12 Bargains at Ollie’s That Aren’t Worth the Savings

Ollie’s promises “good stuff cheap,” but savvy shoppers know that not every aisle holds a treasure. Sure, you might find some incredible deals at America’s largest retailer of excess inventory and closeout merchandise, but there are also plenty of Ollie’s bad deals lurking on the shelves. Before you get swept up in the bargain-hunting frenzy, let’s expose some of those hidden duds so you can keep your hard-earned cash in your wallet. Again, DO NOT BUY.

1. Expired or Soon-to-Expire Food

Ollie’s closeout deals on pantry staples can be tempting, but always check expiration dates! Products nearing (or past) their “best by” dates often end up here. While still technically safe to eat, the quality and taste could be pretty unpleasant. Unless you plan to use the item immediately, you won’t get much shelf life out of the purchase. Worse, expired products could harbor bacteria that make you sick – saving a few bucks isn’t worth risking your health. Imagine biting into a “discounted” cookie, only to realize it tastes stale and off – not exactly the bargain you hoped for!

2. Damaged or Incomplete Products

The thrill of the hunt at can make us overlook obvious flaws and grab some of Ollie’s bad deals. Dented boxes, ripped packaging, or missing pieces should signal you to put that item back on the shelf. It’s rarely worth gambling on whether something is fully functional. Plus, messing with Ollie’s return policy can be a hassle, especially if the damage wasn’t apparent at purchase. Don’t get tricked into buying someone else’s problem; inspect items thoroughly before committing. Think of it like buying a used car – you wouldn’t hand over cash without checking under the hood and taking it for a test drive, right?

3. “As Seen on TV” Gadgets

Remember those viral kitchen gadgets or cleaning tools that promised to change your life? Ollie’s is where they often end up after their TV fame fades. These items are notorious for being cheaply made and rarely living up to the hype. Before falling for the novelty, consider if a tried-and-true kitchen tool could do the same job just as well. Check online reviews from users who’ve tried (and probably regretted) buying these gadgets – save your money for something that actually works. We’ve all been tempted by those infomercials, but remember, if it looks too good to be true, it probably is!

4. Off-Brand Tech and Electronics

Ollie’s low prices on electronics might seem enticing but beware of unfamiliar brands. Do your homework online, check Ollie’s reviews, and weigh the trade-offs before buying. Cheaply made electronics might break easily and lack the features or performance you need – turning that “deal” into wasted money. Imagine spending your hard-earned cash on a no-name tablet, only to discover it lags terribly or has a battery that dies after an hour. It’s worth spending a little extra for a reliable brand or doing research on lesser-known ones for peace of mind. Plus, dealing with a broken device you just bought is such a hassle and defeats the purpose of saving money in the first place.

5. Trendy Clothing and Accessories

Ollie’s can be a hit-or-miss for fashion finds.  Trendy items might be past their prime, or you might find the occasional designer piece mixed in. Sizing and quality can be inconsistent, making it tricky to find something that fits well and looks great. If you’re up for a treasure hunt, keep your expectations realistic when it comes to finding high-end style at rock-bottom prices. We all dream of snagging a designer handbag for pennies, but often those “deals” are on last season’s styles or items with slight imperfections. Remember, sometimes it’s better to invest in a few classic pieces that will last you years rather than a pile of trendy stuff that might fall apart quickly.

6. Books with Obvious Wear and Tear

Ollie’s book section can be a treasure trove for some but inspect your finds carefully. Water damage, torn pages, or broken spines render even the best book worthless. With plenty of used books available online, you might find better quality for a similar price by doing a bit of online shopping. Imagine the disappointment of getting home with a “bargain” book, only to find pages missing or that musty smell impossible to get rid of – definitely not a relaxing reading experience! Plus, who wants to display a damaged book on their shelf – wouldn’t you rather have a copy in good condition that you’re proud to own?

7. Seasonal Decor Way Past Its Prime

Ollie’s excels at stocking up on holiday leftovers throughout the year. But before you grab that half-price Santa statue in March, think carefully. Do you really want to store it for months? Will it still fit your decor style (or function properly) next year? Often, these items lose their charm once the season is long gone. Plus, imagine finding the perfect storage spot for that bulky item, only to realize it doesn’t match your Christmas aesthetic the following year – what a waste of space and money! And let’s be honest, who wants to be reminded of Christmas in the middle of summer?

8. Cheap Toys that Break Easily

Ollie’s toy aisle can be tempting when you need a last-minute gift or want to treat the kids, but those super-low prices should be a warning sign. Many of the toys are cheaply made and might not survive a single play session. Save yourself the disappointment and potential tantrums – those “bargains” often end up as wasted money and clutter. We all know the frustration of seeing a child’s face fall when their new toy breaks minutes after opening it – it’s best to invest in something slightly more expensive but built to last. Plus, think about the added waste from a broken toy ending up in a landfill.

9. Knock-Off Beauty and Personal Care Products

While you might find some name brands in the beauty section at Ollie’s, there are just as many imitation products. Be wary of unfamiliar brands or those with suspiciously low prices. Check for reviews online before experimenting, as quality can be unreliable. Your skin (and wallet) will thank you for doing some quick research! Trying to save a few bucks on makeup or skincare isn’t worth risking breakouts or allergic reactions – your health and well-being are worth more than a discount. Have you ever used a knock-off product that smelled weird or had a strange texture? Not worth risking.

10. Overpriced Basics

Not everything at Ollie’s is a steal. Some basic household items like toilet paper, cleaning supplies, or even socks might be cheaper at your regular grocery store or big-box retailer. Always compare prices before assuming Ollie’s has the best deal. There’s nothing worse than thinking you got a bargain, only to realize you could have spent less elsewhere – always do your price comparisons! Plus, wouldn’t you rather spend your hard-earned cash on something fun and exciting instead of boring household basics you could get cheaper down the street?

11. Limited Selection Furniture

Ollie’s sometimes carries furniture at enticing prices. However, the selection is often random and limited. If you’re searching for specific pieces or want to choose from a broader style range, you’ll be better off at stores specializing in furniture. A cheap price isn’t worth the hassle if the item ends up not fitting your space or style. Plus, wouldn’t you rather have a wider selection of furniture to choose from, ensuring the perfect fit for your home? Imagine buying a cheap sofa, only to discover it’s too big for your living room or the color clashes horribly with your existing décor.

12. Mystery Grab Bags

Those “mystery boxes” might seem like a fun gamble, but are they a genuine bargain or just part of Ollie’s bad deals? It’s hard to know exactly what you’re getting, and the value inside might be significantly less than the price tag. If you have nerves of steel and just love a surprise, go for it. Otherwise, stick to buying items you can see and assess the value of beforehand. Remember, those mystery boxes often contain unwanted items that ended up at Ollie’s in the first place – are you willing to risk getting stuck with stuff you don’t even need? Plus, the thrill of the unknown can only last so long before you might start regretting your purchase.

Don’t Get Swept Up in the Hype

Ollie’s can be a fantastic place to find amazing deals if you shop smart. It’s easy to get swept up in the thrill of the hunt, but taking a moment to research items and inspect them for quality can save you from disappointment. Don’t let Ollie’s bad deals discourage you – just be discerning. Check reviews online, be mindful of expiration dates, and avoid impulse buys. With a bit of research and a focused shopping list, you can walk away with true bargains! Remember, the best deals often come from comparing prices across stores and knowing what you truly need before stepping into Ollie’s.

Read More

10 OTC Medicines You Should Never Buy From Discount Stores

6 Tips For Finding the Best Deals on Cosmetic Procedures

-------------------------------------

By: Randell Suba
Title: 12 Bargains at Ollie’s That Aren’t Worth the Savings
Sourced From: www.dinksfinance.com/2024/05/12-bargains-at-ollies-that-arent-worth-the-savings/
Published Date: Thu, 09 May 2024 12:10:52 +0000

Read More