5 Things to Avoid at the Dollar Store

By Emily Lugg, Cheapism.com

We all try to save money where we can, and shopping at dollar-store chains seems like an appealing way to achieve that goal. Sadly, some of the products on their shelves are a waste of money -- regardless how cheap. Things that falls apart or don't do their jobs clearly belong on your list of dollar-store no-no's.

Toys. The old adage "you get what you pay for" absolutely applies to dollar-store toys. While the $1 price tag seems like a low-cost way to give your child a special treat or add to the stash you're assembling for your nephew's birthday, don't bother. Katie Curtis of Logan, Ohio recently posted a picture on Facebook of her 3-year old holding a dollar-store imitation Barbie that was dismembered in less than 10 minutes. Curtis bought the toy to keep her children entertained on a long car trip. Luckily, her daughter found the mishap humorous, but it easily could have caused Curtis more trouble than a dollar's worth.

Related: Worthwhile dollar store purchases

Dollar-stores toys are not only poorly made, but also may be safety hazards. Several toys from these chains have been recalled over the last few years: a toy gun that posed a choking hazard, a remote control tank that could overheat, and a dart gun that caused the deaths of two children. Toys are a good example of what not to buy at the dollar store.

Power Cords and Strips, and Anything with a Plug. Electricity is sensitive and a force to be taken seriously. While a dollar-store extension cord or USB cable may seem like a deal, you could be putting your electronics, as well as your home, at risk. Cords, plugs, and power strips sold at dollar stores are flimsy and can fall apart easily. All it takes is one loose connection to spark a fire.

Over the past several years, dollar stores have recalled extension cords and decorative lights for potential fire hazards. Way back in 1999, the Consumer Product Safety Commission warned about the dangers that faulty surge protectors, extension cords, and power strips could cause. Despite the warnings and recalls, no apparent improvements have been made to dollar stores' stock of power cords and the like; consumer complaints continue to pour in.

Related: How to live off the dollar store on $50 a week

Batteries. Batteries can be very expensive if your kids play with lots of battery-operated planes, trains, and other assorted vehicles. Even the best of batteries don't last long in the hands of children who inevitably leave their toys powered up. Under these circumstances, loading up with batteries from the dollar store, where you can get a 4-pack of generic batteries for $1, may seem like a swell idea. At Amazon, a 4-pack of Duracell AA batteries costs almost $12.

But batteries are another example of what not to buy at the dollar store. The problem, as Wired proved through a series of experiments, is that they're packed with less energy than the name brands. They may be adequate for something like a flashlight that is used infrequently. For battery-operated products that get heavy use, however, you'll be dollar-wise over the long haul and save yourself the hassle of constantly replacing the power cells if you spend more upfront on higher quality batteries. Moreover, cheap batteries are known to leak, which can damage your electronics.

Another way to tell if dollar-store batteries are a good buy: Check the label. If they contain carbon zinc, be sure to pass. This is a far inferior input compared with lithium, which is what the name brands use.

Related: Is raising chickens cheaper than buying eggs?

Medications and Vitamins. For something as important as medications and vitamins, splurge at the pharmacy. The slightest risk of mislabeling, as Daily Finance points out, can put your health at risk. Dollar-store medications and vitamins don't withstand the same testing or meet the standards imposed on brand-name and generic medications because many items come from other countries, where discrepancies between the label and the actual ingredients may be overlooked.

Knives. When talking about something with a sharp blade, going cheap is just asking for trouble. Knives are dangerous by definition, so you want one that is sturdy and well-made to minimize any chance of an accident. This dollar-store utility knife recall is just one example of the hazards that cheaply manufactured knives can pose. Never mind that these knives, with their dull, thin blades, won't do much for your culinary aspirations.

More from Cheapism:
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When does it pay to spend more on home goods and services?

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