Unveiling Dollar General's 10 Shopping Secrets They Don't Want You to Know!

Hey there savvy shoppers, today we're diving into the world of Dollar General, the beloved dollar store where you can find a treasure trove of deals. But wait, there's more than meets the eye! We're about to spill the beans on 10 shopping secrets that Dollar General doesn't want you to know. So, grab your shopping cart and get ready to uncover the hidden gems in the world of discount shopping!

1. Beware of Big Savings Events:

First things first, let's talk about those alluring big savings events that Dollar General hosts. They often advertise deals like "buy three, save three" or "buy five products and save $5." But here's the kicker – combining these deals with your hard-earned coupons might not always work in your favor. In fact, it could even cause your total to go up instead of down! The secret here is that the coupon and the event savings might cancel each other out. So, either leave the coupon aside or consider buying an odd number of items. It's frustrating to think a coupon could hike up your bill, right?

2. The Coupon Overage Game:

Now, here's where Dollar General stands out. It's one of the few major retailers that allow you to benefit from coupon overages. What does that mean? Well, if you have a coupon that's worth more than the item you're purchasing, Dollar General, according to its current policy, should let you use that extra dollar towards another product or even as credit on your bill. It's like getting paid to shop! Be sure to acquaint yourself with Dollar General's coupon policy, and maybe even print it out to have on hand in case you run into any debates in the store.

3. Score Extra Savings with the Dollar General App:

If you want to snag an extra $5 off any purchase of $25 or more, all you need to do is download the Dollar General app. Yes, it's that simple! Dollar General generously gives you this $5 coupon every Saturday. Plus, depending on the week and season, you might find some other attractive rebates too. So, keep your smartphone handy for some app-based savings.

4. Stack Those Coupons:

Once you have the Dollar General app, did you know you can stack its coupons with text coupons in most cases? Just text JOIN to DGTXT, and you'll receive mobile alerts and access to additional coupons that you can combine with the app coupons. If you're new to this, also text DEALS to the same number, and Dollar General might just send you a sweet $2 off coupon to kickstart your shopping spree.

5. Decipher the Dots and Symbols:

Dollar General has a secret code hidden in plain sight – their dots and symbols! These cryptic symbols can be found on price tags and are your clue to significant discounts. Whether it's a colored dot or a mysterious symbol, if you see one on a price tag, it's a sign that you're in for some big savings. Keep in mind that these symbols aren't all created equal; they're often tied to shopping categories and seasons, but they can be your ticket to fantastic discounts.

6. Manufacturer's Coupons Welcome:

Here's a secret many people overlook – Dollar General accepts manufacturer's coupons. That's right; you can bring in those coupons you've found online or clipped from elsewhere and use them in-store. What's even better is that Dollar General allows coupon stacking in most situations, so you can combine a manufacturer's coupon with a Dollar General coupon for added savings. Just remember, you can typically use one manufacturer coupon and one Dollar General coupon per item in a transaction.

7. The Order Matters:

Coupon enthusiasts, listen up! The order in which you present your coupons can make a difference. To maximize your savings, follow this order: start with store coupons or mobile text store coupons, then use your dollar-off coupons (like the ones you get on Saturdays through the app), and finally, apply your manufacturer's coupons. Deviate from this order, and you might risk having one coupon cancel out the others. So, remember the sequence to make coupons work in your favor.

8. Seasonal Shopping Secrets:

Dollar General stands out from the crowd by offering clearance items from two shopping seasons simultaneously. That's right, you can score deals from both the past and current seasons. Whether it's Fourth of July remnants mixed with fall deals or a blend of fall and winter discounts around Christmas, Dollar General keeps its shelves stocked with bargains year-round. Shopping just before and after major holidays can be especially rewarding, so keep your eyes peeled for those deals.

9. End Cap Treasures:

When it comes to decor offerings, don't overlook the end caps in Dollar General stores. While many stores use these spots for clearance items they want to get rid of, Dollar General often uses them to showcase top seasonal offerings. So, if you're on the hunt for the most timely seasonal decor finds, make sure to check out those end caps.

10. Penny Shopping:

Ah, the holy grail of Dollar General secrets – penny shopping! Did you know that you can potentially snag items for just one cent? The secret behind penny items lies in Dollar General's pricing system. When a product has been marked down by 90%, it's on the brink of being pulled from the shelves, and that's when it can potentially become a penny item. This magical transformation usually happens on Tuesday mornings, so mark your calendar. To identify these elusive penny items, look for specific codes on the price tags, like SP for spring, SU for summer, FA for fall, and WI for winter, along with the year code. But remember, these items are supposed to be removed, so you might need to read the fine print and be prepared to negotiate with store employees.

Bonus Shopping Secrets:

Bonus 1: Spot Pricing Errors with the App:

When you're in the store and spot an item with a questionable price or think a lower price would sweeten the deal, don't hesitate to use the Dollar General app. Just scan the product barcode, and you might discover hidden clearance deals that weren't visible on the price tag. It's like having a superpower to uncover secret discounts!

Bonus 2: Don't Overlook Furniture and Lamps:

While most dollar stores are known for paper products and essentials, Dollar General goes above and beyond. Don't ignore their furniture and lamp sections, where you can often find fantastic deals. Whether you're in need of shelves, throw pillows, blankets, or stylish lamps, Dollar General has some hidden treasures waiting to be discovered.

So there you have it, folks – 10 shopping secrets that Dollar General would prefer to keep under wraps. But now that you're armed with this insider knowledge, you can navigate the aisles with confidence and get the most bang for your buck. Happy shopping, and may your cart be filled with savings! If you've got any other Dollar General secrets or tips to share, drop them in the comments below. We love hearing from fellow bargain hunters. And if you enjoyed this article, give it a thumbs up and share it with your fellow savvy shoppers. Stay tuned for more store secrets and savings!