When shopping at Dollarama, there are tons of ways to save money, but it’s better to buy some items elsewhere, despite the low price.
Kitchen knives and can openers
Cheap stainless steel kitchen utensils bend under pressure, become dull after one use, and begin to rust after being washed only a few times. Cheap hand-operated can openers are also frustrating. Their inexpensive internal mechanisms will strip out or come loose from the can lip, gouge jagged metal shavings into your food, or snap in two after only several uses.
Batteries
Generic alkaline batteries may be cheap when compared by price per unit, but they contain only a small fraction of the power of name-brand alkaline or lithium batteries. Put them in a medium-or high-drain battery-powered appliance such as an electronic clock, video game controller, or laptop mouse, and they’ll die after a few hours.
They are also susceptible to bursting open and leaking extremely corrosive acid onto the battery contacts inside your electronics, destroying them permanently.
Phone chargers and charging cables
Who doesn’t love a cheap charging cable? Especially when you need one right now. Well, unfortunately, those cheap cables tend to fray up and break or loosen within a few months of use. They may even charge your phone slower than the official ones.
Non-stick cookware
Cheap non-stick pans have thinner coatings that will scratch and deteriorate very quickly. When the coating starts flaking off, everything will stick, and it will be frustrating to use the pan. Cheap pans are also usually thin and heat poorly.
Power bars and extension cords
Low-cost power bars and extension cords may not be made of the same sturdy material or have surge protection as name-brand products do. If it’s just for everyday household use, that is okay. But don’t put your expensive electronics, like your computer or television, on the line. It just isn’t worth it.
Pet food
Dollarama often sells pet food/treats for great prices. However, read the ingredient list closely. Some may have more fillers and less quality ingredients than higher brands. An occasional treat won’t hurt, but what your pet eats on a daily basis can affect its future health.
Plastic food storage containers
Inexpensive containers may appear to be nearly identical to high-priced versions, until after repeated use. They crack more easily, can stain from tomato sauce or other foods, and may bend after microwaving or dishwashing. Leaks and spills are common with low-cost containers that have imprecisely fitting lids.
Tools you’ll use regularly
Maybe you only need a screwdriver every couple of years. If that’s the case, then by all means get the cheap one. However, if you do your own home repairs, assembly projects or general DIY stuff around the house, you’ll find cheap tools just don’t last. Handles fall off, metal tips bend, joints that are supposed to move will give out.
Adhesive tape and glue
When it comes to tape and glue, not all are created equal. Cheap brands tend to have less adhesive quality that rips or dries out easily. This is incredibly annoying when you are wrapping presents or trying to repair something. Invest in a name brand and you will notice the difference in quality.
Cosmetics and makeup brushes
Dollarama stocks many beauty items. While some items can be great deals, quality can be hit or miss. Cheap makeup brushes tend to drop bristles, be scratchy on skin, or fall apart after one use in the washer. Others don’t apply as seamlessly or wear as long as other products throughout the day.
Children’s craft supplies
Cheap art supplies like Dollarama markers, crayons, paints, and glue sticks will work okay if you only need them for something every once in a while. They tend to dry out quicker, have faded colours or break easily. If your kid loves to colour all the time, you’ll be replacing them so much it’ll end up costing you more than if you’d bought quality stuff to begin with.
Reusable water bottles
Cheaper bottles may dent or crack, or get leaks with frequent use. Some bottles also hold smells or stains more easily than others, depending on what you use it for (i.e., flavored water). If you are taking a bottle to work/school/gym daily, investing in a good one will usually last significantly longer and make your drinking experiences much better.
Over-the-counter medications and vitamins
Name-brand OTC medications have strict controls, but dollar store supplements/bottled pain relievers are often at their sell-by dates. Also, unit pricing on low pill counts never beats the cost of bottles sold at drug stores or warehouse clubs.
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