Finding items for just one penny at Dollar General might sound too good to be true, but it’s a real opportunity many shoppers miss due to widespread misconceptions. When seasonal merchandise doesn’t sell during regular markdowns, these items sometimes remain on shelves after reaching their final clearance stage – the penny price. While some shoppers regularly find amazing deals through penny shopping, others struggle because they’re following incorrect advice.
Understanding what’s true and what’s not about penny shopping can mean the difference between wasted trips and successful finds. The key lies in knowing how Dollar General’s markdown system actually works rather than relying on common myths circulating online.
For those ready to learn the truth about penny shopping, we’ve gathered the most common misconceptions and replaced them with facts. Before diving in, new shoppers might want to review our Beginner’s Guide to Penny Shopping at Dollar General.
1. “You Can Ask Employees About Penny Items”
Dollar General’s markdown system automatically reduces prices on items that should have been sold during normal clearance periods. When items reach the penny stage, store policy requires staff to remove these products from shelves and return them to the warehouse. This means employees cannot point out penny items – doing so could risk their jobs. If you find a penny item while shopping, staff will honor the price, but they cannot help locate these items.
2. “Penny Items Are Always Available”
The availability of penny items varies significantly between stores. Each Dollar General location handles different amounts of seasonal merchandise, clearance items, and customer traffic. Some stores maintain stricter item removal practices, while others might have more penny items slip through. Success in penny shopping comes from understanding your local store’s patterns and shopping regularly rather than expecting guaranteed finds.
Also See: 15 Signs That an Item Might Penny Soon at Dollar General
3. “Penny Items Show Up as $0.01 on the Shelf”
Product tags and shelf labels never display the penny price. These items typically show their original price or a clearance sticker. The only way to identify a penny item is by scanning its barcode (called a Stock Keeping Unit or SKU number) at a price checker or register. Price checkers are usually mounted on store walls or poles – familiarize yourself with their locations in your local store.
4. “Penny Shopping Only Happens on Tuesdays”
While Dollar General’s system typically updates with new penny items on Tuesdays, these products can be found any day of the week. Once an item’s price drops to a penny in the system, it stays at that price until someone buys it or staff removes it. Many experienced shoppers find success visiting stores throughout the week when there’s less competition from other penny shoppers.
5. “Seasonal Items Go to a Penny Right After Holidays”
Seasonal merchandise follows a specific markdown schedule. After a holiday, items typically start at 25% off, then move to 50%, 70%, and finally 90% off. This process often takes several weeks. Not every seasonal item reaches penny status – many sell out during regular markdowns. Understanding this progression helps identify potential future penny items.
6. “All Clearance Items Eventually Become Penny Items”
The clearance process doesn’t automatically end in penny prices. Many items sell during regular markdowns or get removed from shelves. Store managers often clear out clearance sections before items reach penny status. Successful penny shopping requires understanding that while clearance items might become penny items, there’s no guarantee.
7. “You Can Return Penny Items for Full Price”
Attempting to return penny items for their original price goes against store policy and can result in a permanent banning from the store. When you purchase a penny item, consider it a final sale. This policy exists to prevent misuse of the penny system and ensures the opportunity remains available for genuine bargain hunters.
8. “You Need Special Apps or Lists to Find Penny Items”
While our Dollar General Penny Shopping Master List provides valuable information, successful penny shopping combines knowledge of store patterns with proper timing. Understanding seasonal rotations, clearance procedures, and your local store’s habits often proves more valuable than any single tool or list.
Finding Success in Penny Shopping
Penny shopping requires patience and an understanding of how Dollar General’s markdown system works. Start by learning the regular clearance patterns in your local store and checking our regularly updated master list for potential penny items. Remember to scan items quietly and respect store employees who must follow corporate policies.
When you find success, share your experiences responsibly with other shoppers. Every penny item purchased properly helps maintain this unique opportunity for everyone. Whether you’re just starting or have been penny shopping for years, focusing on proper practices and realistic expectations leads to the best results.