Finding suppliers with prices that are low enough that you can actually make a profit selling items for a dollar isn’t the easiest thing in the world… until now! We've already done the research for you, looking at the most promising suppliers in some of the most popular niches.
As a bonus, at the end of this post, you’ll find a few extra tips to get the most out of your dollar store.
Let’s start with some of the bestsellers you should always keep in stock.
The following six categories are the kind of products you’ll want to always have in stock. They will make up the core of your product offerings because people often come to dollar stores strictly for these items. Many of them are consumable, which will keep customers coming back for more when they need replacing.
A lot of people treat their pets like family. I know this from personal experience, too: My girlfriend always has to buy our cat something every time we visit a dollar store!
Health and beauty are universal human desires, and as such people are willing to spend money to acquire them. Again, consumable products (especially those people use daily) should be at the core of your product offerings.
No dollar store would be complete without cleaning products. People will come back for these again and again.
People who play sports often tire of spending big money on equipment that’s frequently lost, such as tennis balls, birdies, lighters, small camping gear and tackle box items. As such, it’s easier (and more affordable) to simply buy them from the dollar store.
These items are just essentials people need all the time.
Have you ever seen (or been) a parent in a dollar store? Then you know this scene all too well: a child passes the toy section and immediately starts asking (or perhaps begging) for a toy. When the toys are only a dollar, it’s hard to say no!
Beyond the perennial bestsellers, here are all the other categories I’ve found:
While the types of clothing you can sell are fairly limited because of price, there is no shortage of small accessory items or suppliers you can buy from.
See the extra tips section at the end for when to sell these kinds of items at a loss!
Arts & crafts are a staple at any dollar store. You’ll likely find that the kid’s coloring books and supplies sell well to parents.
Similar to apparel, the variety of automotive products is limited by the low price. However, almost every supplier has the same few items that can be purchased for under $1.
Baby items are another staple at the dollar store. You can get them at almost any supplier because they are so popular. Here are a few of the best I’ve seen:
No store is complete without some books. Even if they are just puzzle and coloring books.
People love to make their homes smell good, and a $1 candle is a great way to do that. Here are some affordable candles and scents:
Of course, no dollar store is complete without the candy and snack aisle! Due to the consumable nature of these products and their long shelf life, these are sure to be a hot seller.
Almost everyone has a cellphone these days. Ear buds and chargers are likely to do very well, if for no other reason than they only cost $1.
There are a lot more products in this section than you might think. It’s amazing what you can find for under $1.
Electronics are another great seller because they are so expensive in other stores. While not quite a best-selling category, they are a good supplement to have on the counter.
These products should be part of your core lineup that you never run without, similar to candy, because they’re consumable and long-lasting.
This section is for items that don’t really fit anywhere else, but are still good to have in your store.
Dollar-store home improvement items are great as an affordable way to make a home look better. You’ll likely find plenty of customers seeking these items.
Don’t forget to purchase holiday items far in advance of the actual holiday if you have the storage to do so. These things sell out very fast (and you can always keep the extras for next year’s holiday).
While not bestsellers, these products will likely be one of your more popular sales categories, especially the photo frames.
These make for great end-piece fillers.
Consumable items and cleaners are great as a core set of products you never want to run out of, so always keep your laundry section stocked.
Lawn and garden products shouldn't be a huge priority but will still make a good addition to your wares.
Related: Check out our article on how to dropship garden supplies here!
What’s great about selling licensed goods is you can capitalize on trends, like new movies or games that just came out. Additionally, you’ll want to watch for your state’s favorite football teams and keep those branded items stocked.
Lots of people go to dollar stores just for party supplies. Don't miss out on this trend!
These items are seasonal, so be sure not to overstock them unless you have the storage space available.
Here are a few extra tips to help you get the most of your dollar store:
Congratulations if you’re opening a dollar store! I hope this comprehensive list of suppliers and tips has helped you pinpoint your ideal products and vendors.
Running a dollar store can have slim margins, but if done with care and proper budgeting, it can make you plenty of money. Be sure to continually invest in your business and you’ll do just fine.
Comments (1)
William Miller on 13:38 1 May
Hey, I am a retailer of party supplies. I agree with your suggestion about shopping from Dollar Store, I saved money by using party supplies from a dollar store. Dollar store provides the best deals at a reasonable cost.Rhea Bontol on 0:23 14 May
Indeed! We have great dollar store suppliers in our Directory. For those who haven't, you need to join first before you can see our list. Enjoy!