THE DOLLAR STORE | WHAT’S NOT TO LOVE?

I remember going to the dollar store since I was a wee little one. I had an allowance and my mom and dad helped me learn how to spend my money wisely by taking me to “regular” stores and the dollar store. For the majority of us, money is a limited resource. When I first started to deco, I went to stores like Michael’s or Hobby Lobby and paid premium dollar for things I could get for a better price at the dollar store. There are many hidden gems at the dollar store. I know you’re thinking, “Why is she writing about the obvious? I know things are cheap at the dollar store!” True! I’m not doing this as an insult to your intelligence, but to open your eyes to how you approach shopping for deco supplies.

SIDEBAR | THE INTERNET

The internet is a great way to find deals on many items. However, you do sacrifice the following:

• Physical Touch – You don’t get to feel the item or see the item. Some online vendors may not list dimensions or may flat-out misrepresent an item.
• Time – Hootie and the Blowfish said it well. I don’t believe in it. Time is valuable and even though you may order something with 2-day shipping, this does not include processing, weekends & holidays that may slow your ability to complete a project in a timely manner.
• Price – I find its best to buy in bulk to get a fair break with the previous bullet points.

THE DOLLAR STORE | Let’s Break it Down

You’d think the name says it all. . . This isn’t always the case. I have come across two kinds of dollar stores, the “legit variety dollar store” and the “It says it’s a dollar store but I’m really not a dollar store.” Of these two types, the store’s stock can be rather reductive or completely thrilling. Be aware of which one you are entering.

From experience, If there are items in a $tore that are more than a dollar, you’re less likely to see things for less than $1. However, even if something isn’t $1, you may still find a bargain on something else you’re looking for otherwise.

Independently owned stores can hold lots of treasures. Sometimes I wonder who does the merchandising. I’ve seen some weird Russian Barbie dolls, lunch boxes that are clearly too small to hold a lunch with odd cartoon renderings of Lady Gaga and thigh high stockings sold individually. Weird right? I thought so. These are great places to find uniquely shape containers and other things to deco.

MINDSET

I am a crafter who is currently in the process of shifting from casual face to face selling to selling in an online market place. It’s very apparent that those who treat their online store front as “work” find success. Initially, whenever I entered the dollar store I felt like a baller. It was easy to buy anything just because it was a dollar. I guess it doesn’t help that I’m a bit impulsive as well . . .

Treat your trips to the store as a business trip. Make a list and stay focused. You’ll utilize your time well and walk out with more cash in the bank.

BE ONE OF A KIND

When you start to shop and you find some great deals, you have to prepare yourself. There could be a chance that these items you are buying, may not be sold any more on your next trip. If you find something and you’re lucky enough to see that it’s a regular item, you can incorporate this into your sales as a signature or classic item. Some customers like to see brand cohesion.

But being one of a kind is also a good way to market your items. I absolutely love this. We are all different in some way and we, deco princesses (or princes), have always had a flair for individuality. For example, I found this awesome vase and I strassed it. My boss bought it from me and wanted another one for her mother. However, when I went back to the store a week later, they had no more in stock. I found some other vases, but it just didn’t translate the same way.

There are two sides to every coin. It is up to you, as an artist, to decide how you want to handle it.

YOU CAN NEVER HAVE TOO MANY FRIENDS  : D

In the great words of Hello Kitty, “you can never have too many friends!” I’m a very bubbly person. I tend to strike up conversation with anyone. I use this to my advantage. I talk to employees at these stores all the time. (I feel them out of course, I don’t want to be annoying.) This can give you an advantage. I’ve learned when shipments come in so I can plan my trips accordingly.

CONCLUSION

• The dollar store is a great place to find things you need in a bind for a good price.
• It’s important to stay focused on what you’re looking for.
• You can find one-of-a-kind items.
• Making small convo with workers can lead to inside information to save you even more time.