It's no secret that dollar stores are packed with great deals. How do they do it? By buying up aging inventory from larger retailers, and by finding additional products at rock-bottom prices. It's a great business model, but it also means that some of those low prices aren't quite the bargain they seem. Here are 10 tech items you should NOT buy at the dollar store!
10 Tech Items You Should Not Buy at the Dollar Store
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Speakers
Speakers for your home theater or computer are delicate pieces of equipment, carefully calibrated to deliver the highest quality audio. Unfortunately, the ones offered at dollar stores are usually tinny and subpar. They’ll produce sound, and if all you need is something in the background they may be great, but if you want true audio quality you’re better off looking elsewhere.
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Adapters
Whether you’re traveling abroad or dealing with old, ungrounded outlets, a good adapter can be worth its weight in gold. However, the ones found on dollar store shelves are usually of limited use. Adapters are still mechanical devices, and their connection can weaken and wear out over time. The lower quality items sold at a dollar store often wear out very quickly indeed. Plus:Â If you want to upgrade old two-slot sockets but don’t want to open walls, consider installing a labeled GFCI outlet.
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USB Sticks
USB sticks have become a ubiquitous symbol of modern plug-and-play technology. These storage devices are widely available for a modest price. In order to compete, dollar store versions usually have decorative add-ons, such as a knock-off cartoon character or decorative flair. These “added value” features often add weight and cause more problems than they’re worth.
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Extension Cords
It may seem like nothing could be simpler than an extension cord. Unfortunately, some dollar store suppliers skip best practices and try to avoid proper certification. Counterfeit Underwriters Laboratory (UL) labels are a genuine problem, and are often found on devices at deep discount stores.
Avoid the potential headache by buying a quality extension cord.
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Phone Chargers
Chargers for phones or other electronic devices have to supply a set amount of power. Too little, and the device will take forever to charge; too much and the delicate circuitry may be damaged. The risk of picking up chargers at dollar stores is that the power supply may be erratic, possibly causing more headaches than it’s worth, and definitely making it one of the tech items you should not buy at the dollar store. Don’t have a USB outlet at home? Learn how to easily install a USB outlet!
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Earbuds/Headphones
Like tiny speakers, headphones and earbuds are relatively easy to make, but difficult to make well. If you simply want a spare pair of earbuds to keep on hand, dollar stores have great options. If you really want to hear music the way it was intended, you’re better off spending a little bit more and getting a quality device. If you do decide to go the low-end route, you may want to bookmark this article on repairing earbuds for future reference!
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Batteries
There are two problems with buying batteries at dollar stores. First, if the battery was bought as aging stock from a larger retailer, those name-brand batteries may be approaching their expiration date. Second, some low cost, off-brand batteries may be made with carbon–zinc rather than alkaline. That means they are more prone to leakage and have a shorter lifespan.
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HDMI Cables
HDMI cables are an interesting case. Like many of the other chargers and cables on this list, dollar store versions often skimp in essential areas such as the head/cable connection, meaning that they are more prone to failure. At the same time, HDMI cables purchased at larger retail locations tend to be hugely overpriced (often three or four times the actual market value). Your best bet is to check online at an electronics specialty site, and get a quality cable at a reasonable price.
There’s a reason pros recommend high-quality cables for your home theater!
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Power Tools
As a general rule, power tools found in dollar stores are bottom-of-the-barrel devices. If you’re going to start a project that will likely destroy a tool by its end, that can be fine. But if you want to keep that tool for years to come, you probably shouldn’t lay down money for a power tool at the dollar store.
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Battery-Operated Toys
Dollar store toys are a mixed bag, and should be examined closely before purchase. Keep an eye out for fragile parts that could shatter under the hands of an enthusiastic child, and keep in mind that the lifespan of any electronic components could be very short. Or you can always find a fun DIY project to tackle with your child instead!
