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To combat the rising prices of everyday goods, you may be considering buying some essentials at low-cost retailers. However, it can be easy to waste money without realizing it when purchasing everyday goods at retailers like Dollar Tree.
Shopping for essentials at Dollar Tree may seem like a good move for your checking account, but it's not always the best choice. Many items at Dollar Tree are sold in smaller packages than what you'll find at other retailers.
So, while most essentials from Dollar Tree only cost $1.25, you may get less product for your money when compared to shopping at other retail stores like Target. The price tag may be lower, but the unit price could be much higher at Dollar Tree. Here are some products you should buy at Target instead of Dollar Tree.
1. Aluminum foil
When you look at the price tag of aluminum foil at your local Dollar Tree, it probably seems like you're getting a great deal. But you should pay close attention to more than the price tag. Remember to check the unit cost. How much foil are you actually getting?
At my local Dollar Tree, you can buy a package of Reynolds Wrap Standard Aluminum Foil for $1.25. But since you only get 15 square feet of foil, you'd be paying around $0.08 per square foot for this kitchen essential.
Target sells this item in various package sizes. If you buy a 75-square-foot package of Reynolds Wrap Standard Aluminum Foil, you'll pay $3.99, and you'll get an additional 60 square feet of foil.
It's also a better buy for your wallet. You'll pay $0.053 per square foot. You must spend more money upfront to buy a bigger package at Target, but you'll save money in the long run.
2. Deodorant
Deodorant is another essential you should skip at Dollar Tree. The retailer sells various name-brand deodorant products and generic options, too. But you're likely getting less deodorant when you pick up this item here instead of at other retailers.
One example is Suave Powder Anti-Staining Invisible Solid Antiperspirant Deodorant. Dollar Tree sells a 1.2-ounce container for $1.25. Meanwhile, Target sells a 2-pack of 2.6-ounce containers for a total of $3.89. You'd get 5.2 ounces of product with this buy.
That's $0.75 per ounce. Meanwhile, the per-ounce price at Dollar Tree is $1.04. To avoid getting less product for a higher price, buy your deodorant at Target or similar retailers.
3. Toothpaste
Toothpaste is another essential everyone needs. In many cases, it's best to avoid buying this personal care item at Dollar Tree. Because of the smaller packaging, you'll get less toothpaste.
Here's an example: Dollar Tree sells a 2.5-ounce container of Colgate Cavity Protection toothpaste for $1.25. You'd pay $0.50 per ounce if you bought your toothpaste from Dollar Tree.
Meanwhile, Target sells an 8-ounce package of Colgate Cavity Protection for $2.49. You'd pay double the price for this essential at Target, but you'd get more than double the toothpaste. The price per ounce for this buy is $0.31. If I were you, I'd buy this necessity at Target.
Do the math to decide if it's a good buy
Some items sold at Dollar Tree are a good buy. But not every purchase is worth it. When shopping, it pays to research the unit cost of the items you're buying.
If you only pay attention to the price and don't consider the unit cost, you may be wasting money and getting less product. If you have the means to shop at other retailers beyond Dollar Tree, consider buying some items at Target to save money.
What if the unit price isn't displayed on the price tag? You can calculate it yourself. Divide the total cost by the number of units. For example, if you buy a package of 18 storage bags for $1.25, the unit price is $0.07. You can reach that number by dividing $1.25 by 18.
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We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Natasha Gabrielle has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Target. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
