Anyone who has ventured into a dollar store knows there can be a treasure trove of bargains that are meant to save consumers big bucks on everything from candy to kitchen wares. But there are many things to consider about these items before you lay down that hard earned buck.

BARGAINS GALORE

*Seasonal Merchandise
For every season and holiday, dollar stores will have a nice selection of goodies for the job at hand. There will be decorations for the holidays, costume accessories including those for your pet, gardening supplies and pool toys.

*Party Supplies and Gift Wrap
From birthdays to weddings, a consumer can purchase streamers, banners, gift wrap, paper supplies, gift boxes and even invitations. In major chain stores, a greeting card can be as expensive as the gift. Dollar stores carry a nice selection of greeting cards for every occasion.

*Health and Beauty (HBA)
Dollar stores carry everything from shampoo to vitamins. The biggest bargains can be found when a name brand product has been discontinued. Discontinued merchandise is usually purchased by close-out chains and dollar stores and then sold at deep discounts.

*School, Craft and Teacher Supplies
Everything a child needs for back-to-school can be found at your local dollar store. Teachers can find a variety of supplies such as reward stickers and classroom decorations. For the crafter, there is a multitude of supplies including scrapbooks, wood projects and even glue sticks.

*Books and Videos
Book readers and parents can save bundles on books, audio books and movies including DVDs.

BARGAIN NO-NO'S

If In Doubt-Throw It Out! Or better yet, don't purchase the item at all.

Last year a major dollar store chain recalled over 300,000 children's toys because of high concentrations of lead found in the toys. Name brand toothpastes were also recalled because they contained a poisonous chemical called diethylene glycol (DEG). Many of these toothpastes were packaged as name brands however; the toothpastes that were recalled were counterfeit products. These recalled items were products manufactured in China.

Use caution and common sense when purchasing anything that will be put in your mouth or could potentially end up in a child's mouth. Also take precautions if the product can be absorbed through the skin.

BARGAIN SHOPPER TIPS

Check the packaging and the labels. Medicines should be verified by the U.S. Pharmacopeia or by NSF International. Vitamins are not regulated by the FDA and the ingredients on the label may be incorrect. Check for anything questionable including misspellings. Look for expiration dates and make sure it is current. Toys should include a choking hazard label for children under three. If this label is not present, chances are the product or toy is not up to U.S. regulations and standards.

Electrical items such as extension cords and lights from dollar-type stores are usually not up to regulation and can pose fire hazards. All electrical items should have a UL safety label. However, even these labels have been counterfeited on products that are not safe.

Not all items are a bargain for $1. Some items found in these stores can be found cheaper elsewhere or are of poor quality. Watch for pitfalls such as single bar soaps, certain school supplies like pencils and folders, and products that appear substandard.

Dollar stores do serve a purpose and can help families save money. Always use caution and good judgment when purchasing certain products because being a savvy shopper is more than finding bargains.

Learn more about this author, Angela Pollock.
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