Shopping at Dollar Stores
by RachaelRaymag.com, on Tue Sep 28, 2010 10:21am PDT

In the last two years, the number of shoppers who buy groceries at dollar stores has shot up 500 percent—but not everything in the store is a steal. Put these five savvy habits into practice to keep the savings coming.



1. Don’t believe everything is a steal.


“Many people think dollar stores guarantee huge savings, but this isn’t always the case,” says Teri Gault, of thegrocerygame.com. First of all, only 23 percent of merchandise at these stores actually rings up at a dollar or less! Also, some items, such as candy, snacks and cereal—even if they are a dollar—are more expensive per serving than supermarket offerings. “The idea that everything in the store is cheap makes shoppers more likely to mindlessly purchase items without considering value,” adds Art Markman, a psychology professor at the University of Texas at Austin. Snap out of the haze by figuring out the cost per serving and comparing it with the usual supermarket price. Doing a little math will make you less likely to be manipulated by marketing ploys.


2. Make a list—but keep it vague.


A list is the best weapon against impulse spending, but the everchanging inventory at dollar stores makes it hard to stick to a too-specific plan. Instead of skipping the list altogether, Stephanie Nelson, author of The Coupon Mom’s Guide to Cutting Your Grocery Bills in Half, recommends jotting down general categories, like canned goods and kitchen cleaning supplies. Looking for items only in those categories will help you avoid buying things you don’t need.


3. Read ingredient lists.


“In order to buy and sell cheap, some dollar stores may sacrifice ingredient quality when selecting merchandise,” says Tom Pirko, of retail consulting company Bevmark. Check the label for what should be the obvious main ingredient, such as milk in a dairy product. In lesser-quality versions, hydrogenated oil might be used instead. In subpar packaged meat items, soy protein might be used instead of meat, says dietitian Delia Hammock. “Be selective because products become economical courtesy of additives and fillers,” she adds.

4. Skip the produce section.


Dollar stores are at the bottom of the food chain, Pirko says. This means they usually get last pick—after supermarkets, convenience stores and even gas stations—from distributors. Translation: The produce is far from peak. Plus, it’s rare to find the deep-discount seasonal promotions that grocery stores have. “You’re likely to get fresher produce at the supermarket—and if you stick to specials, you’ll get a better price per pound, too,” Pirko says. If you do come across unbeatable produce deals, stick to long-lasting staples like cabbage, onions and apples, and be sure to inspect your goods for bruising or mold.


5. Check the expiration date and be realistic about what you’ll use.


Since most dollar-store merchandise comes from manufacturer closeouts and overstocks, it probably sat in warehouses before hitting store shelves, Pirko says. Inventory moves quickly, however, so typically there won’t be expired products. Still, you may find you only have a few days before the jig is up. When it comes to buying in bulk, check the expiration date before deciding how much to buy. And avoid any packages that look beat up or stained—these are signs that the contents have seen better days.


PLUS: Did You Know…? Most genuine dollar stores, where products ring up at a dollar or less, don’t accept manufacturers’ coupons, since store prices are already at rock bottom. But stores that use the “dollar” term loosely and stock more expensive items generally do honor coupons.

Freebies this week

Each Sunday on Freebie Shark, they ask people share all the freebies/samples they received that week.  I thought I'd try it myself this week.

Here's what I received:

Hanging Folder
Full-size Hamburger Helper
Sample All Bran Complete
Sample All Bran Buds
Sleep Mask from All Bran
Sample Fiber One
Sample Astroglide
Sample & coupon Gas Prevention
Coupon Pizza Rolls



How did you do?  Are you signing up for samples/freebies? 

Angel Food

Usually, I share about how I saved money using coupons.  I did want to pass on another way we attempt to save money on food.  We purchase Angel Food.  We pick it up at a local church.  You can participate regardless of income level, you can purchase as little or as much as you'd like. 

Here's the basic info from the website:

Angel Food is available in a quantity that can fit into a medium-sized box at $30 per unit. Each month's menu is different than the previous month and consists of both fresh and frozen items with an average retail value of approximately $60. Comparison shopping has been done across the country in various communities using a wide range of retail grocery stores and has resulted in the same food items costing from between $42 and $78.


Generally, one unit of food assists in feeding a family of four for about one week or a single senior citizen for almost a month. The food is all the same high quality one could purchase at a grocery store. There are no second-hand items, no damaged or out-dated goods, no dented cans without labels, no day-old breads and no produce that is almost too ripe.


Also offered are specialty boxes such as steaks, chicken and pork. Many participants in this bonus program appreciate the expanded choices. Additionally, there is no limit to the number of units or bonus foods an individual can receive, and there are no applications to complete or qualifications to which participants must adhere. Angel Food Ministries also participates in the U.S. Food Stamp program, using the Off-Line Food Stamp Voucher system.

It's all true.  We have never had an issue with the quality.  Even the fresh produce is great (usually better than what you'd even find in Aldis.)  We often add a specialty box of fresh fruit and veggies. 

For instance, here' the basic box coming up for October...

Go HERE to find local host sites in your area.

CVS--91% savings

Bargainbriana.com and I were the sources for my deals this week.


Edge INfused 7 oz. or Schick Hydro 8.4 oz. – $2.79
Earn $1.80 Extra Bucks (Limit 1)
B1G1 Edge Shave Gel  Click Here
Final Price after Extra Bucks: $0.49/each


Soft Scrub Total Bath & Bowl, 25.4 oz. – $1.99
$1/1 Soft Scrub Product 9/19/2010 RP Insert (exp 10/30/2010)
Final Price:  $0.99/each


Palmolive Dish Soap 10 oz.  $0.99
$0.25/1 printed but no longer available
Final Price: $0.74

Then I remembered to scan my card at the coupon scanner when I got there.  One of the coupons was for $2/2 Xtra Laundry detergent which was on sale for 2/$4 this week.  So....

Xtra Laundry Detergent 2/$4
ECB Coupon  $2/2
Final price: $2/2 or $1 each

I also used a rain check and coupon today.  The rain check was from June if I remember and the coupon was going to expire 9/30, so even though they didn't have the type I really wanted (which has been backordered since the sale hence the raincheck), I purchased what was available so I wouldn't miss out.

Rolaids chewables 36 count  3.99
$4 in ECB when you purchased two
$4/2 coupon from 6/6 RP
Final Price: 2 for FREE

Here's how I ended up.  My retail was $30.52.  I paid $8.55 OOP.  That's a 72% savings.  I received $5.80 in ECB back, so my final expense was actually $2.75 which means ultimately I saved 91%.

Apple Market

Doing Apple Market on my own again this week.  After wasting a lot of time, the only two deals I'm pursuing are from their in-ad coupons.

Kraft Cheese $1.99
$1/1 in ad coupon
Final price: $0.99

Taco Bell Shells 2/$3
$2/2 in ad coupon
Final Price: $1/2 or $0.50 each

Once I got there, I knew I was also going to pick up some salad for dinner tonight.  Thankfully, I looked for Dole coupons which are often available at the bagged salad.

Dole Classic Salad 5/$5 or $1 each
$1/1 from display
Final Price: FREE

Now, again, Apple Market doesn't provide savings, so I don't know how much I saved from retail.  My total would have been $6.99.  I paid $1.99 for a savings of 72% savings. 

Walgreens this week.

In case you didn't know, I'm amazing.  This trip, I had a young cashier who said he's been working for Walgreens for 3 years and never had seen anyone do what I did.  The "more mature" man behind me also commented on it.  It's was really fun to see their faces.


Mommysnacks.net has now become savingslifestyle.com.  It was the first place I looked for deals.


$4.99 Carmex Healing Cream or Lotion 4-5.5 oz: $4 RR
$.99 each after RR!
 
$6.99 Wisk Laundry Detergent 48 loads: $2 RR
$3/1 Wisk Laundry Detergent 8/29/2010 RP Insert (exp 9/26/2010)
Final Price: $1.99 each after coupons/RR!


$3.50 Kotex Feminine Care Includes U by Kotex
$2 RR WYB (2) Products
$2/2 Kotex Pads 8/8/2010 SS Insert (exp 9/19/2010)
Final Price: $1.50 each


$1 Ricola Cough Drops
$0.50/1 Ricola Cough Drops Walgreens IVC
Net Price $.50 each


$1 Barilla Pasta 16 oz
$1/2 Barilla Pasta Click on the word coupons.
Net Price $.50 each


My retail was $36.88.  I paid $2.48 which is a savings of 93%.  I received $8 RR, so I was paid $5.52 to take $36.88 worth of things from their store.

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CVS this week

Well, I missed the 3-day sale this week, but there was nothing I couldn't live without anyway.  I also snagged last minute a twitter coupon for $4 off $20.  I attempted to make it two different transactions. 


Picked my deals from mommysnacks.net and bargainbriana.com.


This is still a good deal, but I didn't get to score it since the CVS I stopped at was out of stock.
$1 Pepperidge Farms Milano Cookies 3oz
$1/1 Pepperidge Farm Cookies here
Final Price:  FREE

Still planning on getting this, but could kick myself since I accidently grabbed the wrong thing, so now I have to take it back and get the correct one.

Nivea Men Active 3 – $4.99
Earn $4.99 Extra Bucks (Limit 1)
$1/1 Nivea for Men Body Wash 8/29/2010 RP Insert (exp 10/31/2010)
Final Price after Extra Bucks: FREE + Overage!




$9.99 Nature’s Way Alive
$9.99 ECB ~ Limit 1
$1/1 coupon here
Net Price FREE plus $1 money maker


$1.99 High Octane
$1.99 ECB ~ Limit 1
Net Price FREE after ECB!


Ok, I also had to pick up a 3 pack of Stride gum for $2.00 in order to use all the number of coupons/ECB I had.  So, my retail was 13.98.  I paid 5.80 which is only a 59% savings.  I received $11.98 in ECB which means I was paid $6.18.  More than FREE.

So, we needed a color ink cartridge, and I decided to pick it up there and save a little money.  We normally buy our cartridges from 123inkjets.com.  They've got great prices and if I go through Mypoints.com, I score some points as well.  Their price was $29.99.  The one I purchased was $34.99.  I used the $4/$20 twitter coupon which expired today and the $9.99 ECB from above and paid $21.00.  That's a savings of 40% plus instant gratification!  :-D

Wags

I made a trip to Wags today.  I know I could have done much better if I'd broken into two or more trips, but I just managed to have the energy to do one.  I still came out ahead.  I found my deals on mommysnacks.net. 

I had also earned a $5 Reward certificate from the new points program.
$2.99 Colgate Total Advanced or Enamel Strength 4 oz
$2RR
$0.75/1 Colgate Toothpaste 8/29/2010 SS Insert (exp 9/18/2010)
Final Price: $.24


$4.99 Impruv Lotion 6.8 oz
$4 RR WYB (1)
Final Price: $0.99


$5 Alka Seltzer Plus 10 or 20 ct
$5 RR for 2
$1/1 Alka-Seltzer Product here
Final Price: $1.50 each


$5 Vicks NyQuil or DayQuil 20 ct or Liquid 10 oz
$5 RR WYB (2)
$1.50/1 Vicks NyQuil 8/29/2010 P&G Insert (exp 9/30/2010)
$1.50/1 Vicks DayQuil 8/29/2010 P&G Insert (exp 9/30/2010)
Net Price $1 each


$6.99 Dulcolax 4 pk, 25 ct or 7-Day, 4.1 oz
$8/1 Dulcolax Balance HERE
STACK $2/1 Dulcolax Balance Product Walgreens IVC
Net Price $3 Money-Maker


$0.67 Orbit or Stride Gum 14 pc w/ Walgreens Weekly Ad Coupon

My retail total was $54.09.  After coupons, Register Rewards, and my $5 Reward Certificate, I paid $12.21 which is a savings of 77%.  I earned $15 in RR which means they ended up paying me $2.79 to take $54.09 out of the store.  (What's really sad is that it all fit in one bag!)

Price Chopper 9/9

Trying to get back to Price Chopper..asssuming that they have anything worth getting back for!  Checked out pennypinchinmom.com. 


Campbell’s Chunky or Select Harvest Soups, $0.99
Use $1.00/2 Campbell’s Chunky Soups or microwave bowls 8/15/10 SS Insert (exp 9/26/10)
or use $0.50/1, $1.00/2, $1.50/3 or $2.00/4 or $1/1 Campbell’s Chunky Soups or Healthy Request soups printable coupon here
Final Price: $0.49 each and 2 for FREE
Limit 6 Total


Oscar Mayer Wieners, $0.99
Use $1.00/2 Oscar Mayer products coupon 8/22/10 SS Insert (exp 10/17/10)
Final Price: $0.49


V8 Fusion Juice, 2/$5.00 or $2.50 each
Use $1.00/1 V8 Fusion Juice printable coupon here
Final Price: $1.50

My retail total would have been $33.32.  After sales and coupons, I paid $12.92.  That's a savings of 61%.  Now that's being a "Price Chopper."

Apple Market

Obviously, since I used internet coupons, I chose to go to my old Apple Market instead of my new one.  I went on the way home from ballet.  I figured even if I spend $2.50 in gas to get there, I'm still ahead when I had $5 in coupons.

Here's the deals I found for myself:

Pillsbury Brownie Mix 10/$10 or $1/1
$1/2 from 8/27 RP
Final Price $0.50 each

Bar S Lunch meat or Jumbo franks 10/$10
$1/2 coupon here
Final Price: $0.50 each

Tony's Pouches, Pizza for One, or Cripsy Crust 10/$10
$1/2 coupon here
Final Price: $0.50 each

Campbell's Spagettio's 2/$1
$0.50/2 coupon here
Final Price: $0.25 each

It's hard to come up with the actual retail because it doesn't state orignal price.  My total sale price was $10.  After $5 in coupons, I paid $5 which is a savings of 50% which means my savings is actually higher when you consider the original prices!  That's not bad in my opinion.

Walgreens, finally

I hadn't be to Walgreens for awhile in part because I allowed my Register Rewards to expire and also because I'm not totally keen on their new bonus point program.  I think I did fair this trip considering.  I found my deals at mommysnacks.net and bargainbriana.com

$2.50 Quaker Instant Oatmeal or Chewy Granola Bars 10-12 pk
$2 RR WYB (2)
$1/1 Quaker Oatmeal 8/29/2010 RP Insert (exp 10/31/2010)
$1/1 Quaker Instant Oatmeal here
Net Price $1.00/2 or $0.50 each


$4.99 Carmex Skin Care
$4 RR WYB (1)
Includes: 4 oz Cream or 5.5 oz Lotion
$.99 each after coupons/RR!


$2.99 St. Ives Body Wash 13.5 oz
$2 RR WYB (1)
Net Price $0.99 each


$0.99 Palmolive Dish Liquid 10 oz w/ Walgreens Weekly Ad Coupon
$0.25/1 Palmolive Ultra Dish Liquid  here
Net Price $.74 each

My retail was $20.96 and I paid $12.46 making a savings of 41%.  I received $8 in RR making my final price $4.46 which is a a savings of 79%.  Not free, but not bad.

CVS this week.

Went to mommysnacks.net this week.  Didn't see much for me.  I'll look at Walgreens tomorrow.

Schick Hydro Razor or Refill – $8.97

Earn $4 Extra Bucks (Limit 1)
$5/1 Schick Hydro Razor 8/8/2010 SS Insert (exp 9/30/2010)
Final Price after Extra Bucks:  FREE

Stride shift 9-14 ct $0.99 (Limit 1)

Get $0.99 ECB
Final Price: Free

Retail was $10.48.  After sales, coupons, and $2 ECB, I paid 2.96 OOP.  I received $4.99 in ECB so I made $2.03.

Apple Market

Well, apparently the person who used to do Apple Market matches no longer does them.  Also, the Apple Market by my new place doesn't accept  internet coupons.  With all that in mind, here are the deals I found for myself.

Kraft Macaroni & Cheese (including Homestyle) 2/$4
$1/1 Kraft Homestyle Mac & Cheese  8/8 SS
Final Price: $1/1

 Era Laundry Detergent $2.99
$1/1 Era  8/22 SS
Final Price: $1.99

I'm not sure how much the normal retail price would be, but just using the two coupons on the sales price saved me 40%.

Dollar General

Finally made it to Dollar General.  Got these deals from Sarahsdeals.net

Dial Liquid Hand Soap $1.25 use $.35/1 MQ from 8/15RP = $.90 each

Gain Dish Liquid 30oz (large) $2 use $1/1 MQ from 8/29PG = $1 each
*P&G rebate*

Retail total was $3.50.  After sales and coupons, I paid $1.90.  Savings: 46%.  That's almost half price.

CVS

Got me deals from Bargainbriana.com and  Mommysnacks.net.  Due to illness, I didn't get around to going until today. 

Purex Ultra Concentrate – $3.99
Earn $2 Extra Bucks (Limit 3)
$0.35/1 Purex Ultra Concentrate Liquid Laundry Detergent 8/15/2010 RP Insert (exp 9/11/2010)
Final Price after Extra Bucks: $1.64

$.50 Campbell’s Chicken Noodle or Tomato Soup
$0.50/2 Coupon
Net Price $.25 each\

I got all these for free which would be a 100% savings, right?  I also earned $2 ECB.