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Anchor Intro: When searching for savings, it's estimated that as many as 75 percent of us make a regular trip to a dollar discount store. But not all dollar deals are created equal. Bankrate.com takes a look at 10 items that just might turn out to be dollar-store "duds."
Voice over 1: When it comes to saving a buck, your first instinct may be to shop at the closest dollar store. Might be a good idea, but just because something's a buck doesn't mean it's always the better buy.
Voice over 2: Example? This package of 45 seven-ounce cups may be more dud than deal.
Voice over 3: Do the math and you're paying about 2 cents for each cup. But at a bulk warehouse store, you can find deals like 1,000 cups for around $12, or just over a penny a cup. And since these things have a half life of about a million years, might as well stock up.
Voice over 4: Other dollar-store duds -- especially compared to discount or warehouse stores -- include some bottled water, sandwich bags, sugar substitutes, napkins and foam plates.
Voice over 5: But you should always do your own detective work by dividing the total price by the number of items.
Voice over 6: Sometimes the smaller amount of product you get for that dollar adds up to costing you more than a bulk buy would -- if, that is, you can ultimately use vast quantities.
Voice over 7: Also true with things like dish soap -- ounce for ounce, often more expensive than a larger size at a discount store.
Voice over 8: Same thing for some toothpastes, batteries, and some bags of candy.
Standup: So just because something costs a dollar doesn't make it a deal. If in doubt, write down that price and go comparison shop it. Only then will you know if that item is a deal or a dud. For Bankrate.com, I'm Kristin Arnold.
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