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Discount Buyer Beware

June 3rd, 2008 by Mommie

I was blog surfing yesterday and came across a blog that toted shopping at discount stores , like Big Lots, as a great way to save money and shop frugally. Big Lots, and stores like them, make their money on products that other store don’t want to sell. So why do I say buyer beware?

Stores like Big Lots, Marshalls, TJ Maxx and the like buy stock from companies that are either close to being expired, mismatches, overstocks or have imperfections. So while they may have what seem to be lower prices, here are a few things to be aware of:

1) Food items – Food items at these stores are taken off the shelves of regular stores when they near expiration. Be sure, and I mean it, to check the expiration date of what ever food item you buy. Many items have expirations that are over a year out when they are fresh off out of the packaging plant, but if it sat on the shelf of a grocery store for 11 months, then you’re looking at some stale goods.

2) Imperfections – This happens mostly at stores like TJ Maxx. Sometimes the factory that sews the clothes may have had a seam sewed incorrectly or in the wrong place all together. Try everything on and check it over to see what exactly you’re buying.

3) Off brands – Stores like Big Lots fill up with off brand merchandise. Be aware that while off brand is ok for some things, like paper, stationary, etc., you do usually end up getting what you paid for. If you pay $1 for a bath towel, you’re truly getting a bath towel worth $1.

4) They don’t always have the lowest prices! I say this time and time again. Grocery stores have wonderful sales, when matched with a coupon you can get great deals. I was at Big Lots a few days ago looking for a few things. While I was shopping I saw Suave shampoo my husband uses for .97. This is cheap, but I know I can get it cheaper with a coupon. I also saw a book for scrapbooking that I actually put in my cart for $7, but I took it out at the register because I knew I could get it cheaper at Michaels with a coupon. It’s not always the cheapest, so just be aware.

But, as they state, they have some great bargains. Shop smart and you might even get some!

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2 Responses

Yvie writes:
June 3rd, 2008 at 9:54 pm

It’s true. Cheap prices and discounts have a catch. It’s either they’re selling it for inventory or that the goods are near expiration.

People should be keen in what they’re buying. Because I agree with what you said, you get what you pay for.
Condo Blues writes:
June 4th, 2008 at 3:58 pm

I love the thrill of the Bargin Hunt by going to Odd Lots, Dollar Stores, etc. However, with such cheap prices it’s all too easy to 59 cent yourself to death and spend waaaay to much money than you originally planned.