Dollar stores have filled a niche for years for inexpensive, off market goods. The goods will not have a designer names, but for the most part are practical. You need some smarts to navigate the aisles.
There are deals, but be wary. Some of the products are not money savers and can even be dangerous. As always, the shopper needs to have the right information to make an intelligent decision.
The Frugal Yankee recommends you stay away from the following dollar store products:
BATTERIES
Look closely at the package. Many of them are knock-offs made in the Far East with inferior materials. They leak acid and don’t last as long as other, well-known brands. You may save on the up front cost, but replacements or damage will cost more.
CHILDREN’S TOYS & JEWELRY
Consumer Reports has found many of these items to have high concentrations of lead. The countries of origin lack the government oversight or have lax regulations. If you do want to buy, look at the label closely. Where was it made? Is it a brand name? Again the Frugal Yankee suggests staying away from these, **especially for babies and toddlers who put everything in their mouth.
PAPER GOODS
Again this is usually an inferior product. Foam cups and paper plates are the most frequently cited example of bad products, You can find better deals and better products at a good warehouse store. (**exception: party goods for little kids. If you find the princess or monster truck theme that your child wants, go ahead. You'll use them for about 10 minutes and the quality isn't much of an issue.)
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