50 Dollar Store Deals That Will Make You Think Twice About Where You Shop
05 Sep 2024If you are not picky about brands, the Dollar Store is the place for you. Here you can find a lot of useful and, most importantly, cheap household goods. So, it's very difficult to pass by such stores. We have made a selection of products that you should and should not buy at the Dollar Store.
Buy: Party Supplies
Money Talks News estimates that you'll pay about 70% less for party supplies at Dollar Store than at stores like Party City. You can find streamers, party hats, paper plates, and utensils, all in one place. At the very least, you won't have to run around to a number of stores.
@MecBurnaBlasta/reddit.com
This is a great deal because a party costs a lot of money, so why not save money? Moreover, in stores that usually sell exactly the same product, you'll have to pay a lot more money. So let's take advantage of the good prices in these wonderful shops.
Skip: Knives
Good kitchen knives are expensive, so you might be tempted to buy one or two knives from a discount store. The reason why good knives are costly is that you are paying for quality - typically for heavy blades made of high-carbon stainless steel - something that discount store knives are not known for.
@Racoon-Crusader-69/reddit.com
Safety is also an issue: knife cuts account for hundreds of thousands of emergency room visits per year, and kitchen knives are responsible for about a third of those cuts. Dull knives are more dangerous than sharp ones because more effort is needed to cut with a dull tool. It's better to invest in a sharp knife that will last you a lifetime.
Buy: Seasonal Decor
When it comes to holiday decor, the Dollar Store has everything you need. The store has a consistent assortment of seasonal items at low prices, which has expanded in recent years to compete with discount stores like TJ Maxx. And they don't intend to stop anytime soon.
@Hippydippy420/reddit.com
Here you can find a variety of decorations, from garlands and candles to themed tablecloths and napkins. The variety of choices and affordable prices make the Dollar Store a great place to buy decor for any holiday, whether it's Christmas, Halloween, or Easter.
Skip: Pet Food
Pet food is another Dollar Store item that may not contain all the ingredients you think it does. Sure, it's cheaper but do you want to jeopardize your pet's health for a few dollars of savings? Storage is another potential problem. In 2022, more than 100 dog food and treats and 80 cat food items sold in Dollar Stores in the southern United States were recalled due to rodent contamination.
@Ghostblade07/reddit.com
Instead, keep an eye on your local pet store or grocery store apps for deals and coupons on the best brands, and talk to your pet's veterinarian about the brands they recommend. Stumbled upon an unusual feline meal option at the discount shop. The ingredients seem very clean. 2 dollars for 400 g. Too good to be true?
Buy: Greeting Cards
The Dollar Store has an impressive collection of greeting cards for all occasions and holidays, and while you may not get textured paper or fancy additions like ribbon, the heartfelt message you write will be the same no matter how expensive the card looks.
@aricharms/reddit.com
The main thing is that the greetings come from the heart and are presented to a loved one. This is the highest value. And it doesn't matter how much money you paid for the card because such gifts are not measured in price. Although a small saving for the family budget is an additional plus.
Skip: Tools
Tools should be strong and durable enough to withstand hard work. The best toolkits are made of high-quality materials and usually come with a warranty, so even if something breaks while you're working, you'll be able to replace it for little or no cost.
@Southpontiac/reddit.com
Would bargain-bin hardware from a discount shop inspire the same confidence as quality tools? It's unlikely because tools made of high-quality materials come at a high price. And you can't find expensive tools at the Dollar Store, so you can't count on quality either.
Buy: Hair Accessories
All girls love to decorate their hair with various hair clips, pins, and bands. Nowadays, stores offer a variety of hair jewelry - it's astonishing, you can change your hairstyle every day. However, the prices also vary, and there is a large selection where you can compare the cost of this jewelry.
@poundstoreGj/facebook.com
So, we advise you to pay attention to the Dollar Store. Here you can find a wide range of hair accessories. Here you can buy hairpins, ties, and headbands at a low cost. Besides, it's a great gift idea: you'll make a person happy and save money.
Skip: Umbrellas
Those who live in humid climates know how important it is to invest in a quality umbrella but unfortunately, you won't find them on sale. Umbrellas from Dollar Stores are often flimsy, too small, and lack an ergonomic handle. Low-quality umbrellas often have an unstable frame.
@reesesaturn/reddit.com
It cannot withstand the wind, making it more of a hazard than a temporary shelter from the storm. A cheap umbrella is more disappointing than it is worth, as the ribs break easily, causing the dome to become askew. Such umbrellas are a short-lived purchase and often end up in landfills along with more than 1 billion other umbrellas every year around the world.
Buy: Frames for Photos
Ornamental borders for photographs can be unexpectedly costly, varying in their dimensions and composition. Even if you don't want a plain black plastic frame, look at your local Dollar Store before heading to a big box store or craft store. There you will find something in which to display your photos.
@shhphoenix/reddit.com
Some Dollar Stores have metal frames or rustic wood frames that will fit in with a variety of decor styles, and you'll pay a lot less for them than you would at a craft store. All frame sizes at Dollar Store cost $1.25. At Walmart, for example, the cheapest frames for photos and documents start at $2.50.
Skip: Jewelry
The green discoloration on cheap jewelry isn't the main concern when buying accessories from discount stores. Low-cost ornaments often contain cadmium, an inexpensive metal used in mass-produced trinkets. Even minimal exposure to cadmium can be harmful to health.
@Poundstoregujrat/facebook.com
Potential risks include respiratory issues, cancer, and reproductive system damage. Many regions lack regulations on cadmium use in jewelry, so, these hazardous items may be available at your local budget shop. Don't risk your health and don't buy cheap stuff.
Buy: Storage Containers
A plastic container is a plastic container. Why spend almost $10 when you can get the same thing for less? For instance, the Dollar Store offers wicker storage bins for $1, making organizing small toys, kitchen utensils under the sink, or personal care items simple and affordable.
@These Colorful New Storage Containers Are Only $1 at Dollar Tree!/hip2save.com
You can stock up on containers and your space will look more organized and orderly. There is no need to spend a lot of money when there are affordable stores. Plastic containers are a necessary thing and will definitely come in handy.
Skip: Batteries
Dollar Stores, especially carbon-zinc batteries. Carbon-zinc batteries do not last as long as alkaline batteries and can damage devices if they leak. Packs of $1.25 "super-power" batteries are most commonly available under the e-Circuit and Panasonic brands.
@Geckatan/reddit.com
Both brands have warnings on the batteries: "Use for low power devices" such as remote controls and clock radios. However, practice shows that they don't last long and end up costing more than buying Duracell, Energizer, or even the Kirkland brand at Costco. We've warned you but the choice is yours.
Buy: Wrapping Paper and Gift Bags
The Dollar Store offers a wide range of gift wrapping. Since the recipient of your gift is likely to throw away the torn wrapping paper or gift bag after opening it, you can buy it at a bargain price. You'll both make a difference and save money.
@SavannahInChicago/reddit.com
In addition, budget stores offer a wide variety of gift bags and wrapping paper. They have them to suit different tastes - from plain to those with different patterns. So, they will come in handy for both New Year's and birthdays.
Skip: Garbage Bags
If you don't want your trash bags to burst on the way to the curb, spend a few dollars more on quality brands. Otherwise, you will have a lot of problems with trash, even when there is not much of it. Very often, the bags are very thin and often tear before you even have time to take them out of the house.
@xAwoken-/reddit.com
Of course, this is annoying, as well as the fact that you have to spend money on garbage in the first place. However, Dollar Stores are not a good help here. It's better to buy a slightly stronger garbage bag, such as the Hefty brand, which you certainly won't find in budget stores.
Buy: Cotton Swabs
If you are hesitant to buy cotton swabs from a budget store, our advice is that yes, definitely do. They may not be as good as the ones at the drugstore but the cotton swabs and balls sold by the Dollar Store work just as well but for a fraction of the price. Another plus is that budget stores often have promotions and discounts on various products, including cotton swabs.
@D3thklok1985/reddit.com
This means that you can get even more savings if you take advantage of special offers in time. Thus, buying cotton swabs from a budget store is a smart choice for those who value their savings and want a quality product at an affordable price.
Skip: Oven Mitts
In Dollar Stores, you should be wary of discounted kitchenware in general but especially for items that deal with heat, such as oven mitts. We advise you to avoid such items as they are usually made of low-quality materials.
@Smart-Stupid666/reddit.com
This means that they cannot protect properly against heat and burns. Anything that does not guarantee safety and can harm your health is best avoided and preferred over more expensive items.
Buy: Candles
If you're dreaming of having a romantic evening and surprising your loved one, you can't do without candles. Nowadays, stores offer an incredible variety of these things - both shaped and colored. A diverse array of options caters to all preferences.
@RedRose_Belmont/reddit.com
However, the prices in regular stores are very expensive. But there is a way out, the main thing is not to give up. The Dollar Store is a reliable place where you can stock up on candles and even find fakes of famous scents for just a dollar. By the way, they are no worse than the original.
Skip: Over-the-Counter Drugs
The Dollar Store has been at the center of controversy due to a series of lawsuits alleging that the chain sold expired medicines to consumers. In August 2019, a judge ruled that the stores must collectively pay $1.2 million in fines and damages. Naturally, this news shocked many customers of budget stores.
@Sharptooth8Petrie/reddit.com
New York consumers have a right to expect that the products on store shelves are safe, fresh, and fit for purpose. All of this means that it is best to stay away from any medicines from the Dollar Store. Health is much more valuable and we should not forget about it.
Buy: Stickers
If you are a parent of young children or have a profession related to children, such as a school teacher or caregiver, we recommend visiting the Dollar Store for cheap, fun stickers. They have such a variety of them that it's a sight to behold.
@Jordo32/reddit.com
Children often just love all kinds of stickers and enjoy playing with them. They are happy to stick them on, exchange them with friends, and sometimes receive them as a reward for good grades from teachers. So, it's worth buying, you won't lose.
Skip: Makeup
When it comes to makeup, experts warn that you run the risk of accidentally buying expired products at Dollar Stores. Claims about cosmetics and other personal care products are not regulated. A label that advertises ingredients as pure or non-toxic is not a guarantee of safety and quality.
@leskocraftygirl/facebook.com
Some countries are beginning to regulate the use of synthetic chemicals (per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS) in cosmetics and other products. Even if generic cosmetics use the same ingredients as branded products, they may contain cheaper versions of those ingredients, which can be a problem for people with sensitive skin.
Buy: Candy
The candy aisle offers customers one of the best prices in a Dollar Store. These stores have many different candies at great prices, even if they don't cost as little as $1 each. Because of the low cost, you can easily stock up on a variety of different types of candy.
@[deleted]/reddit.com
In addition, you can even make party bags, create a candy board, or something else. Such bargain offers are worth taking advantage of, especially if you love to eat candy. You may even come across discounts.
Skip: Toys
Cheap toys are made of cheap materials. Some budget toys are not guaranteed to be toxin-free, and others may simply break from normal wear and tear, making them dangerous for young children who may put harmful objects in their mouths. Cheap, off-brand toys can also contain chemicals and other toxins that persist for long periods.
@Em1n3c3Fr0n7/reddit.com
A report in October 2022 found lead in toy rings sold in discount stores across the country, leading to a recall of these products. Toys are among the top items on the list of things not to buy in Dollar Stores. Even at a nominal price of $1 or $2, it's still a squandered sum that could be allocated elsewhere.
Buy: Planters and Gardening Supplies
You've probably seen plenty of gardening tools and supplies at your local hardware store. At the Dollar Store, however, you can find trowels, planters, and even soil to get flowering plants for less. For gardening enthusiasts, this is a real find.
@Dt_1259/reddit.com
Note that these items may be seasonal at your local budget store. So, you should hurry up to get the right gardening supplies in time at the right prices without overpaying. You should never pass by the right things. If you use them carefully, they will last for many years.
Skip: Electronic Accessories
There is a reason why you can find cheap electronic accessories in Dollar Stores: they are rubbish. Accessories such as power strips and phone chargers do not meet the same standards as gadgets made by companies we know. Electronic accessories from Dollar Stores break down quickly.
@youplaymenot/reddit.com
It can damage your phone, computer, TV, and other equipment. Spend a little more money on a trusted UL-listed brand than risk ruining your gadget. Don't get your hopes up for electronics from a Dollar Store. The quality reflects the price.
Buy: Pregnancy Tests
Buying a pregnancy test from a cheap store? You may have doubts. This is a really important thing. But we want to assure you that they are no worse than the ones that cost $10-15 that are sold in big pharmacies. In Walmart's pharmacy aisles, the cheapest pregnancy test, the EZ Life kit, sells for $2.57, and there are more expensive brands.
@MadGeller/reddit.com
At the Dollar Store, Accuracy pregnancy test kits cost $1.25. But most importantly, these tests provide reliable information. The experts who studied them tested these tests on pregnant women and 4 out of 5 were pregnant, which was true. So, why pay more?
Skip: Plastic Cooking Utensils
Do you think you should buy plastic kitchen utensils in Dollar Stores? They look quite decent and seem no worse than those sold in expensive stores. But this is only at first glance. Plastic kitchen utensils may contain bromine, which is a component of refractory materials and may be linked to cancer.
@Dollarama/yelp.ca
Products that do not meet safety standards can be hazardous to your health. In particular, when heated, such materials can release harmful chemical substances that get into the food. In addition, cheap plastic products are often less durable and break or deform faster when exposed to high temperatures.
Buy: Coloring Books and Puzzles
Children just love doing puzzles and it is very useful. They develop logic and imagination, so, this activity is great for them. Besides, adults can also join in, as they often like to do puzzles to pass the time. If you're looking for a place to buy them cheaply, check out the Dollar Store.
@bpdjelly/reddit.com
It's a great place to find a wide range of puzzles with different characters that children love, which can be purchased for just a few dollars. And it doesn't matter if the child loses the pieces over time, they will still have time to enjoy them.
Skip: Headphones
People buy headphones because they want to be alone and listen to their favorite music anywhere, anytime. The main requirement is good and high-quality sound. For a couple of bucks, headphones from the Dollar Store may seem like a bargain but they sound terrible in general.
@0_Snowx/reddit.com
If you still want quality, it's better to look for headphones in a big box store or buy them online. A good pair of headphones will cost you $10-20. But, of course, the choice is yours. Perhaps you want to check our words for yourself, that's your right.
Buy: Glassware
The top quality at the Dollar Store is in the cups and glassware. And there's plenty to choose from. You'll find both classic and modern designs to suit any kitchen or table. These items are not only attractive in appearance but also durable enough to withstand daily use.
@funky_brewing/reddit.com
If you are looking for budget-friendly gifts, glassware from the Dollar Store is a great option. Stylish glasses, elegant vases and decorative plates can be a pleasant surprise for your loved ones or friends. Moreover, the prices of these items are so affordable that you can create a beautiful set without spending a lot of money.
Skip: Vitamins
It is best to avoid vitamins from Dollar Stores. They may not contain the same ingredients or nutrients as the brand-name versions. There are still deals to be had but check the composition before you buy. Just like over-the-counter medicines, vitamins in Dollar Stores are often expired or out of date.
@sizbeq/reddit.com
So, if you want to benefit from vitamins and really improve your health, we recommend buying them from a pharmacy. This way, your expenses will be justified and not wasted. Otherwise, you will simply waste your money. There are many more interesting ways to spend your money.
Buy: Craft Supplies
You may not find stationery with very popular brands but you can find a lot of inexpensive craft materials, as well as pencils, pens, and paints for drawing at the Dollar Store. This is an ideal option for a budget playroom or classroom setup.
@heatherdeag/reddit.com
Your child will definitely be happy. You can take him or her with you to this store to choose what he or she likes from the stationery. Even if the child buys a lot of goods, you will not go broke. There is also a chance that you will want to pick up something for yourself, for example, from needlework.
Skip: Windshield Washer Fluid
Like some other products on the shelf at the Dollar Store, the quality of cheap windshield washer fluid may not be up to snuff. While you may have no problem using this lower-quality windshield washer fluid, it can lead to problems for you or your vehicle. Many windshield washer fluids contain anti-freezing elements such as methanol.
@ensearch/reddit.com
When the temperature drops below freezing, it prevents the liquid from turning to ice on the windshield or in the tank. Dollar Store windshield washer fluid may be cheaper because it does not contain antifreeze, which can lead to dangerous driving if you cannot see out the windshield.
Buy: Toothbrushes
Toothbrushes can be crazy expensive but there's a great alternative that can be found at the Dollar Store. What's more, they even sell personalized branded brushes. They also have children's toothbrushes in the form of cute animals, which is a must-have for kids.
@FeatherDreams/reddit.com
Toothbrushes from the Dollar Store do a great job of keeping your teeth and gums well cared for. In addition, you can find not only toothbrushes but also other oral hygiene products such as kinds of toothpaste, mouthwash, and dental floss at the Dollar Store.
Skip: Beach Towels
If you're looking for disposable beach towels and then you're going to throw them away, $1.25 per towel might seem like a bargain. But if you plan to use the towel for a long time, it's better to buy them more expensive and not at the Dollar Store.
@Dollar General Summer Toys are out!/passionforsavings.com
Keep in mind that beach towels from budget stores are of poor quality and won't do the hard work of wiping you dry. So, it's better to avoid such low-quality items and opt for something a little more expensive.
Buy: Reading and Sun Glasses
Such a great price, right? You will be surprised. They range from $1 to $1.75 - isn't that a great deal? Customers who bought reading and sunglasses and left reviews about them wrote that these glasses are of high quality and comfortable.
@irotsamoht/reddit.com
Moreover, according to some users, even if the glasses break, they won't be a pity due to their low cost. So, you can buy them even with a margin - both for yourself and for your friends. They will definitely appreciate such a useful gift and ask you where you bought them.
Skip: Sunscreen
Sunscreen is not something to be trifled with. Its sun protection factor (SPF) can decrease over time, and those bottles of sunscreen from the Dollar Store may have been on the shelf long enough to lose some of their protective properties. The FDA requires that products retain their original strength for 3 years.
@toaster_strudel__/reddit.com
In addition, improper storage of sunscreens and other products led to a voluntary recall by the Dollar Store chain in 2022 because they were not stored at the proper temperature. Sunscreen is another product that can contain harmful "eternal" chemicals, which is why you should give preference to well-known brands.
Buy: Tape
You can find Scotch brand clear tape at Dollar Stores, and they often sell an 800-inch roll of Jot brand invisible tape for $1.25. A 600-inch pack of clear tape costs $5.19 at Staples or 0.008 cents per inch. You have to admit, it's a good offer.
@sujo-solider/reddit.com
Of course, it's cheaper to buy it here than in other big box stores. So, it's not worth overpaying. However, there is still a small nuance - sometimes there may be less tape in the rolls of Dollar Stores. If this is not a problem for you, then feel free to buy the tape you need.
Skip: Canned Goods
Some off-brand canned foods may contain traces of harmful chemicals such as BPA. Before buying canned food from any seller, do your research. Even if you know the brand name, compare the price with those sold in the grocery store. Quality varies; bargains are hit-or-miss.
@anon527262728/reddit.com
Sure, that can of green beans may only cost a dollar but that's more than you need to spend. Walmart sells a 14.5-ounce can of sliced green beans at a bargain price of just 70 cents. Comparing price and quality is key to finding the best deals - no matter where you shop. The Dollar Store is no different.
Buy: Vases
You can never have too many vases, especially in the spring when the luxurious flowers you planted last fall are blooming. But why overpay? The Dollar Store offers a great selection of these vases, all for as little as $1.25 each. If you're looking for something that can be used all year round, or even a nice seasonal vase, you'll find it at a bargain price right here.
@Himekochii/reddit.com
While you'll spend a lot more shopping elsewhere, even if a Dollar Store vase breaks, the fact that it costs less than $2 will make the event less devastating. The assortment of cheap vases at Dollar Store is huge - tall, short, round, square, clear, and colored... So, don't hesitate.
Skip: Brand Name Cleaning Products
This may sound like a good deal but more often than not, these cleaning products are packaged in smaller quantities than you're used to seeing on the shelves of big box stores. This means you'll end up paying more per ounce. That means you won't get any benefits.
@DGthrowaway898989/reddit.com
Instead, look for cleaning products from Los Angeles-based brands Totally Awesome and Fabuloso. Bargain hunters rave about these wallet-friendly cleaning supplies. They are not packaged and they do a great job of cleaning and tidying up.
Buy: Patches
A lot of people are skeptical that cheap band-aids really work well but the Dollar Store won't let you down with this one. Surprisingly, they sell affordable quality patches. A big plus is the fun kids' patches. In pharmacies and big box stores, they are much more expensive.
@First Aid Supplies Only $1 at Dollar Tree/hip2save.com
That's why parents prefer to buy regular patches. But there's no need to worry about it now because the Dollar Store has affordable patches with various fairy-tale characters: parents save money, and children enjoy. As they say, the main thing is to know the right place.
Skip: Stuff for the Baby
With the recent recalls of baby water (an herbal supplement containing organic ginger and fennel extract) and cough syrup in supermarkets, it seems wiser than ever to remember that babies are too fragile to risk consuming substandard products. These recalls were for an undissolved ingredient and possible bacterial contamination that could have caused illness.
@_sassiebutclassie_/reddit.com
The principle is the same for everything from food to clothing. Why take the risk? Compliance with quality and safety standards should come first because the health and well-being of children depends on the responsibility of adults in choosing products and means to care.
Buy: Books
Attention book lovers, we have some interesting information for you. At the Dollar Store, you can find bestselling books for as little as $1.25 each. These books are much more expensive on Amazon or in your local bookstore, so this is a great opportunity to get a lot of new reading material.
@manitau/reddit.com
By the way, the books are identical, so there's no point in overpaying. You just need to understand that no one has canceled the markup in large stores and bookshops. Thanks to the inflated price, the owners of these stores make good money.
Skip: Paintbrushes
Brushes and rollers from Dollar Stores are often made of low-quality materials and may not be as durable and reliable as those sold at reputable hardware stores. They are not reusable, so spend the money and buy quality brushes if you want to use them on another project.
@[deleted]/reddit.com
Low-quality tools can leave lint marks or wear out easily during work, which leads to additional costs for their replacement. In addition, low-quality materials can negatively affect the final result of your work, creating an uneven coating of paint or varnish.
Buy: Dinner Plates and Tableware
The tableware selection includes some of the best Dollar Store finds. As it turns out, their plates and platters are just as sturdy as those you could spend a lot more on at another store like Target, and seem to be very similar in quality.
@thekattspajamas/reddit.com
At $1.25 per plate, it's a really inexpensive way to set a nice table for a large gathering, freshen up your table setting for the new season, or simply expand your tableware collection. Trust us, it's worth it - both beautiful and convenient. Beautiful tableware is always a pleasure for the soul.
Skip: Hand Sanitizer
At the beginning of the pandemic, there was a time when hand sanitizers disappeared from store shelves. But over time, they have begun to reappear, including at the Dollar Store. Of course, the low price attracted buyers but later, when some disinfectants were tested, serious problems were discovered.
@Steven1027/reddit.com
The FDA found that several types of Dollar Store's Assured hand sanitizer were contaminated with methanol, which can be toxic if absorbed through the skin or ingested and can be life-threatening if ingested. Some of the products have since been voluntarily recalled.
Buy: Light Bulbs
To save money, many people have switched to LED bulbs, which can often be more expensive. But thanks to the Dollar Store, this is no longer such a problem. This store offers quality LED bulbs at a much lower price, making the switch to energy-efficient lighting more affordable for everyone.
@[deleted]/reddit.com
Not only do LED bulbs use less energy but they also last much longer than conventional bulbs, which means even more savings in the long run. In this way, shopping at the Dollar Store helps you make environmentally conscious choices without breaking the bank.
Skip: Deodorant
At your local Dollar Store, you'll find many name-brand products like deodorants and antiperspirants. But before you buy, check the size. You can often buy a bigger size at the drugstore for not much more, which means it is of better quality.
@hoggytime613/reddit.com
It's always worth comparing prices if it's important to you to save money and choose something better and of higher quality. Not everything sold in budget stores is much cheaper to buy. And if you check once, you won't need to check the prices of a particular product again.
Buy: Frozen Foods
While you won't find fresh produce at the Dollar Store, you will find many frozen foods that are great for adding to meals for nutrition and flavor, and that are easy to store. In fact, their frozen food department is the answer to meal planning for busy people.
@MisterFyre/reddit.com
You can find products like chicken nuggets, burger patties, breakfast wraps, and pot pies, just to name a few. Don't forget to take a stroll through their frozen food section. You're sure to find something you like and you'll also add some decent products to your freezer.
Skip: School Supplies
While $1 laptops and mechanical pencils sound tempting during the back-to-school rush, shoppers are better off waiting for bulk deals at big box stores like Target and Walmart to find higher quality items at comparable prices. The quality of stationery in budget stores is usually quite poor.
@Sensitive-Tailor-699/reddit.com
You may come across mechanical pencils with cheap nibs that break frequently or pens that stop writing even though they should have plenty of ink. As for school supplies, it is better to buy large packs in a warehouse, as these will often be tools of well-known brands in large packages.