Arts & Entertainment
Guest Column: You Should Never Buy Pregnancy Tests From a Dollar Store
September 8, 2008 - 11:00pm
I felt unsatisfied and a little dirty as I did my walk-of-shame to the car. I double-checked my bag and then looked around the area to see if I knew anybody around. I’m in the clear. What was I doing there? I know I wasn’t looking for anything substantial, but really? Maybe I just needed a little bit more fun in my life ... though clearly I went to the wrong place for that. My motives were originally so pure, and now here I sat, disappointed and wishing to be home.
A trip to the Dollar Tree isn’t something anybody is ever really proud of. Maybe you went in thinking you’d find some gifts for big-little week, or maybe you thought you could pick up some decorations for your new apartment in Collegetown. But are you ever really satisfied with what you find?
I highly doubt it. The flickering fluorescent lights and ominously stained carpet (which tends to squish when you walk) says it all — you’re not in Kansas anymore. While I’m not denying a few good buys (paper plates and nerf guns), there are countless items at the Dollar Tree that transform it from a palace of penny-pinching innocence into a hole of grime and deception. So, instead of trying to completely deter you from what could be quite the interesting … adventure, I’ve composed a list of the top five things you should never buy (to use intentionally) at the Dollar Tree.
1. Surface Cleaner: On the back wall of the Dollar Tree, you’ll find shelves filled with bottles that look remarkably similar to the lit-up bottles you’ll find behind the bars at fraternity parties. Do not be fooled. These are not bottles of highlighter fluid but, in fact, bottles of surface cleaner. While you may be thinking that quality cleaning solution is not really necessary and you may as well haggle down to these minimal prices, take a step back and think of the logistics of wiping your glass windows with neon-pink liquid. Will it leave a sticky residue? Yes. Could that residue also be pink? I would imagine it could. Take that into consideration when trying to impress the ladies with how clean your house is.
2. Wedding Supplies: When in need, you can turn to the Dollar Tree for all of your wedding essentials. Here, you can purchase invitations to your bridal shower, bubbles in the shape of champagne bottles, rings, one-size-fits-all garter belts, crowns and sashes with which to parade yourself across the town. Go ahead and buy yourself that veil and throw a fake wedding on Sunday. Put up the “Just Married” sign on the back of your car for April Fools Day. Just remember, the operative phrase of this article is “use intentionally.”
3. Hygienic Products: Broad and vague, this overarching topic covers just enough stuff that I feel like I’m opening people’s eyes to factors they should consider when looking to purchase any item that may be used behind bathroom doors.
One example is toothpaste. It may seem harmless, but remember what I was mentioning about the surface cleaner? Even brand name toothpaste found in dollar stores are manufactured in different places (namely China) and found with up to 10-times more fluoride than regular toothpaste. Vitamins found at these places usually cannot be digested fully or are already past their expiration date. Other products such as tampons … let’s just leave those up to the imagination.
4. Toy Cars: Now I seem really crazy — why wouldn’t you buy cheap-o toys at the Dollar Tree? Most people think the point of the Dollar Tree is strictly to buy toys, and here I am, listing it as one of the top things you should never buy. Last December, the Dollar Tree had a recall of 300,000 toy cars due to high levels of lead in the paint.
Along with the cars, the Dollar Tree also recalled metal jewelry for containing similarly high levels of lead. I did not list the jewelry, however, because I assume the fine ladies of Cornell University would be too embarrassed to wear (read: admit that they would wear) jewelry from the Dollar Tree.
5. Pregnancy test: Unless you’ve witnessed this with your own two eyes, it almost seems unfathomable that the Dollar Tree would even sell pregnancy tests. The test is, in fact, the main attraction of the whole store — the icing on the cake. The scariest part of the one-dollar pregnancy test is that in most Dollar Tree’s, it’s located by the cash register, a.k.a. the impulse-buy aisle.
I’m not sure what kind of customers they expect to be patrnozing this fine establishment. Who do they expect that, as an impulse, would feel the need to stock up on pregnancy tests? Scarily enough, people do exist, and those are the people that happen to trust the Dollar Tree to provide them with accurate information on whether or not they’re expecting.
I felt unsatisfied and a little dirty as I did my walk-of-shame to the car. I double-checked my bag and then looked around the area to see if I knew anybody around. I’m in the clear. What was I doing there? I know I wasn’t looking for anything substantial, but really? Maybe I just needed a little bit more fun in my life ... though clearly I went to the wrong place for that. My motives were originally so pure, and now here I sat, disappointed and wishing to be home.
A trip to the Dollar Tree isn’t something anybody is ever really proud of. Maybe you went in thinking you’d find some gifts for big-little week, or maybe you thought you could pick up some decorations for your new apartment in Collegetown. But are you ever really satisfied with what you find?
I highly doubt it. The flickering fluorescent lights and ominously stained carpet (which tends to squish when you walk) says it all — you’re not in Kansas anymore. While I’m not denying a few good buys (paper plates and nerf guns), there are countless items at the Dollar Tree that transform it from a palace of penny-pinching innocence into a hole of grime and deception. So, instead of trying to completely deter you from what could be quite the interesting … adventure, I’ve composed a list of the top five things you should never buy (to use intentionally) at the Dollar Tree.
1. Surface Cleaner: On the back wall of the Dollar Tree, you’ll find shelves filled with bottles that look remarkably similar to the lit-up bottles you’ll find behind the bars at fraternity parties. Do not be fooled. These are not bottles of highlighter fluid but, in fact, bottles of surface cleaner. While you may be thinking that quality cleaning solution is not really necessary and you may as well haggle down to these minimal prices, take a step back and think of the logistics of wiping your glass windows with neon-pink liquid. Will it leave a sticky residue? Yes. Could that residue also be pink? I would imagine it could. Take that into consideration when trying to impress the ladies with how clean your house is.
2. Wedding Supplies: When in need, you can turn to the Dollar Tree for all of your wedding essentials. Here, you can purchase invitations to your bridal shower, bubbles in the shape of champagne bottles, rings, one-size-fits-all garter belts, crowns and sashes with which to parade yourself across the town. Go ahead and buy yourself that veil and throw a fake wedding on Sunday. Put up the “Just Married” sign on the back of your car for April Fools Day. Just remember, the operative phrase of this article is “use intentionally.”
3. Hygienic Products: Broad and vague, this overarching topic covers just enough stuff that I feel like I’m opening people’s eyes to factors they should consider when looking to purchase any item that may be used behind bathroom doors.
One example is toothpaste. It may seem harmless, but remember what I was mentioning about the surface cleaner? Even brand name toothpaste found in dollar stores are manufactured in different places (namely China) and found with up to 10-times more fluoride than regular toothpaste. Vitamins found at these places usually cannot be digested fully or are already past their expiration date. Other products such as tampons … let’s just leave those up to the imagination.
4. Toy Cars: Now I seem really crazy — why wouldn’t you buy cheap-o toys at the Dollar Tree? Most people think the point of the Dollar Tree is strictly to buy toys, and here I am, listing it as one of the top things you should never buy. Last December, the Dollar Tree had a recall of 300,000 toy cars due to high levels of lead in the paint.
Along with the cars, the Dollar Tree also recalled metal jewelry for containing similarly high levels of lead. I did not list the jewelry, however, because I assume the fine ladies of Cornell University would be too embarrassed to wear (read: admit that they would wear) jewelry from the Dollar Tree.
5. Pregnancy test: Unless you’ve witnessed this with your own two eyes, it almost seems unfathomable that the Dollar Tree would even sell pregnancy tests. The test is, in fact, the main attraction of the whole store — the icing on the cake. The scariest part of the one-dollar pregnancy test is that in most Dollar Tree’s, it’s located by the cash register, a.k.a. the impulse-buy aisle.
I’m not sure what kind of customers they expect to be patrnozing this fine establishment. Who do they expect that, as an impulse, would feel the need to stock up on pregnancy tests? Scarily enough, people do exist, and those are the people that happen to trust the Dollar Tree to provide them with accurate information on whether or not they’re expecting.
Yes, I can see not buying a
Yes, I can see not buying a lot of stuff from Dollar Tree but you make it sound evil. I'd never buy the cleaning stuff or the stuff in the hardware section. No to the baby stuff and personal hygiene too. If you don't like the store then why go? You seem like one of those people who think they are better than everyone else. I may be wrong but that's how it seems. Of course you're not going to be happy about going in a dollar store. I don't know where you live but the Dollar Tree where I'm at is clean and the carpet doesn't mush or crunch. We have doctors, lawyers, rich, and poor people who go there. As for the tests, I never thought I would buy one either until I did research online. I did my own research with the $15 tests and these tests. Guess what? Dollar Tree tests won. They aren't by the register in my store. Spending $15 on a test is crazy when you can get one that actually works better than higher priced ones is craziness in my opinion. There are things at the Dollar Tree I won't ever buy but I will continue to buy the tests.
Where I'm from, people don't
Where I'm from, people don't pick on others for being thrifty. People aren't ashamed to save money, but are actually proud of it. That's how it all should be. If you're gonna tiptoe into a bargain store and then complain about everything that isn't perfect, you shouldn't go in the first place. Go to Saks or somewhere where only the rich are allowed if you're so ashamed to be around normal, middle- and lower-class people.
Dollar Tree pregnancy tests
Dollar Tree pregnancy tests work just as well as those expensive tests, if not better. There is nothing wrong with buying them there.
Dollar Tree Pregnancy Test
I love dollar tree and shop there frequently for paper goods, cleaning supplies, frames, and that's about it. I too was wary of the pregnancy tests. But after finding out I was pregnant from a brand name pregnancy test, and then verifying it with a grocery store brand I wanted to do an experiment. I figured a dollar was worth it to see if the Dollar Tree brand worked. Well it did! Not only was it cheap, it was also faster than the pregnancy tests I paid 7 dollars a piece for! I just wish I had known earlier that they were valid and reliable. Then I probably would not have spent about 50 dollars for pregnancy tests over the past 5 months!
Wow, I go into the dollar
Wow, I go into the dollar store often & I have never felt like I was doing a "walk of shame" back to my car. You know, to some people, this place is an answer to prayer because if it weren't for these stores they would have to go without a lot of things. Your first paragraph is very degrading. If you don't like going there, then don't, but don't make it sound like people who do are trashy.
Dollar Store
First, I would just like to say that myself and my family are not trashy, but actually educated and are rather well off, and that is why I DO go to the dollar store. Why would anyone in their right mind spend $10-15.00 on something that they can spend only $1 on? That doesn't make sense. I go to the dollar store for paper towels, paper plates, sandwich baggies, even laundry sheets! I have had no problem with either of those products! And as far as the pregnancy tests; I have bought them there, too! And, by their results, I also have two children! So, to me, rather someone smart would go there and leave the additional spending to those who just want to throw their money away. I don't think that people are ashamed, either, as just the other day I was there, and outside in the parking lot there was a BMW and a Mercedes, so I would gather that not just the trashy shop there. Maybe you had a bad experience there or something, but I think that you should try it again, because every place has an off day where they didn't get to vacuum or mop or something; you may have a better experience next time. Our dollar store (Dollar Tree) is clean, open, and airy, and I see people from all walks of life there. Some things I would definitely reccommend are the gift bags and greeting cards. They have some nice greeting cards, birthday invitations, etc... that are two for a dollar! I teach, and I have gotten motivational stickers there, coloring books, markers, poster board, and things for goodie bags, and I am proud to say that I have saved a TON of money by going there! PEOPLE, DO NOT FEEL ASHAMED; THE DOLLAR STORE IF JUST FINE! And I know that not everyone will agree with me, then just DON'T GO IN, and sit in your car and grab a calculator and start adding up the extra money you will spend just to avoid the "walk of shame!" Personally, I would fine shame in THAT!
Preggo tests
My sister is a pharmaceutical researcher and I just called to ask her what the best pregnancy test on the market was. She laughed when she said that the Dollar Tree store brand pregnancy test is the most sensitive test behind what you would find in a hospital or doctor's office. I am a married, educated woman who feels really blessed with where she is in life and I have no issues with shopping at the dollar tree. I believe that the author of this article needs to get their head out of the clouds and come back down to the real world. Snobbery gets you NOWHERE.
DOLLAR STORE PG TESTS
Okay, here's my gripe with this article... How much do you think it costs to make a pregnancy test? If you've ever seen or used one, you'd know that no matter which brand you use, they all look the same and basically work the same... which means they probably cost about the same. SO, do I want to pay $7-18 dollars for a test that cost a few pennies to make... or do I want to pay $1 for a test that cost a few pennies to make? Hm. I know that's a tough one.
I am one of those people who actually stocks up on dollar tree tests and I LOVE that they are right next to the check out counter. Much more convenient! As someone who practices natural family planning, I'm always curious to know before my period comes around whether or not I'm pregnant. I've taken hundreds of these tests. I've never had a false result, including the five times I've been pregnant. So go pee on THOSE apples.
Pregnancy Test.
There should be no shame in shopping at Dollar Tree. I have never been to a dirty or shameful Dollar Tree. I don't know where you're living. I just happened to come across this through Google. I had gotten pregnant and lost my baby, soon after my mom tried convincing me I was pregnant again. I had no idea at the time that it was even possible for me to be pregnant. So I went to Dollar Tree to buy a pregnancy test to prove her wrong and ended up proving myself wrong. It was positive and now I'm a mother. And actually, I know a lot of girls who have used a pregnancy test from Dollar Tree and it is very reliable. I think you are just looking for something to write about and this is the only thing you could come up with. This article is stupid and pathetic. It's sad that something like this is even being written. You have no writer potential.