It Pays To Avoid Buying These Items At Your Grocery Store
By DB
@dgobucks226 (34348)
December 6, 2018 6:42pm CST
Do you shop around to cut costs or buy most of your items at the grocery store. For certain products, it really can "pay off" to look elsewhere to get some great deals. According to "Cheapism" magazine, these retailers offer savings on items where grocery stores charge you significantly more. Here are a few product recommendations from this online publication, and where to purchase them to lower your shopping bills. You might want to compare their list with your supermarket prices to see if it is really cheaper.
1. Bottled Water- Target offers a 24 pack of large size 16.9 oz bottles for $2.69.
2. Shampoos, deodorants and soaps- the Dollar Tree sells these items at $1. When compared with grocery stores the price per ounce is much less.
3. Cleaning supplies- Target offers Clorox Bleach and Scotch Brite Sponges for less.
4. Storage Containers- Target and Dollar Stores have a lower priced selection.
5. Wine Bottle Gift Bags- Dollar Tree offers these at $1 compared with grocery store prices at 3 or 4 times the price.
6. Greeting Cards- I always buy my special occasion cards at the Dollar Store. Many are 2 for $1. You can go with a Hallmark at a grocery store, but it will cost you $3-$4 apiece.
Are there certain items you will avoid buying at a grocery store and instead purchase at another retailer? Where do you shop for these items? I'm sure you can add to this list!
Source- cheapism magazine
Photo- tastingtable.com
20 people like this
19 responses
@NJChicaa (115983)
• United States
7 Dec 18
I usually get it all at the grocery store so I don't have to make an extra trip somewhere else. I know that I'm paying more but it saves me the time and hassle of going somewhere else. If we need a lot of things (toilet paper, paper towels, shampoo/conditioner, deodorant, etc.) then I make a list and my husband will happily go to Walmart to stock us up.
4 people like this
@dgobucks226 (34348)
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9 Dec 18
Yes, I see what your getting at there. Sometimes the extra time invested in shopping around is not worth the trouble. Thanks for your input....
2 people like this
@1hopefulman (45123)
• Canada
7 Dec 18
Some great ideas for saving some nice dollars on your list. It all adds up!
4 people like this
@allen0187 (58444)
• Philippines
7 Dec 18
Some items are indeed cheaper when bought in bulk.
2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (34348)
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9 Dec 18
Yes, a concept used in the U.S. in stores like Costco.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (458006)
• Switzerland
7 Dec 18
I always check the prices before buying, I was just checking the prices on the on flyer of an Italian supermarket 3 miles from the border. I know where I go shopping Sundays morning at 8 am. Your suggestions are surely useful for those who live in your county, all the listed stores do not exist here.
2 people like this
@LadyDuck (458006)
• Switzerland
10 Dec 18
@dgobucks226 I live near the border, Switzerland has a lot higher wages than Italy, many goods are more expensive in Switzerland. I always buy meat, pasta, extra virgin olive oil, some cheese and some cold meats in Italy.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34348)
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9 Dec 18
I understand. The U.S. are big on those convenience stores. Do you need to buy your items in Italy as opposed to Switzerland? I noticed you mentioned an Italian supermarket.
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@dgobucks226 (34348)
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12 Dec 18
@LadyDuck I see. Thanks for the feedback in answering my question 
1 person likes this
@andriaperry (116860)
• Anniston, Alabama
7 Dec 18
I have curly hair, its dry and needs good stuff, I will pay for shampoo for nice hair.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34348)
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8 Dec 18
@andriaperry Ah, you are utilizing an old saying in justifying your shampoo purchase. "You get what you pay for." 
2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (34348)
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9 Dec 18
I agree with you on shampoo. Although Walmart prices for quality shampoo are probably less than grocery selections. Some other items like batteries and toothpaste I found are cheaper at the Dollar Store than at your grocer.
1 person likes this
@kobesbuddy (74526)
• East Tawas, Michigan
7 Dec 18
Very good advice, DB! I definitely do shop around, we try to purchase the items we need at the lowest price. Aldi's has some good buys, also.
2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (34348)
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9 Dec 18
Yes, I've been to Aldi's. Appreciate that suggestion Kharla!
1 person likes this
@kobesbuddy (74526)
• East Tawas, Michigan
10 Dec 18
@dgobucks226 SaveALot has some good prices, but they don't carry everything we need.
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@dgobucks226 (34348)
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10 Dec 18
@kobesbuddy I have never heard of Save A Lot. Amazing how many discount franchise businesses there are...
1 person likes this
@marguicha (215367)
• Chile
7 Dec 18
We don´t have Dollar Stores in my country. I imagine that it is a chain of cheaper items.
1 person likes this
@marguicha (215367)
• Chile
9 Dec 18
@dgobucks226 We can go to a big Farmer´s market that now has a place that sells meat, cheeses and dry goods at cheaper prices.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34348)
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12 Dec 18
@marguicha I enjoy Farmer's markets. The produce always looks so much fresher and larger than in a supermarket.
@dgobucks226 (34348)
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9 Dec 18
Yes, they are big deals in the U.S. Do you have any bargain places to shop at in Chile?
1 person likes this
@stringer321 (5643)
• Kiryat Ata, Israel
7 Dec 18
Well, I buy some fruit and vegetables in a shopping center or at the marketplace. The prices are most of the times cheaper at the marketplace.
The supermarket on the other hand, allows you to have a club friendship card to get some 5% discount for products belongs to the supermarket company, they take cans and bottles and give money for it (or a discount if you don't want to cash it) so, maybe the supermarket is better if I have many cans to give there...
Plus, I can buy products with a discount for my grandmother so I get points more often so I get more discount.
I think one person better use a friendship club card, buy all of the shopping for it's family and friends, they pay him money, he gets points and gets more discounts...isn't it a win win situation ?
1 person likes this
@stringer321 (5643)
• Kiryat Ata, Israel
11 Dec 18
@dgobucks226 well, stay updated with the prices in all shops possible, that's a good way to know how to save money.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34348)
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9 Dec 18
Sounds like a very good pricing system for buying food/products at stores in Israel. We also have those shopping cards which give you additional discounts on certain food purchases. We don't have can/ bottle exchange in the U.S. for money (at least in most states). Wish they did!
Appreciate your feedback...
@dgobucks226 (34348)
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10 Dec 18
@stringer321 They recycle plastic shopping bags, at the store but not bottles and cans. Now, we do have recycle garbage trucks come by our homes each week to pick up all our recyclables including glass bottles, aluminum cans and plastic. So, yes we do recycle.
1 person likes this
@rebelann (111159)
• El Paso, Texas
7 Dec 18
When it comes to food I buy Organic only and tend to get a lot of my items online at site like Walmart.com, Jet.com and even Amazon.com on occasion. When it comes to frozen fruit or veggies I always check out Costco first, they have a really good selection. Just remember, cheap food may not be that good for you, just sayin is all.
1 person likes this
@rebelann (111159)
• El Paso, Texas
9 Dec 18
Believe it or not I can get a really good price on those items online and not have to drive to the store and waste gasoline @dgobucks226 I've also noticed that out of the people I know who buy cheaper foods I am the only one not on meds for the problems those cheaper foods cause.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34348)
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12 Dec 18
@rebelann Interesting? And free shipping I would imagine. Three cheers for your healthy diet...as they say you are what you eat, lol.
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@dgobucks226 (34348)
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9 Dec 18
Oh I agree with your statement regarding food. Of course not everyone can afford the more expensive Organic foods but I understand your point. Many bargain stores carry many non-food items sold in supermarkets at much lower prices. You can buy vitamins at Trader Joe's for half what you would pay at a grocery or pharmacy. Here are a few more items sold for less than grocery stores:
Napkins, paper plates, dishes, glasses, cups- Dollar Store
Toothpaste- Dollar Store, Target
Batteries- Dollar Store, Dollar Tree
Socks- Dollar Tree 3pack for $1 Spices-$1 Laundry Supplies- like dryer sheets $1
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34348)
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9 Dec 18
Thank you. Anytime sofs! I enjoy finding helpful hints.. Thanks for reading 
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (73365)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
7 Dec 18
Having no car I usually order my groceries online from a local supermarket but I have taken the time to look around online and there are certain items like toilet paper that I buy in bulk because it is cheaper from JET and things that just make sense to have around for a longer time. The fresh stuff I get from the supermarket.
2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (34348)
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9 Dec 18
Sure, I can definitely understand that reasoning. Convenience can be just as important as cost. Thanks for your comments...
1 person likes this
@andriaperry (116860)
• Anniston, Alabama
7 Dec 18
Those are good tips, I do shop aroun inline and make my list.
2 people like this
@ethal2018 (387)
• United States
7 Dec 18
OOh yes dollar tree. its really funny because people think vegan is really expensive but you can get so much at the dollar store. like rice, beans, frozen veggies & fruit some even carry herbs & spices and so much more. I buy a lot of my craft supplies there. cards. My other fav. place is the grocery outlet I get some awesome deals there to.
2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (34348)
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9 Dec 18
Yes, they do have a great craft section in the Dollar stores. I've gotten puzzles, games and toys for my nephew and niece there. I've bought picture frames too. Another favorite item of mine is Napkins, paper plates, dishes, glasses, cups. Can't beat the price vs grocery stores. Appreciate your feedback!
@Hate2Iron (15730)
• Canada
9 Dec 18
I stocked up on dollar store shampoo and was just thinking about how wise that was yesterday. My hair doesn't seem to be as soft as it once was. I think for at least shampoos... I will go back to a regular store and trade up to a new brand! But there are lots of items that I definitely stock up on at the dollar store!
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34348)
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9 Dec 18
There are good buys on snacks. I've bought soup bowls and dishes there too. They say some of those stores sell 3 pair of socks for $1. I've got to stop at the Dollar store soon. Need a calendar, cups, paper plates, and Christmas cards. All for a buck each!!!!
@JESSY3236 (18923)
• United States
7 Dec 18
I use coupons to save money. I rather just go to one store and be done with it.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34348)
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9 Dec 18
I do the coupon thing too. Unfortunately, some items I buy just don't have coupons and I can find them cheaper at discount stores. The Dollar store is located in the same shopping area as my supermarket, so for me, it works out. But I do understand your point of view...Thanks for responding!
1 person likes this
@Hannihar (129431)
• Israel
11 Dec 18
@dgobucks226
I have checked out other places but they do not have what I want so I go to one grocery store. There is another grocery store I would love to go to but they open later than I want .
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@Hannihar (129431)
• Israel
13 Dec 18
@dgobucks226
It is if I want the things I like to buy.
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@dgobucks226 (34348)
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12 Dec 18
I understand. Sometimes convenience is just as important as costs.
1 person likes this
@MommyOfEli2013 (81963)
• Rupert, Idaho
7 Dec 18
That's great....we bought a water filter so don't have to buy bottled water. And buying stuff at Dollar Tree if you can is a great idea!
1 person likes this
@KOLAMsegaran1 (4137)
• Bekasi, Indonesia
9 Dec 18
Wow, this is very interesting, you look like an online wholesaler
1 person likes this
