Finding genuine penny deals at Dollar General feels like searching for buried treasure in a maze of aisles—and that’s because most shoppers are doing it wrong. While social media is flooded with penny shopping “secrets,” these viral tips often lead to frustrated customers and overwhelmed employees.
What if you could shop for penny items with the same insider knowledge as store managers? After speaking with multiple Dollar General managers, I’ve uncovered why some penny shoppers leave stores empty-handed and frustrated, while others consistently find incredible deals. More importantly, I’ve learned why certain stores welcome penny shoppers while others seem to actively work against them.
Through these candid conversations with store management, I’ve compiled a guide that reveals exactly how to become the type of penny shopper that employees don’t mind seeing walk through their doors. Whether you’re new to penny shopping or have been struggling to find success, these employee-approved strategies will transform how you hunt for those elusive one-cent deals.
Also See: Beginner’s Guide to Dollar General Penny Shopping
Understanding Dollar General’s Penny Shopping System
The penny shopping system at Dollar General is more complex than many shoppers realize, as these items are tied to store inventory management and employee responsibilities. As one store manager explained, “There is a report that DMs get when too many penny items are sold. It also affects your inventory, which will cut into your bonus.”
Different regions and districts handle penny items differently. Some stores actively help customers find penny items, while others strictly enforce removal policies. This variation stems from district managers and regional directors monitoring penny sales and enforcing corporate policies.
Store employees are typically expected to remove penny items every Tuesday, but with limited staff and numerous responsibilities, this task sometimes gets overlooked. One manager shared, “We have a lot of people who want hours to work so they can make money – they are also the same ones that call in all the time, leaving just one person there to accomplish all of the mandatory things.”
Essential Do’s for Successful Penny Shopping
Success in penny shopping starts with the right approach. Here are the comprehensive strategies I’ve learned from store managers:
Using the DG App:
- Download and master it as your primary shopping tool
- Scan items quietly without drawing attention
- Check prices before getting to the register
- Keep track of potential penny items you’ve found online
- Verify prices without bothering busy staff members
Shopping Strategy:
- Check out the latest penny list before heading out to the store
- Shop during less busy hours when possible
- Keep potential penny items separate in your cart
- Have a system for tracking what you’ve already checked
- Be prepared to put items back neatly if they’re not penny items
- Keep your receipt in case there are any questions later
Checkout Success:
- Group similar items together
- Have your DG digital coupons ready if using them
- Be prepared for some items to ring up at regular price
- Stay calm and polite if items aren’t penny items
- Have a maximum price in mind for items you want regardless of penny status
Building Store Relationships:
- Be polite and friendly with staff
- Shop regularly, not just for penny items
- Keep the store tidy as you shop
- Be understanding of store policies
- Thank staff for their help
Also See: 15 Signs That an Item Might Penny Soon at Dollar General
Important Don’ts and Common Mistakes
Employee Interaction Guidelines:
- Never ask for penny items at the counter
- Avoid asking staff to check prices when you can use the app
- Don’t ask employees to hold penny items
- Never demand to know when penny items will be available
- Refrain from asking about penny item policies
As one manager noted, “Demanding penny shoppers come right up to the counter and ask for the penny items… and yell at staff because they think they are entitled to those items. It doesn’t work that way.”
Store Organization and Safety:
- Don’t leave items scattered around the store
- Never hide merchandise under shelves or behind other products
- Avoid climbing shelves or reaching into top stock areas
- Don’t open packages to check for penny items
- Put items back exactly where you found them
Professional Behavior:
- Don’t argue with staff about prices or policies
- Never demand to speak to managers about penny items
- Avoid making scenes if items aren’t penny priced
- Don’t try to price match penny items from other stores
- Refrain from threatening to call corporate
Store Reputation Protection:
- Don’t follow employees around while they work
- Avoid shopping in large groups that can overwhelm the store
- Never share employee names or store locations on social media
- Don’t pressure employees to break store policies
- Avoid bragging about penny finds in front of staff
What to Expect at Different Stores
Store Policy Variations:
- Some locations actively assist penny shoppers
- Others strictly enforce removal policies
- Many stores fall somewhere in between
- Policies may change based on management
- District oversight can affect store approaches
Management Styles: As one manager explained, “Stores vary wildly. The one down the road from us will refuse to sell it to you while we’ll help you find them.”
District Influence: One manager revealed, “If too many penny items get sold we’re ‘reminded’ to do a better job at taking them off the sales floor. Too many ‘reminders’ and that store might be put on a list of those not doing their job.”
Success in penny shopping isn’t just about finding deals—it’s about building relationships. The most successful penny shoppers aren’t the ones who find the most items; they’re the ones who become known at their local stores as respectful, organized customers who happen to find penny deals. By using the DG app strategically, maintaining store organization, and respecting staff boundaries, you’ll set yourself apart from the rushing crowds of bargain hunters who leave empty-handed and frustrated.
Remember what one store manager shared: stores vary widely in their penny shopping policies. Instead of fighting this reality, use it to your advantage. Focus your energy on building positive relationships with stores that welcome penny shoppers, while respecting the boundaries of those that don’t. When you approach penny shopping as a long-term strategy rather than a quick score, you’ll find yourself consistently discovering deals that others miss entirely.