10 Incredibly Common Mistakes People Often Make at Dollar Tree

We’ve all been there — walking into a discount store like Dollar Tree to grab three specific items, only to come out with a cart full of things you just couldn’t pass up. While scoring deals is always fun, some surprisingly common pitfalls trip up even the most frugal shoppers at discount stores.

From assuming you’re getting the best deal to ignoring the quality of your purchases, here are the mistakes to avoid if you want to save money shopping during your next Dollar Tree haul.

Just because it’s a dollar store doesn’t mean the prices on each item are low.

Assuming that Dollar Tree has the best prices can lead you to spend more than you need to on items you could get even better deals on elsewhere.

One of the best ways to compare Dollar Tree’s products with others is to look at the price per ounce or per unit. Dollar Tree tends to sell smaller quantities of products to keep the cost to $1.25, but if you’re not careful, you may be getting less for your money.

For products you use often or a lot of, it may make more sense to buy them in bulk to get a cheaper price per unit.

Using a cash-back credit card earns you cash back on your spending, including at Dollar Tree.

Some of the best cards offer up to 2% cash back, making your purchases that much cheaper when you use a card with cash-back rewards.

Sadly, inflation has shifted the long-held $1 price limit of Dollar Tree and similar discount stores. The limit was raised to $1.25 in 2021 — the first base price adjustment in 36 years.

Some Dollar Tree stores offer items up to $5, which allows the chain to offer a greater variety of products. So yes, you need to check the price tags before you check out.

Download the Dollar Tree app to explore what your local store has to offer. When you’re in the store, you can scan the barcode of an item to get more information about it.

Browse the weekly ad for bargains and add your favorite items to your shopping list.

The low price point can make impulse purchases all too easy at Dollar Tree.

To prevent yourself from causing death by a thousand $1.25 cuts to your budget, make a shopping list and only purchase what you need.

Just because something’s on sale doesn’t make the price good. To know whether you’re getting the best deal, keep a pulse on what the items you buy typically go for at other retailers.

You can even use each retailer’s online ad or app while in the store to check if Dollar Tree’s prices are competitive.

When your spending limit is $1.25, it’s no surprise that the items you get at Dollar Tree aren’t always known for their durability. Yes, you can get a spatula for a fraction of what you’d pay elsewhere, but how long will it last?

Depending on the item, the adage “Buy it nice, or buy it twice” would be wise to heed.

Dollar Tree is famous for certain categories that you can count on for low prices like gift bags, wrapping paper, and greeting cards. Other favorite finds are seasonal decor, school supplies, cleaning products, and plastic kitchenware.

By focusing on the categories that are consistent wins, you’re more likely to get the most bang for your buck.

Certain products are strategically designed to be durable enough to last a little while, but flimsy enough to be economical to make and replace. You’re unlikely to demand a refund for a product you’ve gotten decent usage out of before it broke.

Manufacturers and dollar stores know this, and they create their products accordingly. Knowing this trend will help you hone in on which purchases are worth your money and which to skip.

Next time you head to Dollar Tree, keep these common missteps in mind to avoid wasting money, time, and frustration on purchases that simply aren’t worth it.

With a little planning and a sharp eye for the best deals and quality finds, you can maximize your savings without falling prey to any of these traps.