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Costco Roses Are Red, Are They Cheaper Too?

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Costco Roses

Valentine’s Day has the sale of red roses through the roof. While many florists can get away with charging up to $3.50 a stem, you can get roses for around $1 each. That is if you are willing to order more than 12. Bulk or otherwise, Costco roses seem to be the most fairly priced.

Average Price of Roses

Despite studies showing most women don’t want flowers for Valentine’s Day, roses continue to be a popular gift for the holiday.

This year, you can grab a dozen roses at Costco for $15.99. Although there’s no vase included, you can’t really beat that elsewhere. In fact, the average price of a dozen roses has climbed in recent years.

Bouquet prices can reach up to $6 per stem, making a dozen cost more than $60, with higher-end bouquets landing around $100. The average price paid for a dozen falls around $30. Typically, price varies on quality, supply, and stem length. Oftentimes, cheaper bouquets will not be as high quality.

Costco Roses Bulk Price

Costco Roses

Buying in bulk, of course, will always save you money but you’ll be stuck with more roses than you need, most likely. The bulk lot requirement to save money at Costco: 50 roses for $49.99. If you talk any of your friends into going in on a deal with you and splitting up the flowers, then the deal is fairly cheap and can save you money. However, most people don’t need 50 roses.

Costco is able to offer such low prices on roses because the company negotiated a bulk deal with a flower warehouse located in Colombia. Unlike many other cheaper options, the quality of the roses is fantastic.

Interestingly, Costco’s deal doesn’t require membership for purchase, and it includes shipping and handling. However, the deal is only available online or via telephone. You will not be able to place Costco roses orders in the store.

Last-Minute Savings

Unfortunately, it is probably too late to order a last-minute bouquet for your sweetheart. Costco typically requires all Valentine’s Day orders to be in by noon EST on February 10. Oftentimes, the wholesale retailer sells out early. The same is the case with many other retailers and flower companies. You’ll likely be able to rely on Walmart and some of the mainstream flower companies for last-minute assistance. Here are the prices for last-minute Valentine’s Day roses.

  • Walmart: Bouquets of roses start at $9.99 and go up from there. Most locations will also have some roses available in premade vases if you get there early enough in the day.
  • Amazon: Prime members may have the best option when it comes to buying last-minute roses for Valentine’s Day. You can get free two-day shipping on roses through Amazon. Get two dozen roses through Amazon for just $45.
  • ProFlowers: ProFlowers has one dozen roses from $19.99. You can get additional sweets and gifts for your significant other through them as well. They will be taking orders up until February 13 for Valentine’s Day.
  • 1-800-Flowers: This company is offering a similar guarantee. As long as you order by noon EST the day before Valentine’s, you should have your order the next day. Prices for one dozen roses through 1-800-Flowers start at $24.99.

Additionally, the closer you get to the holiday, the more likely businesses are to raise their prices. If the price of roses is a bit too high for your Valentine’s budget, you may also consider looking into different types of flowers for your significant other. Inquire what some of their favorites might be and consider sending those instead. Carnations are always a popular second choice.

Readers, are you planning to send (or receive) any flowers this Valentine’s Day? 

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Save Money Shopping On These 2019 Sales Tax Holidays

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sales tax holiday

Every year, certain states hold tax holidays. During the events, they waive the sales tax on specific purchases, allowing shoppers to potentially save a substantial amount of money. A few of the sales tax holidays even align with the start of the school year, helping parents save a significant amount of money on school-related necessities.

What Is a Sales Tax Holiday?

A sales tax holiday is a special shopping event. On designated days, a state does not require retailers to collect state sales tax on specific purchase categories.

By buying eligible items during a sales tax holiday in 2019, you can reduce your total spending. The amount of savings you will experience varies depending on the state tax rate, though it can be substantial. As a result, sales tax holidays are major shopping events, especially for families who work with a tight budget.

However, some states do cap the cost of each item in order to qualify, based on its category. For example, you may be limited to $100 in per clothing if you want the tax-free benefit. Once you cross that threshold, the item is not eligible for the tax-free holiday.

Additionally, state sales tax holidays do not necessarily mean you will not pay any sales tax. Local sales tax may still apply. However, the total savings is still significant even if that is the case.

States With Sales Tax Holidays

Only 16 states have tax holidays. They are:

  • Alabama
  • Arkansas
  • Connecticut
  • Iowa
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • New Mexico
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • South Carolina
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Virginia
  • Wisconsin

The remaining states do not hold tax-free shopping events at any point during the year. However, it is also important to note that some states do not have sales tax. This means all purchases there remain tax-free. Here is a list of states that do not have sales tax all year-round:

  • Alaska
  • Delaware
  • Montana
  • New Hampshire
  • Oregon

Other states exclude certain categories from sales tax as well. For example, clothing is always tax-free in these states:

  • Minnesota
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island

Sales Tax Holiday Chart

The sales tax holiday schedules vary depending on the state. Here is a chart of the 2019 sales tax holiday events:

Alabama

In Alabama, the Annual Severe Weather Holiday is from February 22 through February 24, 2019. During the tax-free holiday, severe weather preparedness items, valuing no more than $60 each, are exempt from sales tax. Generators and power cords with price tags at or below $1,000 are also tax-free.
Alabama also has a Back to School Sales Tax Holiday from July 19 to July 21, 2019. During the event, the following items are tax-free, within the limits described. below:
    • Clothing, Shoes, and Some Accessories – $100 or less per item
    • Computers, Software, Computer Supplies –$750 or less per purchase
    • School Supplies – $50 or less per item
    • Books – $30 or less per book

Arkansas

From August 3 to August 4, 2019, the Annual Back to School Holiday makes various school-related items tax-free. Here are the limits:
  • Clothing and Shoes – items less than $10
  • Clothing Accessories and Equipment – items less than $50
  • School Supplies and Instructional Materials – no item price limit

Connecticut

Connecticut holds their Annual Back to School Holiday between August 18 and August 24, 2019. Clothing and shoes with price tags below $100 qualify.

Iowa

The first Friday and Saturday in August are Iowa’s Annual Sales Tax Holiday. In 2019, that will be on August 2 and August 3. Clothing and shows with sales prices below $100 will be tax-free.

Maryland

Maryland holds two sales tax holidays each year. Between February 16 and 18, 2019, energy star products (like appliances) are tax-free.
Between August 11 and August 17, 2019, clothing and shoes below $100 are not subject to sales tax as well as the first $40 or any backpack or bookbag.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts typically has the largest sales tax holiday, expected between August 10 and August 11, 2019. Nearly all tangible personal property with sales prices at or below $2,500 qualify. There are a few exceptions, including, but not limited to, telecommunications services, tobacco or marijuana products, motor vehicles, motorboats, meals, and gasoline.

Mississippi

Mississippi is another state with two tax holidays. On July 26 and July 27, 2019, the state holds their Annual Clothing Sales Tax Holiday. Clothing and shoes below $100 are tax-free.
Then, on August 30 and September 1, 2019, during the Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday, a variety of hunting supplies, including certain firearms and ammunition, are not subject to sales tax.

Missouri

In preparation for the school year, Missouri holds an annual sales tax holiday. The following items are not subject to sales tax:
  • Clothing – $100 or less per item
  • Computers and Peripherals – up to $1,500 in value
  • Software – up to $350 per item
  • School Supplies – up to $50 per purchase
  • Graphing Calculators – up to $150

New Mexico

August 2 through August 4 is New Mexico’s sales tax holiday. The following items are exempt from sales tax:
  • Clothing and Shoes – less than $100 per item
  • Computers – up to $1,000
  • Computer Equipment – up to $500
  • School Supplies – less than $30 per item

Ohio

Ohio will hold a tax-free event between August 2 and August 4, 2019. The following items are eligible:
  • Clothing – up to $75 per item
  • School Supplies – up to $20 per item
  • Instructional Materials – up to $20 per item

Oklahoma

During Oklahoma’s sales tax holiday, scheduled for August 2 through August 4, 2019, clothing and shoes sold for under $100 are not subject to sales tax.

South Carolina

The South Carolina annual sales tax holiday is set for August 2 through August 4, 2019. It features one of the largest lists of eligible goods. The following items qualify:
  • Clothing, Shoes, and Accessories
  • School Supplies
  • Computers, Peripherals, and Software
  • Sheets, Blankets, Towels, Shower Curtains, Bath Mats, Pillows, and Other Linens

Tennessee

Between July 26 and July 28, Tennessee holds their tax-free event. Here is a list of eligible items:
  • Clothing – up to $100 per item
  • School Supplies – up to $100 per item
  • Computers – up to $1,500 per item

Texas

Texas has more tax-free holidays than any other state, typically hosting three each year. The first, set for April 27 through April 29, 2019, covers:
  • Generators – less than $3,000 per item
  • Emergency Ladders and Hurricane Shutters – less than $300 per item
  • Other Qualifying Emergency Preparedness Supplies – less than $75 per item
Then, between May 25 and May 27, 2019, you can get these items tax-free as long as they are Energy Star rated, up to the limits:
  • Air Conditioners – up to $6,000
  • Refrigerators – up to $2,000
  • Ceiling Fans
  • Incandescent and Fluorescent Light Bulbs
  • Washing Machines
  • Dehumidifiers
  • Dishwashers
  • Programmable Thermostats
Finally, from August 9 and August 11, 2019, the back to school event makes the following tax-free:
  • Clothing and Shoes – less than $100 per item
  • Backpacks – less than $100 per item
  • School Supplies – less than $100 per item

Virginia

From August 2 through August 4, Virginia’s sales tax holiday makes a slew of items tax-free. Here is a quick overview of the qualifying items and their limits:
  • Clothing and Shoes – up to $100 per item
  • School Supplies – up to $20 per item
  • Portable Generators – up to $1,000 per item
  • Gas-Powered Chainsaws – up to $350 per item
  • Chainsaw Accessories – up to $60 per item
  • Other Hurricane Preparedness Goods – up to $60 per item
  • Energy Star and WaterSense Products – up to $2,500 per item

Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s five-day tax holiday will occur from August 1 through August 5, 2019. The following items are eligible:
  • Clothing – up to $75 per item
  • Computer Supplies – up to $250 per item
  • Computers – up to $750 per item
  • School Supplies – up to $75 per item

It’s important to note that some states, like Florida, have held tax-free weekends in the past. However, they have not officially announced or approved an event for 2019 as of this writing.

Additionally, some of the information above is based on sales tax holiday patterns and not official announcements, as they have not been made as of this writing. However, since the states traditionally follow a specific schedule, the dates are expected to remain accurate.

Do you have big plans for the 2019 tax holidays? Let us know in the comments below.

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What is the Walmart Electronics Return Policy?

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walmart electronics return policy

Every retail store has a unique return policy. While they may need to adhere to certain laws and regulations, outside of those requirements, nearly everything is fair game. This can make figuring out what is and isn’t returnable confusing, even with larger chain stores. With that in mind, here’s a look at the Walmart return policy.

Walmart Return Timeframes On Electronics (and Everything Else)

In general, electronics you buy from a Walmart store or at Walmart.com are eligible for return or exchange for 15 days, even if you don’t have a receipt. However, there are a few exceptions. This includes computers, drones, cameras, video game consoles, and similar items. Additionally, certain toys with electronics such as electric bicycles, hoverboards, and radio-controlled vehicles also fall into this category.

  • Second, post-paid cell phones can only be returned for 14 days after purchase. Additionally, you have to bring it back to the original store or purchase, and the phone cannot be damaged. In some cases, other conditions may also apply.
  • Third, perennials, trees, and shrubs can actually be returned for up to one year from the date of purchase. You must have a receipt for these returns and exchanges.
  • Tobacco and alcohol purchases do fall in the 90-day return window, but they have to be unopened and returned to the original store with a receipt.

It’s important to note that Walmart.com does support third-party sellers. If you buy an item from one of those sellers, the Walmart return policy will not cover that purchase. Instead, you’ll need to coordinate with the seller directly to handle those returns or exchanges.

Items Not Eligible Under the Walmart Return Policy

Some items are ineligible for return and the sale is considered final. All firearms, ammunition, and pepper spray items are not eligible. Additionally, you can’t return gas-powered vehicles, including minibikes, dirt bikes, go karts, ATVs, or UTVs.

All diabetic product sales, ranging from meters and strips to lancets and syringes, are final. Similarly, prescription drugs and over the counter products containing pseudoephedrine and pseudotropine are not eligible.

Finally, anything with an electronically filled PIN is ineligible for return. Prepaid cellphone minute sales are also final.

Walmart Return Policy for the Holiday Season

While most of the Walmart return policy remains the same, items that fall in the 15-day return may get an extension during the holidays depending on when you buy. Purchases between November 1 and December 24 have their return period begin on December 26 instead of the date of purchase. This allows shoppers to buy gifts ahead of the holiday without having to worry about the return window closing before the recipient even opens their present.

Can I Choose How I Get My Refund from Walmart?

If you are returning an item to Walmart for a refund, how you can receive it depends on how you paid for the original purchase. For purchases made with cash or check, you can request cash or have the funds put on a Walmart gift card.

You can receive refunds for debit card purchases back to the card or as cash if the words “debit tend” show on the receipt. If that phrase doesn’t appear, Walmart will refund the card unless it is not available from the customer or by scanning the receipt’s TC number. In those cases, a gift card refund is the only option.

For credit card purchases, the Walmart return policy refunds the same card if it is available or will access it through the TC number on the receipt. In cases where that doesn’t work, you’ll receive the refund on a Walmart gift card.

Limitations for Using the Walmart Return Policy for Electronics

Many retail stores that sell electronics have mechanisms in place to prevent return abuse fraud. For example, if you don’t have a receipt, you have to present a valid government-issued photo ID. This allows the store employee to verify your activity in the return database to make sure you aren’t taking advantage of the retailer.

However, if Walmart suspects abuse, it can deny returns – even those with receipts. What they may consider abuse isn’t clear, but most regular customers who don’t return items often won’t fall into that category.

What If the Item is On Recall?

Walmart will accept returns for on recall, regardless of when the recall announcement took place. A receipt is not necessary, nor is the original packaging or even all of the item’s components.

Additionally, recalls allow employees to provide a full cash refund regardless of how you make the purchase, except under specific circumstances.

Are There Limitations for WIC or SNAP Items?

If an item is WIC- or SNAP-eligible, the rules do change. A cash, credit, or gift card refund is only available if a customer has a receipt showing they didn’t use WIC or SNAP benefits to cover the cost. Otherwise, WIC purchases can be exchanged. SNAP purchases are eligible for exchange or a refund to the SNAP EBT account.

What do you think of Walmart return policy for electronics? Tell us more in the comments below.

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Is Costco Open on Labor Day?

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is costco open on labor day

Most large retailers mark holidays with major sales. The intention is to draw in customers, especially since many people have the day off work, making it more convenient to hit the stores. This makes days like Labor Day big shopping events, particularly for families who still need to finish their back-to-school shopping.

However, since federal holidays lead government offices, banks, and a range of retail shops to close, not every retailer decides to open. Costco is one of the few retail giants that shut its doors on many federal holidays, leading many to wonder, “Is Costco open on Labor Day?”

Is Costco Open on Labor Day?

No. Costco closes on Labor Day. That means, for 2018, Costco is not open on Monday, September 3.

However, the warehouse stores will open on the Sunday before Labor Day. Typically, they operate from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, though this may vary by location.

Costco Business Centers are not open on Sundays. This means, if you need to handle anything there, you will need to go on Saturday at the latest. Usually, the locations are open from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturdays, though this can also vary by location.

After Labor Day, Costco returns to its usual schedule on Monday, September 4. The warehouse stores should be open from 10:00 am to 8:30 pm in most cities. The business centers typically operate from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm on weekdays, though some locations don’t open until 8:00 am.

Is the Costco Gas Station Open on Labor Day?

People that want to know is Costco open on Labor Day also have questions about their gas stations. On Labor Day, Costco gas stations will not be manned. This means you can’t interact with an employee, so paying in cash or buying snacks typically isn’t an option.

However, since most gas stations allow you to pay at the pump, you can still fill up at a Costco gas station with a credit or debit card. As long as you don’t think you will need assistance, you can take advantage of the Costco gas station’s low prices any day at any time.

Why Does Costco Close on Labor Day?

With the number of potential shoppers around, it may seem odd that Costco would close on Labor Day. However, the holiday recognizes the contributions of the American workforce, so they likely believe that letting every employee enjoy a day off is the right way to celebrate the occasion.

In general, Costco is known for valuing its employees. This leads them to shut their doors on certain holidays, even when other companies choose to open.

Does Costco Have a Labor Day Sale?

Since Costco stores close on Labor Day, they typically don’t hold an official Labor Day sale. However, that doesn’t mean they won’t have items available at discount prices. They just may not advertise them in conjunction with the holiday.

The August sale flyer is good through September 2, the Sunday before Labor Day. They don’t explicitly mention Labor Day in their member-only savings area, even though the discounts are available until right before the holiday.

Currently, they have offers on a variety of items, ranging from energy drinks to tires to ribs. Even clothing and a few laptops are available at a discount.

Some of their summer goods, like patio sets, are also typically on sale this time of year. Labor Day usually marks the unofficial end of the summer season, so many retailers get rid of these large items. Additionally, since school is back in session near Labor Day, certain back-to-school products may also be relatively inexpensive.

If you aren’t shopping at Costco until after Labor Day, you’ll want to review their September sale flyer once it releases, which usually happens a few days in advance.

Does Costco Close on Other Holidays?

Costco doesn’t close for every federal holiday, but they do for more than the half of them. Here are the six federal holidays where Costco doesn’t open:

  • New Year’s Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day

Costco also isn’t open on Easter, even though that is not a federal holiday.

However, Costco is open on some federal holidays, including:

  • Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday
  • Washington’s Birthday / President’s Day
  • Columbus Day
  • Veterans Day

It’s important to note that on the day before certain holiday closures, many Costco locations close early. Usually, this only includes early closing hours on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve when they shut their doors at 6:00 pm instead of the typical 8:30 pm if the day before the holiday falls on a weekday. If the day before Christmas or New Year’s is on a Saturday or Sunday, then they may close even earlier.

However, this may vary by location, so it’s wise to call ahead if you want to confirm that Costco is open. This is especially true if you have to travel a significant distance to reach a Costco, as you wouldn’t want to spend a substantial amount of time and gas on a wasted trip.

Did you need to know if Costco is open on Labor Day? Tell us about it in the comments below.

Looking for more great articles about holiday closures? Here are a few to get you started.

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15 Items You Should Never Buy at the Dollar Store

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The dollar store offers the bargain shopper a veritable bonanza of purchase opportunities. The problem is most dollar store shoppers have the “squirrel!” approach to shopping in these stores. There’s almost too much to consider, so shoppers end up buying everything regardless of quality.

Dollar Store Items Aren’t Always the Best Deals

On the surface, Dollar Store, Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, and other types of dollar stores offer great deals because of the dollar pricing structure. But, there are a few things that shoppers should keep in mind as they make their purchasing decisions. In particular, note the varying degrees of product quality within each store.

In order to truly get the best deal for your money, you need a working knowledge of what you should and shouldn’t buy at a dollar store. Here are 15 items to never buy at the dollar store.

1. Birth Control

I think this one is pretty obvious. It might be better to be very smart and be wary of purchasing birth control from a dollar store, simply because products, in general, are often outdated. You might not be buying the most effective birth control if you are shopping from a dollar store.

2. Aluminum Foil

Cheap aluminum foil is almost always too thin and often rips easily. Buy a store brand box of aluminum foil when it’s on sale, and save yourself the frustration and money wasted on foil that doesn’t actually cover anything.

3. Batteries

I’ve purchased batteries from the dollar store and have found that the batteries have a much shorter battery life than a Duracell or rechargeable battery. Most of the batteries for sale at dollar stores aren’t brand name batteries that you can find in the convenience store or supermarket. You can usually find a package of 4 AA or AAA batteries for $1, but the batteries won’t last as long as the brand name batteries. Their life expectancy is around 1/16th of the life expectancy of a brand like Duracell. This is caused by the chemical makeup used in the dollar store variety batteries. You don’t want to keep replacing your batteries every few weeks, do you? If you are in need of a lot of low quality batteries, you may be able to get free batteries from your local drug store.

4. Pasta Sauce

Food at the dollar store is often old. And, dollar store brands of pasta sauce always have too much sugar. I do think there are food items of decent quality. However, when it comes to items like pasta sauce, the couple of pennies you might save are not worth consuming something full of sugar and preservatives.

5. Boxed Mixes

It might seem like a great deal to buy a box of brownie or cake mix for $1, but you’re actually losing money. Most of those boxes are only 9 oz, which is half the size of the normal cake mixes in the supermarket. For a normal cake pan, you’d need to buy at least two $1 boxes. Cake mix in the supermarket is around $2.99. But cake mixes are constantly on sale for $1. Even with a $1 off coupon, you’d only be paying $2. It’s worth it to buy boxed mixes at the supermarket and get the full sized box instead of the smaller 8 or 9 oz version.

6. Laundry Detergent and Some Cleaning Products

Cleaning supplies are expensive, so you might think that buying them from a dollar store is saving you some money. However, laundry detergent and cleaning supplies from the dollar store aren’t made from quality chemicals. The supplies tend to be watered down and the chemicals used are often an off-brand, and they occasionally leave an unpleasant odor or stain after you use them. If you want to save money on these products, consider making your own laundry detergent and making chemical free cleaning supplies.

7. Vitamins and Allergy Medication

If you’re worried about the cost of vitamins and allergy medications at the pharmacy, don’t make the mistake of buying a cheap knock-off alternative. The generic brands at the pharmacy are usually suitable if you’re looking to save money. The versions at the dollar store aren’t generic brands, but rather imitations that are close to the original vitamin or medication. “Close” means that the medication or vitamin could have some unusual substance added, which could negatively affect you. When it comes to your health, better to be safe than sorry!

8. Toilet Paper

Some things are worth investing in for better quality. Also, usually the 2-ply option is in really small rolls that run out faster than getting a better quality option. There are usually higher quality options for around the same price, especially if you keep an eye on coupons at other stores.

9. Surge Protectors

Invest in high quality surge-protectors because a poorly made surge protector is a fire risk. In fact, when it comes to electrical products in general, the dollar store isn’t your best resource.

10. Electrical Cords

Extension cords are items in almost every home. Buying them from a dollar store isn’t a good idea, though. They’re made with cheap, flimsy plastic that is not only a fire hazard, but won’t protect your electronics. When it comes to your electronics, it’s better to buy these items from a department store or hardware store. At most, they’ll cost you $10, but they’ll last you for a long time and will protect your products.

11. Kitchen Utensils

We use kitchen utensils daily without giving a thought to how important the quality is to our safety. If you discover a large kitchen knife for a very low price, avoid the temptation to buy it. Always look for and buy knives with very secure handles. If the handle comes off, or the knife breaks, you may seriously injure your hand.

12. Shampoo

Dollar store shampoos might not be as effective as you would like (or need). Of course, if you find a reputable brand, stock up. But if it’s a brand that you’re unfamiliar with, you may want to consider avoiding it — just in case. You’ll be taking a chance on a product that could potentially be outdated and have harmful chemicals. Further, like housecleaning products, they can be watered down as well.

13. Kids Toys

It seems like every other week there is a toy recall. If you would like to purchase toys for a children’s party, look for puzzles or balls. Stay away from toys with multiple parts.

14. Sandwich Bags

If you constantly take sandwiches or snacks to work or school, you know how quickly you can go through a box of sandwich baggies. Dollar store sandwich bags usually come in boxes of 13 or 25. At a regular grocery or convenience store, sandwich bags usually come in a pack of 150 for around $3 or $4. If you have a coupon, you can buy them for as low as $1.50.

15. Tools

Most of us have a standard set of tools in our home. Since tools are an item we always need, invest in a set of good ones that will last a long time.

Dollar stores are wonderful places to look for deals. The next time you visit, keep in mind that not all deals are created equal. If you shop with awareness and use your good judgment to determine value, dollar stores are a great option for the frugal minded shopper.

What was your best and worst purchase from a dollar store? Share with us in the comments below!

Read More:

How to Find and Use Coupons on Amazon
Dollar Store Deals
Best Dollar Store Finds

Photo Credit: Steven Snodgrass

Sofas in a Box – Making Luxury Couches Affordable

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Home furniture is known to be expensive, particularly from traditional furniture stores. On average, a new sofa costs over $1,000, but that number factors in options like those available at stores like Ikea and Walmart. If you’re looking for a luxury sofa, you’ll likely spend significantly more.

Even reupholstering can cost a pretty penny, averaging between around $340 and $963, leaving many to wonder if buying new is a better option.

What Are Sofas In A Box?

Now, a group of companies is working to make high-quality living room seating more affordable by focusing on an online selling model, not unlike mattress companies like Casper and Leesa. The couches, known as “sofas in a box,” come in easy to assemble pieces, but offer sophistication beyond what is typically found from other self-assembly companies.

Burrow Sofas

Burrow offers sofas in a box featuring modular designs and midcentury modern styling. The couch arrives in multiple, easy-to-handle boxes and assembly is incredibly straightforward. You don’t need any power tools to put the furniture together, so there is no additional expense.

All Burrow sofas are made in North America and feature high-quality, sustainable components, including hardwood. The materials are non-toxic and not treated with chemicals while still being stain-resistant.

As an added bonus, each Burrow sofa has an integrated USB charging point, making keeping your devices powered up a breeze. All of the cushions are reversible, allowing you to choose between a tufted or smooth finish.

A three-seat Burrow sofa retails for just over $1,000, making it an affordable luxury. Loveseats are available for under $800, and a four-seater option is less than $1,400. Plus, shipping is typically free, helping you save even more when you don’t want to sacrifice quality.

Campaign Sofas

Featuring a sturdy steel frame with a lifetime warranty, Campaign sells sofas and love seats that arrive in two boxes. The cushions are compressed for shipment but quickly spring to life once the packaging is open. All of the legs are coated hardwood, like oak or maple, adding to the sense of luxury.

Assembly is quick, usually taking about 15 minutes, and incredibly intuitive. While instructions come with the sofa, many buyers won’t need them.

There is a wide variety of colors to choose from, ensuring anyone can find an option that works with their existing décor. Plus, the sofa and love seat feature very clean lines without being overly modern, making them suitable for a range of interiors.

A three-seat sofa costs under $1,200 and comes with free shipping. The loveseat is less than $900.

Rivet Sofas

Most Rivet sofas arrive practically fully-assembled. All you need to do is screw on the legs, making these some of the easiest sofas in a box to construct.

Plus, along with luxurious fabric options, like velvet-like finishes, you can also buy leather, making high-end luxury accessible to the masses.

The leather 74-inch bench sofa is under $1,100. It features a tufted seat and smooth back cushions. The tapered legs are wood, adding to the level of sophistication. Two bolster pillows also come with the sofa.

Coordinating leather living room chairs featuring generous dimensions and hardwood frames are also available for under $850. As with the other sofas in a box on this list, shipping is free.

For those looking for something less expensive, Rivet also has sectionals with reversible chaise loungers. The chaise portion can be on the left or righthand side, giving you options for styling your room. All of the pieces arrive in a single box and assembly is quick and easy. For less than $800 for fabric models, these sectionals are fairly affordable too.

Are They Better Than Ikea Sofas?

When it comes to self-assembly furniture, Ikea is likely the best-known company on the planet. While their products are affordable, they often don’t feature the sturdiest construction.

For example, most Ikea sofas won’t have hardwood or all-steel frames, affecting their durability. Even the leather Stockholm sofa, which costs nearly $2,000, has a particleboard, fiberboard, and plywood frame.

Additionally, assembling Ikea furniture can be quite complex. Most come with multiple pages of instructions and bags full of hardware.

Ikea also falls short when it comes to shipping. Depending on your location, shipping can easily run more than $50. That means, after shipping, you could end up spending nearly twice as much on a leather sofa that doesn’t feature a hardwood frame.

Ultimately, the sofa in a box options have a lot of potential, so consider exploring the options above if you are looking for a luxury couch at a more affordable price.

 

Have you ever purchased a sofa in a box? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.

 

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