11 Michigan Dollar Store Do NOT Buys
Dollar stores are thriving in the new economy according to CNN Business, and while they can be packed with some incredible deals, some bargains really are too good to be true.
So with some help from Bob Vila, let's take a look at the 11 things you should never buy from Michigan Dollar Stores:
#1 Tools
According to the experts at BobVila.com, Your tools should stand up to tough work, so they should be durable. A hammer that isn't strong enough to drive in a nail may be why it's such a great deal. Better to spend a little more for a quality implement that will stand the test of time and Michigan blue-collar toughness.
#2 Oven Mitt
A lot of oven mitts you find at dollar stores are made of cheap, thin material. Since an oven mitt's main job is to keep your hand from being burnt, cheap and thin are not what you want them made of. Dollar store oven mitts may good for seasonal decorations, just don't use them to pull out a piping hot Michigan casserole.
#3 Knives
Good knives aren't cheap. The knives you find at Michigan dollar stores are cheap. Therefore the cheap knives you find at said stores are not quality. A dull knife is also a dangerous knife and can lead to accidents.
#4 Plastic Kitchen Utensils
You might think this comes down to durability again, but actually, it's more of a chemical issue. These 'affordable' plastic kitchen utensils contain some questionable ingredients according to BobVila.com:
...like brominated flame retardants, which have been linked to serious health issues. Instead, purchase metal, bamboo, or BPA-free plastic spatulas and spoons from a trusted retail brand.
#5 Vitamins and Medicine
Pretty simple here: if the FDA doesn't approve it, it shouldn't go into your body. Many of the off-brand medicines and vitamins found at dollar stores may not even have any active ingredients. These deals are a definite pass.
#6 Electronics
There's a reason why quality is worth the investment. Cheap headphones, earbuds, controllers, consoles, cameras, and radios can be found in dollar stores. Why are they so cheap? They are made as inexpensively as possible. For instance, when you buy a plug strip you want the plugs not to fall out of it. Cheap can also be dangerous when comes to electricity.
#7 Batteries
Chances are if you're buying batteries you want them to not only work but work for longer than a couple of uses. Dollar store off-brand batteries are notorious for having short charges.
#8 Toys
Toys are typically for kids. Kids of a certain age put toys in their mouths. Dollar store toys are made...cheap. Cheap toys fall apart and kids who like to put these toys in their mouths could easily choke. Plus who wants a toy that breaks easily?
#9 Sunscreen
Did you know that sunscreen loses its strength after a while? There's a good chance that the sunscreen bargain you found at a Michigan dollar store has been sitting on the shelf for quite some time. Plus it's been found that some discount stores have mislabeled their sunscreens so that SPF 50 could be 15.
#10 Makeup
This one is more about skin sensitivity than anything else. Many Michigan dollar-store makeup finds may have the same ingredients listed on the back as some of the more expensive brands. That said, they don't use the same high-quality ingredients either. Best to avoid any embarrassing rashes, or test it out on a small area first.
#11 Pet Food
Dog food makers in general have come under fire for questionable ingredients in their products. It's better to look for deals at area pet supply stores than to risk your best friend's health.
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