically sold at dollar stores are made for low-drain devices, meaning they provide less power and have a shorter lifespan than other pricier yet worthwhile options. Also, these generic batteries are notoriously made from low-quality materials, so they’re more likely to leak and potentially damage your electronics. Stick to reputable battery brands. While these types of batteries may cost more upfront, you won’t have to worry about replacing those cheap dollar store batteries every month after they die.
Dollar store tools are far more trouble than they’re worth, as they’re often made of cheap materials and will likely break the moment you begin your first DIY project. Imagine the top of a hammer flying off when you try to hit a nail into the wall, or a screwdriver head snapping in two — both of these incidents would just lead to huge headaches. Investing in a more durable toolset is absolutely essential for most homeowners, so try and shop for a higher-quality brand such as Black + Decker.
Don’t be tempted by those giant jugs of Driver’s Choice windshield washer fluid sold by Dollar Tree, as that product is notorious for being less effective in the wintertime. Using it may put you at risk of being stuck with an icy windshield and no way to clean it. That’s why it’s absolutely worth paying the $10 extra for a more trusted brand like Prestone for some added reliability and peace of mind.
Tupperware is a leading brand in the plastic food container space for a reason: Their products are dishwasher, microwave, and BPA-safe. But at dollar stores, the only food storage containers you’ll find are those made from flimsy plastic possibly full of toxins. This may result in the storage container melting in the dishwasher or releasing harmful chemicals if placed in the microwave. When it comes to food safety, don’t cut corners by shopping at the dollar store.
Phone chargers purchased at the dollar store may give you a couple days of reliable juice before they fritz out and never work again. These devices are shoddily made, and you’ll just need to buy a replacement before too long. Always stick to phone chargers made by companies you can trust, like those produced by Apple and Samsung. These devices will not only last longer but will charge your phone quicker than any dollar store alternative.
Dollar store toilet paper is often made up of thin, single-ply sheets that fail to do a good job at cleaning. This cheap toilet paper is also just plain uncomfortable, as you may be left with redness and chafing after each use. Brands like Quilted Northern provide a more thorough and comfortable clean without breaking the bank, so leave those cheap dollar store brands on the shelf.
Dollar Tree is terrific.
I shop Dollar Tree a lot and I agree with you that they carry a lot of brand name items. I’ve been happy with almost everything I’ve purchased there. Too happy with one item as I’m now addicted to their cookie and cream toastems...lol Toastem is an old brand I ate as a kid. I try and make a box last a while...most of the time...sigh
Sushi.
The heartbreak of single ply toilet paper.
so leave those cheap dollar store brands on the shelf.
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Best way to accomplish that task is to drive by the store, if its one your route to somewhere else.
I had to go to Harbor Freight to get a good battery charger. I just wanted something that would dump 12V/amps into a dead battery with the option of reconditioning (varying volts and amps to desulfide the cells). All the new chargers are ‘Smart’ and will not charge if the battery is too sulfated. With the cart charger I’ve brought many batteries back from the dead using it’s Recondition cycle or putting it on boost/jump start 40 amp to free up the cells. A new car battery is $225! So the cart charger paid for itself on the first battery.
mark
I don’t do dollar stores period...not that desperate.
I have never seen a dollar store battery leak.
My bad. They just filed for Chapter 11 and then opted for complete lender takeover in the auction of assets....
DeWalt is Black and Decker
What about weed?
I think that the uninformed author was conflating windshield wiper fluid with engine antifreeze, a sure sign of AI or a person who never does their own maintenance.
Dollar Tree tools.....90% of what I bought were good. 10 years ago they had small, well-made vise grips. I knew that I would never see them again at Dollar Tree. So I bought 10, gave most to friends. Recently they had some thick Duck (Duct?) tape, and lots of it on each roll. I bought a few of these. Their cheap paintbrushes are good. Just don’t expect them to last 5 years.
“They forgot sushi.”
You can always rely on gas station dick pills and gas station sushi
Unless you need some small cheap(as in quality) item you are nuts to shop at the dollar store the prices are deceptive because of the package size, if you multiply up to box to size you are almost always paying more.
That John Wayne toilet paper. It’s rough, it’s tough,
and it don’t take crap off of NOBODY!
it don’t take crap off of NOBODY.........
That’s part of the problem if not the biggest part. jmo
Thanks for thread Seek. Interesting info. I never went into a dollar store until I came to NC from Ohio. We had a store called Marc’s which had a huge close out section
I cross posted this AM on Trump Train!
https://freerepublic.com/focus/news/4287396/posts?page=594
...and I don’t have a square to spare
Dollar stores are convenient and save money.
Contrary to the article’s suggestion, I bought a wireless phone charger in the form of a mouse pad for $5 at Dollar Tree. It works well and is convenient. (The power supply I use with it is from Amazon.)
Energy drinks are another good buy at Dollar Tree because they have a decent selection that is cheaper than anywhere else.
It’s a good place to buy things like dental floss, face lotion, lip balm, and many other things that are overpriced elsewhere.
I just saved a bunch of money by getting 14 pool noodles at Dollar Tree for insulating some pipes for a family member’s rental. The next cheapest place I found them was more than twice as much.
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