Standing in Dollar General’s checkout line with a cart full of items you thought would ring up as pennies isn’t fun. Your excitement turns to embarrassment as the register shows full price, and you’re left trying to decide which items to keep and which to leave behind. It’s a situation too many new penny shoppers face.
The reality is that scoring penny deals at Dollar General takes more than luck – it requires understanding the unwritten rules of this money-saving strategy. These deeply discounted items exist because they’re discontinued products that should have been removed from shelves. While the store’s system marks them down to a penny to signal removal, shoppers who spot them first can purchase these items at this rock-bottom price.
Many new penny shoppers give up after their first failed attempt, believing it’s impossible to find these deals. However, success comes down to avoiding eight critical mistakes that separate those who find penny items from those who leave empty-handed. Here’s what you need to know to turn your future shopping trips into wins.
Also See: Beginner’s Guide to Penny Shopping at Dollar General
8 Common Penny Shopping Mistakes to Avoid
1. Missing the Penny List Details
Penny lists track discontinued items in Dollar General stores that have been marked down to $0.01 in the store’s system. These lists circulate in Facebook groups and on various money-saving websites. While stores are instructed to remove these items when they hit penny status, any items still on shelves can be purchased at this price point. However, store policy prevents employees from intentionally selling penny items – which is why discretion matters when shopping.
2. Skipping the App Scan
Open the Dollar General app before entering the store. The barcode scanner icon appears at the top of your screen. Position your phone’s camera over any item’s barcode, holding steady until it scans. The app displays the current price – check this price before adding items to your cart. This step prevents surprises at checkout and saves time removing unwanted items.
3. Shopping at the Wrong Time
Dollar General typically updates their system prices on Tuesdays, which is why penny items often appear that day. This system-wide update marks discontinued items down to a penny, signaling stores to remove them from shelves. Arriving when stores open gives you time to shop before staff begins their morning tasks and shelf clearing.
4. Drawing Unnecessary Attention
Discretion while shopping increases your chance of finding deals. Browse different sections of the store, scanning items quietly as you go. Avoid announcing your finds or discussing penny items within the store.
5. Making Rookie Shelf-Checking Mistakes
Search thoroughly but neatly through each section. Check under bottom shelves and behind other products. Some items hide in seasonal sections long after their season ends. Maintain store organization while you search.
Also See: Seasonal Penny Shopping Strategies at Dollar General
6. Taking Too Few Items
If you spot penny items, consider purchasing the available stock. Taking just one or two pieces might alert staff to check that section. Multiple items of products you’ll use makes sense to purchase at once, while keeping shelves organized.
7. Overlooking Clearance Sections
Penny items hide throughout the store, especially in overlooked spaces. Check clearance sections at the back of each department. Search seasonal aisles where holiday items get missed. Look through the marked-down bins near the registers. End caps on both main aisles and back walls often contain older stock ready for clearance. Don’t skip the toy section after major holidays or the home décor areas when new collections arrive.
8. Not Understanding Penny Resets
System resets can change penny prices back to regular pricing without notice. What cost a penny last week might be full price today. Scan each item before purchasing, even if you’ve bought it for a penny previously.
Final Tips for Success
Penny shopping at Dollar General requires strategy, discretion, and patience. Each mistake you avoid increases your opportunity to find deals. Your opportunity for success improves by understanding the timing, mastering the app, and shopping without drawing attention. A considerate approach ensures stores continue to offer these opportunities.
Start small by focusing on one store and getting comfortable with the app. Once you spot your first penny item, you’ll understand why dedicated shoppers incorporate this into their saving strategy. By avoiding these common beginner mistakes, you’ve gained valuable knowledge for your shopping trips. Join our community to learn more money-saving strategies and stay updated on the latest Dollar General penny finds.