FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

The Dollar Store

CAGIV | Posted in Business on November 14, 2007 03:07am

Ok, this doesn’t seem like a serious topic, but I’m going to try to make it one.

Any of you guys shop at the local Dollar Store?

Today I was able to pick up 5 sweep brooms, 5 rubber made dust pans, 3 buckets, a bunch of sponges, 5 cheap mops, 2 large bottles of PineSol, 5 refill jugs of windex, and 5 spray bottles of kitchen/bath cleaner, a few coloring books and crayons for when people bring there kids to the office, and a few hand soaps for the shop bath, all for a buck a piece.

I went in to get some windex because the store was closest to where I was going, turns out we can save a considerable amount of money over buying supplies at the hardware or wally-world or even Costco/Sams.

I figure I saved about 80 bucks if I bought the stuff at the other places.   Sure we didn’t need all of it TODAY, but it will all get used and lost over time.

When I told the wife we’re going to start shopping there for stuff weekly she just laughed at me….

 

View Image

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. peteshlagor | Nov 14, 2007 03:17am | #1

    "Today I was able to pick up 5 sweep brooms, 5 rubber made dust pans, 3 buckets, a bunch of sponges, 5 cheap mops, 2 large bottles of PineSol, 5 refill jugs of windex, and 5 spray bottles of kitchen/bath cleaner..."

    Is there something else to this story that you're not telling us?

    1. MisterT | Nov 14, 2007 03:21am | #2

      Not that there's anything wrong with that...:).
      .
      .
      .
      .
      .
      I have Transcended the need for Pants....oooohhhhmmmmmm......

  2. rez | Nov 14, 2007 03:35am | #3

    You sure the Pine-Sol was Pine-Sol and not a waterered down wannabe?

     

  3. DanT | Nov 14, 2007 03:40am | #4

    No.  I would never stoop that low.  I send my shop guy.  :-) 

    I am always looking for efficient ways to lower costs and frankly cleaning supplies as well as some other misc. stuff that we use on every truck is a lot cheaper there than anywhere else.  I just don't like the TP.  Got to have something soft at my age.  DanT

    1. CAGIV | Nov 14, 2007 04:46am | #11

      I did pass on the TP and paper towels... Paper towels actually looked more expensive then what I've seen at the grocery stores when they're on sale and the TP looked like it would pass for 120 grit.

       

  4. alwaysoverbudget | Nov 14, 2007 03:41am | #5

    they started putting these in front of walmarts,i'm like what the heck how are they going to compete.thats how they kick there buns on price. only problem i have is seems like the cash regestar line moves at a snails pace.

    i have hit the reading glass phase,i go in there and buy 10-20 pair of glasses at a time.1.00  pc who cares if i sit on them.     larry

    if a man speaks in the forest,and there's not a woman to hear him,is he still wrong?

    1. Treetalk | Nov 14, 2007 04:05am | #6

      R u playing 5 in lottery tonite?

       

      1. alwaysoverbudget | Nov 14, 2007 04:14am | #9

        if the lottery had to make it on my money they would be broke.i figure i'll save my dollars and eat breakfast tommorrow instaed. lol larry

         if a man speaks in the forest,and there's not a woman to hear him,is he still wrong?

      2. CAGIV | Nov 14, 2007 04:44am | #10

        Nah, just seemed the like # to me.

         

  5. splintergroupie | Nov 14, 2007 04:05am | #7

    I buy tons of stuff at the dollar stores and Big Lots, too. Some of the stuff is rejected from elsewhere with cause, but i got some 'disposable' paint brushes recently at Big Lots and i was so impressed i had to wash them out. And i *can* pay $3 for a drop cloth at Lowes, but i'd rather have a latte...

    1. User avater
      Sphere | Nov 14, 2007 05:49pm | #22

      Real wimmen don't drink Latte.

      They chew the grounds, sheesh.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

      "If you want something you've never had, do something you've never done"

      1. splintergroupie | Nov 15, 2007 03:09am | #27

        <<They chew the grounds, sheesh.>>I like the cup for fiber.

  6. craigf | Nov 14, 2007 04:08am | #8

    They have these really great big round tubs for somewhere around $5. They work well to mix texture in. Also big enough to cart a ton of stuff in and out.

  7. DonK | Nov 14, 2007 05:59am | #12

    We've bought tons of stuff there. The prices can be substantially cheaper, especially on cleaning stuff and junk that gets used up and worn out. Don't mind tossing something as much when it only costs $1 or 2. Lately, I've started going to the Dollar General Market too, where they sell food. Buy a prepackaged salad for $1.50 and the salad in the other grocery store is $3.39.

    My helper has a fetish for Dollar Stores. He'll buy anything there, including sandpaper. I keep telling him that you have to look at what you're getting. I think he's learning a little. He bought a Walmart tool pouch about a week ago - it's already separating at a rivet. He loves the spraypaint for $1. He's repainted his truck three times in the last two months!

    Don K.

    EJG Homes    Renovations - New Construction - Rentals

    1. CAGIV | Nov 14, 2007 06:08am | #13

      I bet that's one speacial looking truck he's got

    2. GregGibson | Nov 14, 2007 06:11am | #14

      I have a friend that worked at the Dollar Store years ago, when my kids were little.  I'd take the kids in there, give 'em a buck or two, and they felt like they were really shopping.

      What I did, though, I'd slip in where my friend behind the counter didn't see me - now, everything in the store was a dollar - but I'd hold something up, holler, Miss, how much is this ?  She'd always get that almost pi$$ed off , almost impatient look, then shed realize it was me, got her again.

      Good entertainment, and only a dollar !

      Greg

  8. RedfordHenry | Nov 14, 2007 06:35am | #15

    OK, but you aren't allowed to complain that all the manufacturing jobs have gone to China.

    1. DanT | Nov 14, 2007 01:38pm | #16

      So, going to WalMart, Kroger, Piggly Wiggly, Big box store, or the local lumber yard for cleaning supplies and misc. items will stop that?!  I am all for the buy american deal but come on, none of this stuff that we are discussing here is made here anyway, no matter where you buy it.  DanT

      1. RedfordHenry | Nov 14, 2007 03:34pm | #18

        Unfortunately, you are right.  And it won't change, as long as there is consumer demand, and continued disregard on the part of the Chinese.

        http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20071114/sc_afp/chinaenvironmentpollutionyangtze

        1. Jim_Allen | Nov 14, 2007 05:25pm | #20

          I wouldn't fret too much. At the rate our dollars are being deflated, the stuff from China will be too costly and our stuff will be cheap for them. They'll start sending our presses back here and the cycle will continue. FKA Blue (eyeddevil)

    2. CAGIV | Nov 14, 2007 04:50pm | #19

      I don't.  Globalization is a reality we're not going to change.

      and the stuff I bought is made in China regardless of where I buy it

  9. User avater
    McDesign | Nov 14, 2007 02:58pm | #17

    We've got a giant thrift store, called "Repairers of the Breach" (WTF?) that has amzing quantities of stuff - light fixtures, books, videos, computers, furniture, bikes, sporting equipment . . . all used and for pennies on the dollar - a super deal for a handy guy.

    Definiitely my favorite store -

    Forrest

  10. User avater
    Sphere | Nov 14, 2007 05:47pm | #21

    I bought a pack of Reeses Pnut cups there.

    They were older than I was.

    Ain't been back since, but I see your point of buying consumables there.

    here, want one? Just scrape off the white stuff, they be fine. kinda crumbly and dry inside, but thats what the 7-up is for.

    Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

    "If you want something you've never had, do something you've never done"

  11. Mooney | Nov 14, 2007 06:22pm | #23

    Dollar General . We have a dollar store but its across the street from the super center.

    General is across the street from where I live kinda.

    They have a watered down super clean thats not too bad .

    I bought 5 mops to clean walls . <sponge> They came apart and I took them all back but did the job .

    For the most part I use them when I can because its not the money all together with the buy. Its the time in and out thats the saver. Im dead sure Im out in 5 minutes if I want to be . I use their stuff for the rentals all the time . They are super quick.

    They dont however replace walmart so on planned trips I buy most everything there . I gas up there for a 3 cent discount and I buy my paint there for the rentals . I buy Super Clean there 5 gallons at a time .

    Tim

     

    1. splintergroupie | Nov 14, 2007 11:06pm | #24

      You return used stuff to the dollar store? Doesn't that sort of negate the efficiency of picking it up there?

      1. Mooney | Nov 15, 2007 02:09am | #25

        I got that  from walmart .

        You can return dirty diapers to walmart Ive been told which means they will take anything .

        Actually the mops came apart .

        Tim  

        1. splintergroupie | Nov 15, 2007 03:13am | #28

          I hope this carpenter gig pans out bec i'd have a short career on the Walmart Customer Service desk is someone pulled that. Returning mops...yeah, i can see that if you pay retail. I figure it's "buyer beware" by the time stuff gets to the dollar store bec it's probably there after having been found defective at the Walmart store it started at.

          1. seeyou | Nov 15, 2007 05:08am | #29

            i'd have a short career on the Walmart Customer Service desk is someone pulled that.

            They'd have to put the "BEWARE OF THE CSR. SHE'S VERY SARCASTIC" sign over your window.http://grantlogan.net/

             

            It takes a big man to cry, but it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. - J. Handey

          2. splintergroupie | Nov 15, 2007 05:55am | #30

            And the bulletproof glass. Used to lose a lot of customers before they put that in.

          3. seeyou | Nov 15, 2007 06:02am | #31

             Used to lose a lot of customers before they put that in.

            You gotta watch out for the richochets when you have BPG.http://grantlogan.net/

             

            It takes a big man to cry, but it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. - J. Handey

        2. User avater
          jonblakemore | Nov 15, 2007 06:56am | #33

          It's difficult to return unused diapers to WalMart. My wife tried to take several bags or newborn size diapers back because our son was pretty big at birth and we had purchased way too many in advance.She had her receipt, the bags were obviously unopened, but she told me she still had a very tough time. 

          Jon Blakemore RappahannockINC.com Fredericksburg, VA

          1. dedubya | Nov 15, 2007 03:35pm | #36

            Ya'll are funny

          2. Mooney | Nov 15, 2007 07:54pm | #39

            Thats how much its changed over the years I guess .

            Ya used to be able to whup yer kids at walmart else others were thinkin about it.

            Now ya have to get dressed up to go there ?

            Tim   

  12. User avater
    ToolFreakBlue | Nov 15, 2007 02:28am | #26

    Just don't buy anything you should ingest. Food, Candy, Toothpaste, etc. stay away from that stuff it is stale, old and substandard.

    TFB (Bill)
    1. Brickie | Nov 15, 2007 07:46pm | #38

      I couldn't help but chime in and reinforce your point about not buying any food or toiletries at those places.  Anyone remember the recall of Chinese toothpaste and the poisoned pet food?  The culture in China for some reason does not promote business ethics that approach what we enjoy in the West.  The scary thing about the recalls is that they weren't trying to poison anyone, per se, they were using poisonous fillers to cheat inspectors and save money!

  13. User avater
    jonblakemore | Nov 15, 2007 06:56am | #32

    Here's an appropriate headline:View Image

     

    Jon Blakemore

    RappahannockINC.com Fredericksburg, VA

    1. junkhound | Nov 15, 2007 11:57am | #34

      LOL, best one today.

       

    2. DanT | Nov 15, 2007 01:10pm | #35

      That is a classic!  DanT

    3. User avater
      MarkH | Nov 15, 2007 06:34pm | #37

      No shirt, no shoes, NO PROBLEM!

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Making the Move to Multifamily

A high-performance single-family home builder shares tips from his early experience with two apartment buildings.

Featured Video

Micro-Adjust Deck-Baluster Spacing for an Eye-Deceiving Layout

No math, no measuring—just a simple jig made from an elastic band is all you need to lay out a good-looking deck railing.

Related Stories

  • A Classic Paint Sprayer Gets a Thoughtful Refresh
  • Podcast Episode 692: Introduction to Trade Work, Embodied Carbon, and Envelope Improvements
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Embodied Greenhouse Gas Emissions and the Building Codes
  • Old Boots Learn New Tricks

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data