The dish on Dollar Stores (UPDATED!)

UPDATE:  The post that you are currently reading on dollar store shopping is one of my most often-read ones.  I'm updating it now to include the big news on the Dollar Tree chain:  as of 8/26/12, they will be accepting manufacturer's coupons.

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I remember when dollar stores first started cropping up in my old neighborhood in Brooklyn.  They were the stepchild of "odd lot" stores, full of fun, cheap novelty things on which to throw your money away. Dollar stores have evolved since then and now stock tons of useful items.  There are some items that I buy regularly at dollar stores and some which I avoid like the plague. Here are some scoops on dollar stores:

Pricing and sizing:

Not everything at dollar stores cost a dollar.  Many things cost more than that, but generally, the prices are still very low.  When you are in a dollar store where they religiously price everything at a dollar, be very wary about the sizes of their items.  For example, your favorite dish-washing detergent might cost only a dollar at a dollar store, but if you check the size and compare the price per ounce to the same item sold elsewhere, you will often find that stores like Walmart or Target might have a better deal.

Coupons:

• Dollar General stores have their own store coupons. Dollar General stores will accept manufacturer's coupons, and allow stacking with their store coupons. Here is their coupon policy. 
• Family Dollar stores also have their own store coupons.  Family Dollar stores will accept manufacturer's coupons and allow stacking with their store coupons.  Here is their coupon policy.
• As of 8/26/12, Dollar Tree stores will accept manufacturer's coupons.  Here is their coupon policy.   Dollar Tree will only accept up to two print-at-home coupons per purchase (no limit on newspaper coupons), will not accept coupons for free items, and will not allow overages (will adjust  a coupon discount down if it is more than the cost of the item).  Dollar Tree still does not have their own store coupons, as of this posting. 
• To my knowledge, no other dollar store chains (Dollar Tree or any of the independents) accepts any sorts of coupons.
• Because Dollar General, Family Dollar and Dollar Tree accept coupons, it's a good idea to have a printed copy of their respective policies in your purse when you shop, in case you run into any trouble.  Remember that every store in a franchise has its own quirks and personalities.

What to buy
I buy two categories of items regularly at dollar stores (but not to the exclusion of also getting them at other stores):  cleaning supplies and party goods.    You can make out like a bandit on cleaning supplies at Dollar General, Family Dollar and Dollar Tree because they accept coupons.  So on top of their lower than retail prices, you can stack both store coupons and manufacturer's coupons.  Make sure you check the sizes of items very carefully and always compare price per ounce, not just price.  Party supplies tend to be one-time throwaway items in which quality and durability are not that important, so you can find some real bargains on wrapping paper, decorations, favors, paper table items, etc.   I also find great bargains in pet supplies and kitchen items at dollar stores.

What to avoid
Scrupulously check expiration dates at Dollar Stores and never buy anything with one that is past or looming.  I avoid made-in-China items at Dollar Stores because of recent contamination problems, especially in pet food.  Go into dollar stores with a list and stick to it.  Avoid impulse "it's-only-a-dollar" items that seem tempting in the store.  Ask yourself if a) you really need it now, b) if it's a quality item, and c) if you definitely will use it. Be brutally honest with yourself, and if you get three yesses, buy it, but ask yourself those same questions when you get home with your purchases as well.  I can't tell you how many impulse items I've purchased at dollar stores and have ended up throwing out or freecycling, and it kills me to think of how much money I've wasted.  Stick to the list!  Also avoid any items with packages that look stained or beat-up; those items are probably the last pickings of an overstock and have seen better days.

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