- [Narrator] Nowadays dollar stores have a lot to offer
and there's no need to compare prices
of similar items within the store
because the pricing is generally the same.
However, not everything is as great a deal as it may seem.
Usually, you get exactly what you pay for.
We previously released 10 things you should always
buy at the dollar store.
Today, we'll identify 10 things you should avoid buying.
Just a couple of decades ago, light bulbs were light bulbs.
But, technology has changed.
Although, three for a dollar incandescent bulbs
is tempting, they're not as energy efficient
as modern CFLs and LEDs.
Therefore, they're not worth it in the long run.
Which is why they're being completely phased out by 2020.
You can buy a single LED bulb like this one
for only a dollar which will outlast 21 incandescent bulbs.
They're a great value for a dollar
but they seem to only carry 60-watt replacement so far.
So, if you're looking for other wattages,
you might as well buy them in bulk
either online or at your local wholesale store.
You might think that you're getting a bargain
when you purchase discount batteries at the dollar store.
But, many of them are really cheap quality.
Of course, they're cheaper than name brand
alkaline batteries but their life span is much shorter
and more susceptible to leaking and causing damage.
If you just need batteries for a remote,
yeah, you're probably safe.
But if you need 'em for high drain devices,
you're taking a major risk.
Because they won't last as long,
we wouldn't suggest relying on 'em for flashlights
or in emergency situations.
So, stick with quality over quantity
when it comes to batteries.
When purchasing paper products such as paper towels
or toilet paper, it's always best to buy in bulk.
Dollar store deals will get you by in a bind
but the product is usually basic,
single-ply with less sheets and even tubeless sometimes.
Plus, you can usually find them cheaper
at your grocery store.
Opt for the name brands and higher quality
because what you'll get at the dollar store
really isn't a bargain at all.
The dollar store is the mecca for plastic toys
that really won't last very long
because they usually lack in quality.
So, you're likely to have a broken toy
that needs to be replaced often.
Many of the plastic toys just aren't durable enough
and aren't even worth a buck.
You don't want to risk the safety of your child
to save a few dollars.
Invest in higher quality toys that will last
and reduce damage to your wallet in the long run.
If money is an issue, shop the clearance aisle
in retial stores or check out second-hand stores.
Whether you're buying plastic toys for your child
or your pet, you should avoid buying them
from dollar stores.
It can be hard to justify paying premium prices
for toys that your pets will get tired of
or destroy quickly.
But don't take the risk because you usually
get what you pay for.
Speaking of pets, dollar stores sell many of the same brands
of treats that you can find at pet stores
for a fraction of the cost.
But, be sure to avoid rawhide treats
unless they're compressed to avoid a choking hazard.
When it comes to pet food, it's not worth the risk
of buying from dollar stores either.
Low end pet food is usually missing key ingredients
that are vital to your animal.
They end up loaded with filler products,
by-products, food dyes, et cetera.
Unless you're in an absolute bind,
don't buy pet food from the dollar store.
To ensure the safety of your pet's food,
shop at national chains and local feed stores.
They oftentimes run promotional deals
and have loyalty programs that'll save you in the long run.
Even if you wanted to stick with Dog Chow,
a dollar for one pound is a high price tag
in comparison to 50 cents per pound
when you buy a bigger bag elsewhere.
Office supplies can be a great deal.
Not to mention that they have a nice variety.
But for school supplies, you're better off waiting
for back-to-school sales elsewhere for deep discounts.
Dollar stores typically sell two-pocket folders
for a dollar, 70-sheet notebooks instead
of three-subject notebooks, and a flimsy
three-ring binder for a dollar each.
Which all pale in comparison to deals
at big-box stores where you'll get a better bulk value
and often better quality.
These phone cases may seem like a great buy
but remember that you'll be relying
on a dollar case to protect your pricey electronics
which could range up into the hundreds
if not thousands, I guess.
Ask yourself if saving a few dollars
is worth the risk of potential damage
instead of buying a quality case
that comes with a warranty.
Same can be said regarding audio cords,
ear buds, USB cables, and cheap power packs.
They can lose their charge or fall apart easily
and even damage your devices.
So, the best choice is to always go with quality.
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Let's get back to it.
You should avoid most dairy and perishables foods
from dollar stores, especially the quote/unquote cheese.
It may look like cheese, but is it cheese?
Well, it's labeled toppings for a reason.
When comparing to real cheese,
you'll see that the ingredients are vastly different.
But, hey, at least it's cholesterol-free, right?
It probably goes without saying but no matter
how popular these rib eye steaks are,
you shouldn't buy your meat from the dollar store.
Sure, it's real meat.
But it's at a lower grade utility cut,
part of the cow used in institutional kitchens.
They weigh under four ounces raw
and shrink down to two ounces cooked.
Because of how thinly cut they are,
they're really only tolerable when doctored up
with vegetables and spices.
They're also very salty on their own
because it's basically 30% saltwater solution
added to the package.
Most people would suggest skipping them altogether.
Other foods like frozen pizzas, cereals, snack-sized chips,
canned goods, it can all be avoided
because they're not really a bargain.
The frozen pizzas have very little cheese
and the pies are pretty small.
For a dollar, you're better off with a Totino's Party Pizza
from the grocery store.
Those one dollar boxes of cereal make it tempting.
But, they're much cheaper per ounce at the grocery stores,
especially with a coupon.
It's always a better deal when you find family size boxes
or find them on sale which, obviously, won't happen
at the dollar store.
Two ounce snack-size bags of chips might be priceless
when you have the munchies.
But, buying a party pack of one ounce bags
from the super market has a much better value,
especially for packing lunches.
The 79 cent tag on canned goods is a lure.
But, is it really worth it?
Considering that the price is only on Libby's brand
and the one dollar Del Monte cans
are cheaper elsewhere anyway.
Neither price is really a bargain.
We certainly didn't cover every product
that you should avoid.
So, let us know in the comments what you think
are the worst buys at the dollar store.
If you're on a strict budget, do what you gotta do
to make ends meet but strive for better value
when possible.
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