Dollar store deals: Testing Dollarama and Dollar Tree (Marketplace)

[@canadabear72]

I'm a Canuck living in Korea. Years ago, they made it mandatory for products to show the per unit price here. It really does help people simplify their shopping. Canada needs this as well.

[@dougpatterson7494]

I don't know how many years ago you are referring to but the majority of stores in Canada show price per unit as well. A teacher told my class in the mid-2000s that Costco had started that and other grocery stores followed in showing price per unit in packaged foods.

[@ZestyAqua]

US kinda does the same. The marketplace is deceptive especially here. Packaging makes it appear you are getting more when you aren't if you cut open the bottle or look further at certain packaging. It's not a hard math equation. At all. Very simple one.

[@mikaylashaw2691]

I often find the per unit price in fine print on price tags when I’m grocery shopping in Ontario

[@vitalyziggy1982]

@@dougpatterson7494 The UK has been doing exactly the same for many years too.

[@revolutionarydesi4990]

Costco and Superstore does it.

[@MTGeomancer]

Others have mentioned this, but why these stores appeal to the poor is they have $30 in there pocket, it's all they have, but they have 20 different items they need. You won't be able to get them all at Walmart, even if they'd all be "cheaper" by unit. Cheaper is irrelevant when you've only got a couple bills, but a list of essentials you need right now. Sure, the "smart" thing to do is save up until you can afford to buy the larger but cheaper per unit sizes, but that's all academic when you're starving and don't get paid for another 5 days.

[@Thelango99]

It is expensive to be poor.

[@jasondrummond9451]

Precisely. Or, if you are a poor pensioner, living alone - and need only a small jar of mayo. And some things ARE cheaper at dollar stores. Name brand pasta sauce, and meat flakes, are 50 to 100 % more expensive, for the same sized package, at conventional grocery stores.

[@PureVikingPowers]

Well duh.. Ofcoures you pay more for a smaller pack so this proves nothing unless you bought the same volume as the rest. You always bought bigger outside the dollarstore so turn it around and buy a small pringles at walmart and a big at dollarstore i guess it's going to be 50-75% cheaper at dollarstore than.

[@samaraisnt]

@@PureVikingPowers yes I think common sense says if you're going through 5 small sizes of cereal a week, you would buy the largest size but people who buy a small size...know that it's small? lol.

[@briellehunter7233]

@@samaraisnt if you need toilet paper and bread are you going to buy a bigger pack of toilet paper and no bread or the opposite?

[@sissiebuell4607]

Here's the one thing that most people don't understand about being actually poor. Yes, a big box of fruit loops is actually cheaper if you compare price-per-unit (hence the extreme success of Costco) but if all you have is a twoonie and you are hungry, a buck 25 food wins hands down.

[@dreamrabbits5072]

Exactly!! I remember those days! I still do that sometimes if I'm totally broke during certain times.

[@shadeteermt]

That's absolutely true; and if you're only getting money in $2 increments on an infrequent basis, then you take what you can get. But presumably you have a pay-day. And while there may not be much left after paying other bills, whatever you do have for those next two weeks is all there at once. So it's all the more important to know how to make it stretch further. I think the real folly of this test is by sticking to name-brand products. I get that it's so you're comparing the same products, but you're missing the real opportunity to save money by purchasing discount brands. And there are even some that I prefer to the name-brand counterparts, even if they were the same price.

[@ALuimes]

*Twonie* or *toonie*.

[@sadee1287]

Buying in bulk is better overall. If you buy a five pound bag of potatoes, or a larger store brand box of macaroni, it's going be cheaper overall and last a LOT longer. People don't seem to be able to economize grocery shopping anymore.

[@llllllllllilillii]

at that point just go to the food bank and save all your money. You always see mostly rich people with nice cars (brand new toyotas, mercedes, cadillacs mostly russians) at the food bank anyways. Be smart. Save your money and counteract RAMPANT UNNECCESSARY PRICE GOUGING by going to the food bank.

[@jasperdover4056]

I remember back in 2014 when target was in Canada, I did this with school supplies. I did the pricing for both the sale and regular price for target, Walmart, and staples. staples was the cheapest and target was the most expensive. I showed the staples manager and he gave me the teachers discount and 25$ gift card. they also offered me a job but I already had one at the time. it was a fun and great learning experience! I did this for my senior year back then.

[@wikipedia0]

Well you got a discount, so of course it’s going to be cheaper. Lol 😂😂

[@Stinder]

Best thing to get at dollar stores are birthday cards (or any other type of card).

[@raymonko]

This is a bit misleading. You obviously pay more per unit for smaller packaging. It's more expensive to procure materials for smaller packages.

[@Bremend]

Exactly as they showed at 3:38

[@1486230]

Agreed

[@MedEvil1c]

an extra factor for their success: they stayed open during lockdown - when non essential stores were closed

[@shauncameron8390]

Exactly.

[@999alex9991]

@Shawn 🏴‍☠️ Stafford quebec canada was in complete lockdown (98% of everything close for over 4 months.....twice)

[@marcturcotte1962]

In Québec, Wal-Mart and Dollarama had to lock the non-foods alleys during lockdown. Only foods alleys were accessible.

[@999alex9991]

@@marcturcotte1962 t'as raison j'avait oublier sa, merci pour la précision supplémentaire vraiment apprecier

[@Rspsand07]

@@marcturcotte1962 Amazon a du bien payer le Gouvernement pour se debilisme.

[@dragonswordstriker]

Paying more for smaller packaging can be pretty beneficial too when you are on the go and can't carry huge value buys. I like to buy candy and chocolate from the dollar store to reward myself. It's a cheap dollar amount and I don't run the risk of eating too much of it. Most shoppers ought to know than cost per equivalent unit isn't favourable already- if a legitimate brand (not like the old dollar store days where brands were imitations or completely unheard of) there is no reason for that brand to give dollar stores an advantage over Walmart, Costco, etc. who have more buying power. Dollar stores are still very helpful for a lot of decorative and seasonal things. Affordable greeting cards, signs, etc. are great. There is more to dollar store problems though. A lot of products sold by dollar stores are also often sub-par. As a poor student, I had purchased a screwdriver set for $1 and it was awful, lost the $1.25 I spent since I had to pony up for something around $30. I gave that set to my mom and she still uses it to this day.

[@selalewow]

Paying more for smaller packaging also makes sense if you will actually use it. If you waste it, it is not a bargain. Add in if you live alone and do not need a huge box of cereal for example.

[@samaraisnt]

Cheap dollar amount? 🤔They sell huge movie theater sized candy while the retailgrocery stores sell tiny checkout sized candy for 1.50-2$. Idk what you're talking about lolll

[@sadee1287]

@@samaraisnt Mmm......nothing like munching on stale chocolate bars, chips or candy.... no thanks.

[@rosiegirl7112]

Always find these comparisons interesting BUT the main issue is that you need to compare items that are as similar as possible in size. The toothpaste comparison was simply a failure. ALL travel size products cost more. Even within the same store you will save on larger and "bulk" sized items. With some items you can easily see the savings at dollar type stores but not always. The bottom line is that you can find deals in all these stores. It all depends on how much effort you want to put in with watching "sales", knowing prices, transportation issues, time and convenience and sometimes you only want the smaller sized item or only have a certain amount of money to spend.

[@kingchongy1712]

Which is exactly why its better to not compare size differences because everything gets cheaper in bulk. Who buys travel toothpaste anyway? Lol just get a regular sized one

[@beepbeep9043]

They have large toothpaste at dollar tree so i don’t even know why they did that

[@kingchongy1712]

@@beepbeep9043just companies trying to make the others look worse

[@Swift016]

What an idiotic post. These type of stores are designed to prey on people who don't understand the concept of price per unit. That's literally the entire point of the video. The only failure here was your understanding of the premise.

[@MrAlan1828]

Also look for where it was made/produced. Big difference in quality and price

[@TheTruthAlways]

Obviously, if you compare a 100g product with 500g product, on a per unit basis the 500g would be cheaper. It is called a quantity discount. Nothing new here.

[@knowwhey7559]

Unfortunately, this is 'new' to a lot of people.

[@rodneychan914]

True for the most part but there are exceptions like the fruit loops! The 230g Dollarama one was cheaper per gram than the 345g Walmart one.

[@mudmudmudmudmud7605]

True but candy was selling for a dollar at dollar tree a bar but they also sold the five pack of the fun size for the same price but you got double the amount. Now since the prices went up the bar stayed at a dollar and the pack is $1.25.

[@samanthapicard-drouin5326]

What they don't get/tell is a lot of people shop in dollar stores because they don't have a lot of money in their pocket. So even if it's cheaper to buy a bigger box of cereal in Walmart, if they only have 20$ to get food, they're gonna get the 2$ one at Dollarama. This is why dollar stores are such a big hit. Most people don't have savings, don't get a big paycheck or are very bad with money.

[@sadee1287]

In practice I NEVER buy foodstuffs in the dollar stores. There's no way of knowing how old the products are, or whether they're past their best before date. That and the fact that Marketplace did a different exposé on products at dollar stores and found alt brand soaps and other products were adulterated with questionable ingredients. I only purchase things like boxes and decor jars and that's about it.

[@leticia9904]

it was really helpful when new zealand made supermarkets break down the cost per 100g in stores on price tags, I wouldn't have been able to work out the better value without standing there and working it out for every single item.

[@NyanyiC]

Sweden does the same as well and it's very helpful. I was shocked by the cost/kg of different brands of toilet paper - almost twice the price for almost the same quality

[@worldchangingvideos6253]

Only smart US states require per unit pricing.

[@good-tn9sr]

They have that where I live in the US

[@danthadon87]

Everyone knows New Zealand does everything better, no need to rub it in our faces.

[@MTGeomancer]

@@worldchangingvideos6253 Most chain stores in the US do, it isn't a state by state thing, they're identical across the brand. Walmart, Target, Costco, etc. Most grocery store chains I've been to do as well, although they tend to be regional. Stop & Shop, Shaws, Hannafords, Market Basket, Albertsons, Safeway, etc.

[@geminierica4077]

You can't really compare a "snack size or travel size " version of something to a full size box..you're paying for the small convenient packaging. Like the fruit loops in the full box they can't even sell at dollar tree because they have a max price of $1.50.. Dollarama goes up to $4 so yeah price per unit will be cheaper when they can sell bigger items. I've found dollar tree has good prices for things that are sometimes discontinued elsewhere.. you can find $1 boxes of things that normally cost 2+

[@nzingers]

In Australia we have cost per Unit (or per 100g) on ticket prices by law. It is really helpful.

[@StarlaBizarre]

We do have that here in Canada sometimes but it's not consistent. Like if a box of something has 10 of them inside, then the sign will tell you how much per item it is. But if it's a weighted bag of something, then it will tell you how much 100g is

[@arnupharbsuwan]

People​ nowadays pick a bargain​ brand​ over those costly leading brands and the best place that we could​ find a good and sensible price is at dollar​ tree.

[@normandeaunewswire]

At a NYC Dollar Tree prices were increased to $1.25 for everything. But a laundry detergent bottle was reduced in size DOUBLING THE PRICE PER OUNCE.

[@tibib0ss]

In canada our Dollarama will have items from 1$ to 5$ But those items that are 5$ there, will be 10 to 15$ everywhere else

[@Omegagaming123]

@@tibib0ss well go to dollar tree.. that's where I go it's cheaper than dollarama

[@f.paulineromero2548]

I work at dollar tree in Seattle and all dollar trees increased there prices

[@mudmudmudmudmud7605]

@F. Pauline Romero I work at one to in a different state and now we're a $1.25 for almost everything in the store. Greeting cards and some food stayed the same price. All dollar tree stores are now $1.25 or will be. They were going state by state to make the change not all at once. We don't get a dozen eggs anymore now they're a 6 pack but they're different brand of eggs.

[@Gransonec]

@@tibib0ss Some Dollar Tree locations have added $3 and $5 items. It is stuff that would be more expensive, elsewhere, like household decor, bigger name brand cleaning supplies, novelty items, toys and electronics. It's, now, the first aisle I visit, at that location.

[@dougpatterson7494]

This is a slightly different comparison but I find I ate healthier when I didn't shop at Walmart for groceries, when in college and now as a young adult. Walmart doesn't have lower prices than Sobeys or RC Superstore for milk, bread, produce, meat, and other basics. "Junk food" seemed to be cheaper or at least arranged in a way where I bought more at Walmart.

[@sandrasandy4460]

Items in ANY store charges more for smaller portions. For example, at Superstore a 1 litre milk is $2.85, a 4 litre is $5.70. So 1 litre x 4 = $11.04.

[@eddiesondangmailcom]

Hello Sandra! Can I ask you a question?

[@dedhampster4730]

In the US, the Dollar tree/Family Dollar/Dollar General only have a good price point on the items that are there to get you in the door, the advertised items. For example, the Dollar Tree beat Wal-Mart on their organizing bins, aluminum disposable bakeware and other loss leaders. But everyday products like soap, cereal, food stuffs etc are always going to be cheaper per unit price at a big box store.

[@lizannfortune5098]

As a person living in Canada. I uses my flipp app to clip things I need and shop accordingly. I learned about dollar tree jacked prices also the products are not the best quality. But mind you sometimes you get some really good stuff. While dollarama you need to know your prices. All the stuff is quality but sometimes more expensive than superstore and Walmart.

[@goodcommunitylife]

I’m an American and I live in the United States, and the Flipp app is available in my country as well. I use it every day!

[@BdManus]

Dollar stores trick you by shrinking the weight but keeping the package size the same. It's best to shop by weight and amount, if possible.

[@galaxycat7960]

Honestly doesn't surprise me if somebody who has shopped at both Dollarama in Dollar Tree I've always known this. The same applies for the per unit price shopping when buying at Walmart Etc

[@funnybn7779]

Years ago, they made it mandatory for products to show the per unit price here. It really does help people simplify their shopping. Canada needs this as well

[@carolweideman1905]

Watching this I saw lots of brand names. You can get no brand names for less and taste just the same. You also have to be aware that cheaper priced brands tend to be placed on the bottom shelf or very top shelf. People tend to buy at eye level. Plus what one person said it depends on the effort you want to put in.

[@eddiesondangmailcom]

Hello Carol! Can I ask you a question?

[@SethMethCS]

@Carol Weiderman sharing how to save dollars instead of dimes.

[@thomasdarling2553]

The bigger issue for me is that all of these foods are packaged, processed junk.

[@worldchangingvideos6253]

Exactly 💯

[@WilliamWallace1337]

Big brand-name items are something Walmart gets deals on and I never look for at a dollar store..

[@danthadon87]

Dollarama surprisingly has a lot of minimally processed canned foods.

[@mudmudmudmudmud7605]

I work at a dollar tree and definitely can see the pros and cons of shopping there. I think most stores have an upside and down side. It would be better to shop around and do one big trip a month. So you can hit up multiple stores in one trip figuring out what you're going to buy and where. Make it a big shopping trip so you don't have to make multiple trips a month so you save on gas. Also I think some people just like getting out of the house so I'll see regular shoppers multiple times in a week. We also get resellers who will spend $200-$300 every so often sometimes once a week. They'll buy us out of certain items then resell at a profit.

[@worldchangingvideos6253]

Which items do they tend to get?

[@stacycamacho59]

The carpet tiles at dollar tree I hunt for whenever I go because for one on the actual website after reselling them off in auction.. is $10/tile. I always do my research before buying. 😁😁😁😁 besides I worked there too.

[@mudmudmudmudmud7605]

@@stacycamacho59 Yeah the carpet tiles and the carpet strips do sell pretty good. The small rugs and mats we get don't sell as well as the carpet tiles so we usually have an over stock of those.

[@Chipotlefoos]

Reselling cheap stuff is a scummy move.

[@paulgrewal4]

Is there an adult on planet earth that doesn't understand that you pay more per unit when you buy smaller packages?

[@LC-lw4vy]

This was great to see. I don’t feel so cheap anymore. I always try to do the math like you did here. Though I also factor in my time and availability. I do this with all stores, including Costco and Amazon. Yes sometimes Amazon actually has a better price. You also need to factor in quality. I always use my bed sheets as an example. I bought them from a linen store for a lot after $. But I have had them for 20 yrs in some cases and they are still in great shape. They are GOOD quality bamboo or tensil. I work hard for my money and what I buy has to have value to me.

[@beaversroastingbacon1679]

Moral of the story… dollar tree will bend you over and Dollarama is the homie

[@rhrh3853]

My main reason for going to the dollar stores because they are easier to enter and park. No real crowds, stalking for parking or waiting in line to pay. Sometimes it is just quicker than walmart or grocery stores.

[@syxepop]

In my case in Puerto Rico I DON'T MARRY WITH ANY PARTICULAR STORE, even the smaller ones, as you will find 1-2 articles you buy REALLY CHEAPER than elsewhere. And with prices rising almost every week ITEM AVAILABILITY is such a thing now. The secret is try to buy IN THE LOCAL AREA YOU ARE 'cuse you have to factor fuel / transportation expense into that as well. As an example, in my area of the Island, the best prices for cold cereal are usually either Walmart (when not on sale at other places) or the Walgreens or CVS pharmacy chains when on sale. Oh, and watch out for Dollar Stores or other places that buy clearances of other stores (in my case I've been able to buy products meant for Canadian stores in Puerto Rico at clearance price). Also, check (via trial and error) if PRIVATE LABEL BRANDS are really worth it (sometimes it does and will replace a more expensive product).

[@karidennis6154]

So it looks like this video is about 3 months old, which makes sense, I know someone that works at dollarama and they just doubled their prices in the last month. He’s a good friend of my daughter and he told her one day if she wanted to get anything from dollarama to do it within the next 4 weeks because they were doubling their prices, and that happened about a month ago. Prices have shot up everywhere.

[@jakebe4915]

This was a great segment. It's all about price per unit!! Greetings from Pennsylvania....

[@asymmetry9988]

I used to shop at Dollar Tree a lot, but then realized that I wasn't really saving money. I rarely go their now except for greeting cards or helium balloons

[@sans-nom8311]

So when you buy things in larger amounts you save money? Isn’t that the whole point of Costco etc?? Why is this shocking to people??? Obviously 67g of pringles is gonna cost more then 149g when compared equally. People act like these companies are stealing from us, you’re not FORCED to shop there. It’s YOUR fault if you decide you don’t have the energy to shop around and do the math.

[@knowwhey7559]

Unfortunately, there's a large segment of less educated poor people that shop at these stores, thinking they're getting the best deal. And yes, this may be news to them. Doing a segment like this may help them make better decisions. Why are you so hostile to people who may not posses the same knowledge as you? Speaking of that - you mentioned Costco. You realize that most canned goods and produce are cheaper at the grocery store. You knew that, right?

[@tomphanvpd6718]

Budgeting isn't taught in schools that's why most have $25000 to 100,000 in debt for overpriced stuff and homes. Advance leverage math gets you 50% to 200% off.

[@sp3lllz]

Here in the UK we have under the price the price per kilo or the price per 100grams are there price per litre ect depending on the product makes it a lot easier to figure out what’s the best value when they try to do sneaky things like change the size of the item

[@debbieframpton3857]

I'm glad this company did these price checks to let people know that the Dollar Trees is not always the best price

[@thorinbane]

It was misleading. I am not saying its great to shop at dollar tree, but if you go there for off brand or only need something small it might be worth while. Why didnt they compare a pair of gloves at walmart vs dollar tree and dollarma. I doubt you can get a 3 dollar pair of gloves at walmart, even terrible ones.

[@debbieframpton3857]

@@thorinbane , I've only been to Dollar Tree a couple times since they raised the price to a $1.25. I will agree some of their items are a deal but a lot of it's not when you take into account the size of the package it is good if you only have a small amount to spend but I'm a person that has stocked up for many years and I don't find this place that great a deal. I usually go in there and stock up on a bunch of cards and I bought a bunch of foil baking pans before the price went up last year. My daughter likes the gift bags but she doesn't buy much else there so it's a preference thing if you like to shop there or not

[@Elementt4life]

Market place you should do a segment of the raise of the crazy prices at Loblaws, Metro, Farm Boy, Independent and any other that come to mind. It’s gone ridiculous!

[@reqausxobi]

3:55 Cost of items are not simply based on quantity provided. There are shipping and other expenses. All sizes have the same fixed fees plus the linearly-variable cost per proportion.

[@reqausxobi]

Some people may use the small cereal as an emergency food in case their fridge is empty.

[@fletchoid]

The local Dollarama store is right next to a Value Village. Buying a brand new item at Dollarama is cheaper than buying a beat up, used item at Value Village. The greed of Value Village has made me decide to NEVER donate anything to them again.

[@ps0405]

I used the pregnancy check kit from my dollar store for both of my boys! Used to get them when they were $1. That’s my fav purchase from the dollar store. 😊 still keep some handy in the house just in case I need to clear my doubts.

[@grumpydusty]

Also, their model is to encircle Walmarts. There is almost guaranteed one attached in the parking lot; and another down the road.

[@WickedPlaysChannel]

Huh I never thought about that, you're right

[@mudmudmudmudmud7605]

I worked at a dollar store a while ago and it was in the same parking lot as a supermarket. We were limited to what we could sell by the supermarket as to some type of agreement. We couldn't sell food except for candy and snacks

[@wakandaisevil]

in Holland our supermarkets show the dollar to unit value. so you can instantly see 1.20 per liter and next to it .80 cents per liter between 2 products.

[@reneebarger5194]

Ok but if you are a single senior living on social security, you don’t want giant toothpaste or a gallon of vinegar. I want the smaller, easier to carry products. A fairer comparison is how much does the travel size toothpaste cost at Walgreens or Savemart? I want to treat myself to the personal sized cookies & not have the huge package that will go stale before I finish them. If you have a large family you don’t shop at the dollar store & I don’t shop at Costco.

[@Britishdave09]

Walmart has an excellent exchange and return policy. Dollar stores don't even do return and exchanges, even if the product doesn't perform.

[@anotherdave5107]

Dollar Tree was recently bought by Family Dollar and most items increased in price from $1.00 to $1.25. That 20% increase has cost them their edge. A lot of times ALDIs now has a better price. (Technical assist to George Strickland)

[@cbjueueiwyru7472]

25 is 20% of 100?

[@anotherdave5107]

@@cbjueueiwyru7472 - 25 cents is 20% of $1.25 professor. Go troll somewhere else.

[@georgestrickland9278]

actually they were bought by family dollar,not dollar general i believe

[@carultch]

@@anotherdave5107 I thought it was the other way around. I thought Dollar Tree bought Family Dollar.

[@carultch]

@@anotherdave5107 $1.00 to $1.25 is a 25% increase. The reverse from $1.25 to $1.00 is a 20% decrease. Percent changes are not reversible operations. They are defined as (final minus initial)/initial expressed as a percent. And since (x-y)/y does not equal (x-y)/x, a percent increase is not the same thing as the reverse of the same percent decrease.

[@luisandersoncerinopires]

It works like this, smaller package = higher profit per kilogram, larger package = profit also for the quantity sold. The consumer either buys small and pays more per kilogram or pays less per kilogram and is forced to buy an amount he does not want. That's why the packages come with such different weights and values as well, in order to make it as difficult as possible for the consumer to perceive what he is really paying for.

[@fuzybear15]

I like to buy my goods through bulk stores and zero waste stores. You can buy as little or as much as you want without having to worry about the unit price changing because of the size. This has resulted in less waste because I bring my own container and I avoid buying junk that I dont need.

[@blakebeaton8410]

Just remember that you can't return anything to Dollarama, so you're losing value right there. And does it make sense to interview people about affordability in the garage of their houses? They're obviously not the type of people who need this information, they're the types of consumers who don't care enough to create this problem in the first place.

[@samanthapicard-drouin5326]

Exactly!!! 💯

[@jessefisher1809]

Food isn't the best to buy at dollar tree but some of the other stuff is unbeatable. I go there for shower curtains. Where else can you get one for $1.25?

[@mudmudmudmudmud7605]

Exactly they have some stuff that's a very good deal. Sometimes they have shirts for sale and always have good seasonal stuff like hats,gloves and summer stuff. Also you can find some good dvds there if you look good enough. They do have a lot and good variety of snacks.

[@worldchangingvideos6253]

Just sew some trash bags together

[@jessefisher1809]

@@worldchangingvideos6253 LOL

[@MWish999]

Seems to be a commercial for Dollarama. There are many products at Dollar Tree that are less expensive than Dollarama and the reverse is true as well. You have to know your prices. Comparing the travel size is not a realistic comparison. The only reason I would buy the travel size is if I were travelling and sometimes donating because I can't afford the large size. I love Marketplace but this episode falls flat for me.

[@Phlegethon]

Dollarama is just kind of a fun store to be in

[@Phlegethon]

I changed my mind now stuff is getting too expensive there for the quality but still fun to walk around there

[@micheleboyle3547]

I like comparing prices and look at the price per unit on same things but different brands and I think I’m saving pretty well. But there are some cheaper brands that taste just as good as name brands. My favorite way to shop is to get my favorite brand after seeing which store is selling it cheaper. But sometimes dollar general sells a product for a dollar when you can get it at the grocery store for 20 cents less.

[@eddiesondangmailcom]

Hello Michele! Can I ask you a question?

[@womanhorse6090]

Those dollar store pregnancy tests are also just as accurate (or potentially more) than the ones found in drug stores/Walmart! No need to overspend on fancy features when you only need to figure out if you're pregnant or not.

[@SnowWhite-hr4ho]

Go to the doctor and get tested for free

[@ahub87]

Crazy thing is, a lot of clinics use dollar store pregnancy tests.

[@haidengardner99]

I love what you guys have done here!! But I will say for a few cents difference isn’t it better to be getting portion control. In today day and age we buy these family size, max size soft drinks that out body’s aren’t really made for all that sugar at once. The dollar store may sell smallish sizes but I think it’s betting eating a small can on Pringles then the +30% size that is the the grocery stores today. But aside from all that I love your video keep up the good work, looks like you have a good team there !!!❤❤❤ be safe everyone

[@tonysolar284]

1:55 I see the Canadian version of Uncle Ben's did not remove the old black guy from the label as the U.S. did... Good on you.

[@33maple]

They did.just old product.

[@donnacrimmins789]

Anywhere you shop you have to check the price by ounce. I check prices online a lot before I go anywhere. Smart shopper means be sharp. Do your homework.

[@eddiesondangmailcom]

Hello Donna! Can I ask you a question?

[@kristab6981]

I love these investigative blurbs. Thank you 😊

[@eddiesondangmailcom]

Hello Krista! Can I ask you a question?

[@sillylilbung4073]

Love thats its an updated version (1.25)

[@kristafishes613]

The walmart in this city is almost an hour away by bus or a $25 cab ride. There's 3 Dollar Tree stores, one being a 5min walk away. Not everybody has the option to go to multiple stores. You also have to remember that a trip to the dollar tree with kids will be a lot cheaper when they ask for things they see lol...

[@HRMlife]

This was 9 months ago. Wonder how much the same products sell today?

[@ScarecrOmega]

I used to buy many things at Dollar stores but considering the points system at Superstore(PC Optimum) has given me hundreds back I mostly only buy batteries at dollar stores now.

[@martin6901]

Time to "go rechargeable" if you're spending so much on batteries. :) Costs more up front but pays for itself after the 4th charge (maybe 10th if you're buying $1 batteries).

[@ScarecrOmega]

@@martin6901I do use rechargeable, but some batteries aren't. I buy a small pack of batteries maybe once every 2 years.

[@mailasun]

Not everything in a dollar store is "a deal". Some are, some are not. You just need to know what should be bought in dollar stores are what should not.

[@mudmudmudmudmud7605]

You also got to take in account of what kind of shopping you're doing. If you're at the dollar store to buy something that's a good deal you might also want to buy something that isn't. Mostly because of time and gas.

[@justworkingfortheweekend8504]

Depends on what. I think 710 ml for a bottle of body wash is very good for 1.50. Or a bottle of dish soap for 1.50 for 650 ml is good. Old Dutch dish soap is fairly good

[@Y_Canada]

This is why I shop at Costco. Not everything they sell lots much less, but most of the items I buy are 2-4 cheaper compared to Walmart and other stores.

[@Bleusilences]

Yeah, a cereal box that is twice as big as the "family size" is the same or maybe a dollar more then what I paid at the groceries store for "family sized". Real deal is in bulk buy.

[@cgasucks]

That's fine if you have a family as big as the Brady Bunch but for a guy like me that lives alone, buying from Walmart is good enough for me.

[@AsDfGh6781]

People think dollar stores are cheap. I was shock when I bought the exact same thing at dollar store as Canadian tire. At dollar store it was 4 dollars. At Canadian tire it was 44 dollars. U can find the same things at Walmart or elsewhere. I do 90 percent of my shopping at the dollar store because they have the same products as Walmart. When the most I'll pay for something is now 4dollars. But people don't realize this.

[@jonleibow3604]

Canadian Tire is a rip-off, I'm amazed they're still in business

[@donskuse2194]

Every product sold in Canada that is sold by weight or size should have a price per ml. or price per gram and price for larger items a price per kilo.

[@zzyzxRDFwy15]

This report blew the top off the tooth paste market. Who would have though that smaller sized versions of a tooth paste cost more per unit than larger sizes.

[@Gransonec]

When I saw that toothpaste, the first thing that popped into my head was that it was a travel sized product and most people aren't going to buy that, at a Dollar Tree.

[@izzydeadyet7336]

Pop for sure! The bigger the cheaper..

[@aronjanzen]

3:41 the trouble with this concept is Wal-Mart is offering a better deal based on more being bought. The price per gram would be different at the 100 grams amount.

[@Keepasking123]

Ya but wasn’t there a news segment last week that Dollarama is raising their prices to $5 for many products? Was that taken into account when you recorded this?

[@eddiesondangmailcom]

Hello Caroline! Can I ask you a question?

[@JackMendoza-v8s]

I do this comparison now between Walmart and RC Superstore and I noticed the later is more expensive than the first one.

[@Rose-inspirations]

I don't shopping at $ stores for food items or anything like this. Dollar stores are great for design ideas, picture frames, gift cards/boxes... Things like this is awesome and I will always use it. I also like Dollar Tree and Dollarama both because they have different options available. Food items are for the grocery store 😊

[@eddiesondangmailcom]

Hello Rose! Can I ask you a question?

[@raesteele4536]

I love this! I love the Dollarama but it’s very true you don’t always get the best deal here. Good job market place.

[@annegreenwood3624]

very surprised i use to go to the dollar store for food as i have a limited income now i’m more aware of size and how much you really do save dollar day at certain stores helps a lot

[@RS-yl8ys]

The dollar store is the best place for camping trip supplies. Always perfect quantities and affordably disposable if it gets ruined or not used.

[@sirwallygator565]

Not every thing is cheaper at the Dollarama or Dollar Tree.. You need to know your prices. On certain thing Canadian Tire is cheaper then Walmart or the Dollar stores

[@sabina2475]

I only buy seeds and plastic storage baskets. Garden Seeds packets are 4 for $1.25 and big baskets are good deal

[@PaulHo]

I love this Patagonia parka so much!

[@SnowWhite-hr4ho]

We should demand that all products sold here be made in Canada and be approved by the Canadian standards association I wonder what would happen?

[@derinaries]

Prices would rise.

[@shuki1]

The cost of putting each product through that process would merely be added to the final cost.

[@SnowWhite-hr4ho]

@@shuki1 less fires

[@someguy604]

Walk into Dollarama and then the Dollar Tree. Dollarama is much cleaner and consistent with what they offer.

[@LolaRyck]

To be fair. If I bought pringles for example at dollar tree I’d be paying 1.25 not the 1.87 it’s worth. I’m not paying the unit price. Of course I’d rather buy the larger container but if I have $10 and need a bunch of stuff I’m not going to Walmart or other grocery stores. Dollar tree and dollarama is so convenient right now when I have less money to buy stuff. I DO agree that some things just aren’t worth it at the dollar store. Dish soap for instant. It’s watered down. But mops , dog pee pads, and doggy bags,?craft stuff , chips , chocolates , and Pepsi (87 cents for 1 litre) are all better deals for me. Also dollarama sells Motrin , Zantac, and reactine. All meds I take

[@eddiesondangmailcom]

Hello Alice! Can I ask you a question?

[@canadiancatgreen]

I been to Dollerama many times and generally like them However one thing kind of was odd to me. the 591 ml pop in cooler is $1.25 and the 1 litter not in fridge is 87 cents must be paying extra for it cold?

[@jonleibow3604]

Most stores are like that, the smaller size in the cooler is more expensive for people who just want a small pop that's cold right away.

[@DeshSan]

It's all about marketing and packaging. If you want to save money and buy in bulk, stores like Costco and Walmart are a good option. But if you only need a small amount of a product, stores like Dollarama and Dollar Tree can be more cost-effective. Dollar stores are a good choice if you live alone and consume less.

[@thorinbane]

Now compare a paradise bar at two for a single dollar vs .87 for a bounty. Ill take the 2 paradise bars that are excellent. They were comparing name brand, many items are off brand and much cheaper, and not always worse

[@greggarland7808]

I live in Seattle,the price went up at dollar tree to now $1.25.

[@julieerin115]

Also depends on how much you need of the product.

[@eddiesondangmailcom]

Hello Julie! Can I ask you a question?

[@sweetpea9347]

People in poverty might have 20 dollars for the week to spend… they need travel sizes for 1.25 so they can get small sizes of multiple things. The comparison would be comparing Walmart prices to Costco products and saying buying in bulk is cheaper. Well ifcyou don’t have the means buying 6 different individual size snacks, for example witless not make little Johnny stick out from his friends in school and give him more of a variety rather than buying 1 bigger boxes item ans twlling little Johnny he has to eat the same thing for 2 weeks because that the cheaper way. The struggle is real between counting dollars and trying not to stigmatize your poorness. That’s the answer to the question you are not asking.

[@TurkReid]

Maybe but to me they were trying to investigate what it actually more expensive per amount, not what spending behaviors of low income are.

[@13loodLust]

As the wealth gap and wage theft increases, dollar stores are only going to do better. But the real deals are buying bulk are at Costco, but low income families might not have enough money to always buy bulk...

[@aurelio-reymilaorcabal9669]

Costco is not cheap if you are buying for one or two people as you often buy too much and end up throwing excess product like perishable foodstuffs, ( my fridge is full of expired Mayo, rotten veggies & fruits,stale cereal) tho Gas ⛽is CHEAP tho.

[@Bleusilences]

@@aurelio-reymilaorcabal9669 Yes, that's why I only buy none perishable or frozen food from costco.

[@izzydeadyet7336]

I work fulltime and theres still times of the month I'm using nickles and dimes at the dollar store

[@silviahoffmann158]

U r a great reporter. U will go far

[@Trishthedish9271]

I wish that you would investigate Starbucks I work at Starbucks they keep raising their prices their sandwiches are getting smaller and the prices keep going up also they nickel and dime you for everything you put in your drink one shot of vanilla $.80 three shots of vanilla $.80. Vanilla bean scones which are 1 inch in diameter $1.55 a piece they’ve also changed their star program Now you have to buy more things to get more stars to buy the same thing you were buying before it’s ridiculous every time I have to charge someone for one pump of syrup thank you

[@yellowbird5411]

I have found that Dollar Tree products that are brand name are often inferior to the same product purchased in a grocery store. I don't know how that can be, but I was disappointed to find out it was true. Especially for brand name dish detergent, I found that the product did not perform anywhere close to the regular brand. I don't know if manufacturers put out lines of products specifically for dollar stores and use altered formula for that. I have not checked labels to see if the dollar store and regular store are differently marked from the manufacturer to identify them or not. But all is not the same between products. There are other differences, as well. Smaller amounts are not such a great deal even at $1.25, because by the time you compare unit price, you find you are sometimes paying even more per ounce. I love dollar stores, but you cannot assume everything in there is a bargain.

[@JW-vi2nh]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who has noticed this. I was actually just talking to my boyfriend about this a few days ago since I'd never heard anyone else mention it, wondering if "dollar" stores get the seconds or "oops" items that manufacturers would otherwise throw out as defective. A few years ago I ran to a Dollar General and bought a box of Smores Pop Tarts. I got them home and each Pop Tart was only half frosted, like the machine that frosted the front of them had only been working on one side. They also tasted strange and were dry and crumbly even though, when I checked the expiration date, they were well within the sell by period. Many times I've bought 12 pack cans of Orange Sunkist from Dollar General that tasted and smelled like perfume, literally undrinkable. After about the third or fourth time of having this happen I ended up going to the Sunkist website to find out what was going on, if they'd changed their formula or used a different bottling facility for those stores. That is how I learned that they changed (lowered) the caffeine content in Orange Sunkist a while back, which would go toward explaining why I started noticing a change in the taste overall, but I still have no clue why the only times I've ever gotten Perfume Sunkist was from a Dollar General.

[@HTMLpopper]

There are countless packaged food products you can purchase at Dollarama that are easily 50% cheaper than the Walmart or major chain equivalent but local grocery stores or co-ops usually have the overall cheapest per unit value for everything. Everyone should keep in mind in this economy that eating fewer packaged products in general will significantly reduce your overall bill.

[@PopKitty754]

I normally love these Marketplce reports but this one really missed the mark. Yes smaller packaged items are sometimes more expensive than larger ones. You see this even in big box stores… is it fair, no. But just shop around and figure it out yourself. Dollarama doesnt owe you anything. Where dollarama really comes in handy is for kitchen utensils, cleaning products sometimes, plastic storage products, pet toys…

[@ksinc495]

As somebody that has to check the price of everything before I buy it, I have noticed certain things at the dollar store, like canned foods are more money than other stores

[@eddiesondangmailcom]

Hello k sinc! Can I ask you a question?

[@cathyrivas6496]

I know it costs more to shop at dollar stores a lot of the time but sometimes I don't need or want a large size product because I don't use it often enough. I'd rather pay a dollar or two instead of 5 or more dollars for a product I will only use once or twice and I never buy food at the dollar stores...I stick to the grocery store. Usually the only things I buy at the dollar stores are craft and decoration products. Most of their products are inferior anyway as are Walmart's products.

[@eddiesondangmailcom]

Hello Cathy! Can I ask you a question?

[@Jen-zk9se]

Like others have said unit size for price isn’t the issue. If I had a bigger budget of course I’d buy bigger and get more for my money.

[@eddiesondangmailcom]

Hello Jen! Can I ask you a question?

[@0AnimeLova0]

I went to business school and unfortunately these corporations target financial illiterate consumers, typically lower income, and actually ripping them off.. families who are higher income actually understand better deals

[@claudia-vp1kd]

One flaw here, yes, maybe makes more sense to buy a 500 gm $6 toothpaste vs 50 gm $ 1.50 but people that shop there might have a very tight budget so they rather have enough toothpaste to take them to next paycheck and use those $4.50 in a can of beans and soup. It's like shopping at Costco, it's cheaper to buy in bulk, but not everyone has that disposable income to have "idle" money

[@CatBrash]

as a single mother of 2 on a poverty budget, you HAVE to shop around, that is the key. You can go to WalMart and spend $300 and get 2 bags of items but if you shop around, you can get more items for your budget

[@michelinaperfetto415]

I’ve noted it for a long time,dollar store have changed from when they first opened

[@jpcoloradomtns]

I have been shopping at Dollar Tree for a few years now; BUT they just raised their prices to $1.25 for everything. I live in Central Colorado

[@eddiesondangmailcom]

Hello Judy! Can I ask you a question?

[@adriannefluet5980]

What I'd like to know how safe is the food and toys for us to eat and touch for kids?

[@eddiesondangmailcom]

Hello Adriane! Can I ask you a question?