Are You Shopping Often at Dollar Tree? Here Are Some Secrets You Need To Know About!
Grocery store trips can be costly, especially if you have a lot of mouths to feed in today’s economy. With prices for everyday essentials on the rise, many families are looking for smarter ways to stretch their budget. Dollar Tree is, by far, one of the most affordable grocery stores and always offers the best prices, making it a lifeline for savvy shoppers. But to truly maximize your savings, you need to go beyond the shelf price. Remember that a strategic combination of coupons, cash-back apps, and some simple insider tricks can help you save more than you ever thought possible on each visit!
1. Earn cash back on Dollar Tree purchases
Dollar Tree is already offering you the best prices, but why stop there? Using cash-back apps like Ibotta, Checkout51, and Fetch Rewards can help you save even more money on items you were already planning to buy! The key is to stack manufacturer coupons with these rebate apps for maximum impact. The process is wonderfully simple. First, before you go shopping, browse the apps to select available offers on groceries, cleaning supplies, and more. Then, redeem them when shopping in person by purchasing the specified products. Finally, after your trip, you simply upload your receipt to the app to get cash back. Fetch Rewards is particularly useful because it often gives you points for any receipt, regardless of the specific items purchased.
Another smart trick would be to join a cash-back program called Rakuten.com, which is especially powerful for online shopping. We also recommend you download its browser extension and app. So, each time you shop at DollarTree.com on your computer or smartphone, you can activate the offer and you’ll earn a percentage (often around 2%) as cash back on your entire purchase. This is ideal for those bulk orders. Similarly, Microsoft’s Cash Back program, integrated into the Edge browser, is another trick you could use to automatically find coupons and receive even more cash back on your online hauls.
2. Pay Dollar Tree prices for major brands
Those shopping at Dollar Tree are often looking to save money without sacrificing quality, and national brands have taken notice! It’s a common misconception that discount stores only carry unknown, off-brand products. In reality, you can find high-quality, recognizable brands at amazing prices, including personal care items from Dove, Crest, and Dermasil, and pantry staples from brands like Sun-Maid, Kellogg’s, and General Mills. The secret is that these items are often available due to special arrangements, such as smaller package sizes perfect for single people or small families, overstock inventory, or packaging updates. Always check the size to confirm the value, but you’ll often find it’s a fantastic deal. Why would you buy the same item from a different grocery store with a higher price tag? We think that Dollar Tree did an amazing job, targeting its audience and offering them the best offers. This way, the brands’ credibility becomes even stronger among shoppers, and you get the names you trust for less.
3. Always visit Dollar Tree after major holidays
Do you want great discounts on seasonal goods? This is one of the best-kept secrets of seasoned Dollar Tree shoppers. Visit your local store immediately after a major holiday like Christmas, and you’ll be in shock! After all the major holidays in the United States—including Valentine’s Day, Easter, Halloween, and the 4th of July—Dollar Tree aggressively marks down any remaining seasonal items to make room for new inventory. You can often find decor, party supplies, candy, and themed items for 50% off or more. Are your kids or grandkids graduating next year? Make sure you shop for all the decoration stuff this year and you’ll get a 50% off price. The same strategy applies to all seasonal events. Buy your Halloween costumes and decor in early November or your Easter basket fillers in late April. Isn’t that cool? The only thing you need is a depot where to store everything you bought, like a labeled bin in the garage or attic. If you don’t have such a space, unfortunately, I really can’t see how you could do that, but for those who can plan ahead, the savings are substantial.
4. Visit different Dollar Tree stores to find the best items
You already know that not all stores are created equal, and this is especially true for Dollar Tree. Each location stocks different items based on its size, local customer demographics, and even the store manager’s ordering habits. This is why you need to pay attention and be strategic. Choose the Dollar Tree store depending on your shopping list. For example, some locations in suburban areas may offer more toys and a larger frozen or refrigerated food selection (the “Dollar Tree Plus” stores), while others in more urban settings may have more single-serving snacks and apartment-friendly cleaning supplies. The best way to find out about a location’s products is to check the reviews online. Realistic reviews can be found at Yelp.com or on local community Facebook groups where shoppers often share their best finds. “It may be worth your time to drive further for a well-stocked location,” says Shannon Hale, frugal home decluttering expert. Don’t be afraid to create a “Dollar Tree route” to visit a few different stores in one outing to hunt for the best variety.
5. Stock up on crafting supplies
For crafters, teachers, and DIY enthusiasts, Dollar Tree is heaven for arts and crafts supplies! It not only offers a surprisingly wide selection of products, but it also can help you save a bundle on project basics! You can find poster boards, foam core, glass vases, candle holders, floral supplies, ribbon, paint, canvases, and woodcraft shapes for a fraction of the price of a traditional craft store. A DIY crafting expert, Mary Polanco shares her saving secrets and the products she uses from Dollar Tree. She advises all the crafters not to limit themselves to the craft aisle and always try working with new products. For example, she uses microfiber cloths from the automotive section to clean up her ink-blending brushes. Think outside the box: use hardware like twine and clips for rustic projects or kitchen items like pizza pans to create custom decorative signs. The low price point makes it the perfect place to experiment with a new hobby without a major financial commitment.
6. Buy larger quantities online, from DollarTree.com
Sarah Conklin, a popular financial coach, advises everyone to use the website each time they want to buy larger quantities because the price will be better like that. While you can’t buy single items online, DollarTree.com is a fantastic resource for purchasing items by the case. This is an incredible secret for anyone planning a party, a wedding, a classroom activity, or a charity event. Need 30 matching glass vases for centerpieces or 50 boxes of a specific candy for party favors? Buying online ensures you get the quantity you need without having to drive to multiple stores. If you don’t like the idea of paying for the shipping services, you can also opt for having your order shipped free to a nearby Dollar Tree store for pickup. This combines the convenience of online bulk ordering with the savings of no-cost shipping. Just be sure to plan ahead, as delivery to the store can take a week or more.
7. Join Dollar Tree’s social media pages and stay updated
Considering the amazing prices, a lot of popular Dollar Tree products sell out really fast, especially seasonal and new-arrival items. So, getting a little sneak peek of what is coming to the stores would be a great idea, says budget shopping professional, Courtney Gunn, the host of the YouTube channel “Creative on the Cheap”. The best way to stay in the loop is to follow Dollar Tree on its official social media channels like Facebook and Instagram. They often post about new product lines and offer DIY inspiration using their items. But the real secret is to also follow unofficial fan accounts, bloggers, and YouTubers who are dedicated to Dollar Tree. These creators often post “shop with me” videos and “new finds” alerts, giving you a real-time look at what’s hitting the shelves in different regions. This can give you a heads-up on hot items before they disappear from your local store.
8. Bring your coupons for bonus Dollar Tree savings
A lot of frugal living coaches are saying that many shoppers don’t know that Dollar Tree accepts manufacturer coupons, and this is one of the most underutilized savings tricks. Ashley Langston also advises everyone to pay close attention to their coupons’ terms, as Dollar Tree is a little bit tricky with their product sizes. To be successful, you must ensure the coupon perfectly matches the item, including the brand, size, and specific type. Dollar Tree’s coupon policy allows for one manufacturer coupon per item purchased. You can find these coupons in the Sunday paper or on printable coupon websites. Reading the fine print is essential.
The best thing is that you can use coupons to get free products! For example, if Dollar Tree sells an item for $1.25 and you have a manufacturer’s coupon for $1.25 off, that item becomes completely free. However, don’t expect to get any cashback if your coupon is greater than the purchase! The value of the coupon will be adjusted down to the item’s price, so a $1.50 coupon on a $1.25 item would simply make it free, not give you 25 cents back. Still, free is the best price!
Do you want to become more frugal? Here are other useful tips!
Stick to a list and set a realistic grocery budget
Shopping by a list can be a simple and also great way to save money! It’s your number one defense against impulse purchases, which can quickly derail your budget. So, before you go shopping make sure you make a list with all the products you need and set a grocery budget. A pro tip is to organize your list by the store’s layout (e.g., pantry, frozen, cleaning) to make your trip more efficient and less tempting. Even though setting a budget may be difficult, it is very important to understand your needs and your limits. Stick to it!
Avoid pre-packaged items and prep your own food
Stop buying pre-packaged food and make time to cook! While convenient, items like pre-shredded cheese, pre-cut vegetables, and single-serving snack packs almost always cost more than their bulk counterparts. Preparing your own food will significantly improve your lifestyle and will also help you save a lot. Buying a block of cheese and shredding it yourself, or chopping your own vegetables, can lead to significant savings over time. So, don’t be lazy and start caring more about your health and your wallet!
Got some time? Compare prices
If you have free time, make sure you compare prices in order to make the right choices. Not every item at a discount store is the best deal. You don’t need to do it each time you go shopping, but it’s wise to have a general idea of prices for your most-purchased items. But it’s important to know where you can find your favorite products at the best prices. Consider keeping a “price book” (a simple note on your phone) to track the unit prices of staples like milk, bread, and eggs at different stores.
Buy generic brands
Always opt for generic or store brands when possible! Many shoppers are hesitant, but store brands often have identical ingredients and quality as their name-brand counterparts, just without the expensive marketing budget. Sometimes trying new things is not a great idea and will only make you lose money, but this is an exception. A smart approach is to try one new generic item per shopping trip. By choosing quality generic brands over national ones, the chances of getting a bad product are significantly low, and your savings will add up fast.
Bring your own bag
Stop spending money on shopping bags! While the cost of a single plastic or paper bag is small, it adds up over a year of shopping trips. A useful trick would be to buy a beautiful, sturdy tote bag you really like. That way, you’ll not forget it at home when you go shopping and will save you some dollars. Keep a few reusable bags in the trunk of your car so you are always prepared, even for unplanned shopping stops. It’s a win for your budget and a win for the environment.
Plan recipes ahead of time
Make a meal plan before going to the grocery store! This is a game-changer for frugal living. When you decide on your meals for the week, you can create a highly specific and efficient shopping list. If you already have your recipes planned, you’ll already know what you need and you’ll stop spending money on unuseful things that will end up dying in your fridge. Planning meals around what’s on sale or what you already have in your pantry is an even more advanced money-saving strategy.
Take inventory before you shop
This is the first step you need to do, before writing down on a list, the products you are looking for. How many times have you bought a jar of mustard only to come home and find you already had two? Checking your pantry, fridge, and freezer before you leave prevents buying duplicates. Seeing what you have will stop you from spending money for no reason! A modern tip is to take a quick photo of the inside of your fridge and pantry with your phone. That way, if you’re unsure about an item in the store, you can quickly check your photo inventory. So, make sure you know exactly what you have and what you need before stepping out of your house.
Limit high-priced items
If these high-priced items don’t represent a MUST-HAVE in your life, limit them or find more affordable alternatives. For example, you may like a really good coffee brand that may be really expensive if you buy it repeatedly. The same goes for artisanal cheeses, premium ice cream, or expensive cuts of meat. Conscious spending doesn’t mean depriving yourself entirely. Probably, the best advice would be to buy these kinds of luxury items now and then as a special treat, rather than a weekly staple. Remember that balance is key to sustainable and happy budgeting.
Shop in season
Do you want to become more frugal but are buying fresh blackberries in the middle of winter? That is not a smart shopping choice at all. Produce that is out of season has to be shipped from far away, which dramatically increases its cost. The majority of products cost much more if you don’t buy them in their season. Shopping your local and seasonal produce is a great way to save money and enjoy food at its peak flavor and nutritional value! Also, don’t forget the frozen food aisle. Frozen fruits and vegetables at places like Dollar Tree are picked and frozen at peak freshness, making them an excellent and affordable year-round alternative to expensive out-of-season produce.
If you find this topic interesting, make sure you also read this: Money Saving Tricks: 10 Dollar Tree Hacks You Need to Try Today.
