Dollar General vs Dollar Tree: Penny Shopping Comparison
Both Dollar General and Dollar Tree offer penny shopping opportunities, but they work differently. This comparison breaks down which store delivers better penny deals, more consistent inventory, and higher profit margins for resellers.
Feature
Dollar General
Dollar Tree
Penny Program
Formal weekly drops
Informal clearance markdowns
Schedule Consistency
Highly predictable
Less predictable
Average Penny Items per Cycle
20-50 items
10-30 items
Store Count (US)
19,000+
16,000+
Best Categories
Electronics, Health, Toys
Crafts, Party, Seasonal
Avg Item Resale Value
$8-$15
$5-$10
Competition Level
High
Medium
Scanning Method
DG App / barcode scanner
Barcode scanner
Manager Resistance
Varies by location
Generally lower
Seasonal Opportunities
Excellent
Good
The Verdict
Dollar General is the better choice for most penny shoppers due to its more predictable schedule, higher-value items, and larger store footprint. However, Dollar Tree is worth adding to your rotation because competition is lower and craft/party supplies can be highly profitable. The best strategy is to shop both — Penny Flip covers both stores in a single subscription.
See real profit data before you buy. Penny Flip shows estimated margins on every penny item.
Sign Up FreeFrequently Asked Questions
Which store has more penny items?
Dollar General typically has more penny items per cycle (20-50 vs 10-30). Dollar General also has a more structured markdown system that produces penny items on a predictable weekly schedule.
Can I shop both stores on the same day?
Absolutely. Many experienced penny shoppers plan routes that hit multiple Dollar General and Dollar Tree locations in a single trip. This maximizes your finds per hour of driving.