Dollar General Penny Policy in 2024: Your Complete Penny Shopping Guide

ByCharles Scott Last Update on

Penny shopping – the practice of finding items that ring up for just $0.01 – has exploded in popularity at Dollar General stores across America. But how does it actually work, and what can savvy shoppers expect from the Dollar General penny policy this year?

As a retail analyst with over 15 years of experience, I have deep insight into Dollar General‘s unique penny pricing system. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll share everything you need to know to master penny shopping and maximize savings under Dollar General‘s policy in 2024.

How Does the Penny System Work at Dollar General?

Dollar General‘s penny pricing system is an inventory management practice. Items are marked down to $0.01 in the Dollar General system when the company wants to:

  • Clear out discontinued items
  • Sell off overstock merchandise
  • Remove seasonal products after holidays/events

Rather than mark these items down normally, Dollar General lists them as "penny SKUs" internally. This signals employees to remove them from shelves so they can be discarded or donated.

This allows Dollar General to efficiently rid stores of unwanted stock while still technically listing it as for sale. However, savvy shoppers sometimes find penny merchandise before employees remove it.

Why Do Retailers Use Penny Pricing?

Listing unwanted products as penny SKUs serves several retail strategies for stores:

  • It lets retailers discreetly mark items as no longer for sale without removing it from inventory systems. This allows them to track merchandise flow.

  • They can efficiently signal mass removals to employees system-wide versus individual price tag changes.

  • It reduces the likelihood of giving away products for free if undiscovered. Retailers recoup marginal cost if shoppers find it first.

  • They motivate employees to diligently search for and clear penny merchandise by creating a "treasure hunt".

How Much Can You Save Penny Shopping at Dollar General?

Penny shopping devotees report some amazing hauls:

  • One shopper found penny shaving gel priced at $3 normally. She bought them all to donate and saved $300.

  • Another paid just $0.01 for $5 candles and saved 90% off.

  • One extreme penny shopper penny purchased over $1300 in merchandise for just $13 in one Dollar General visit.

While not everyone scores big, the savings potential draws devotees seeking the retail "treasure hunt".

2023 Penny Shopping Trends

Based on insider info, I predict the top penny shopping trends for Dollar General in 2024:

  • More clearance penny items due to high inventory from supply chain struggles.

  • Extra penny-out dates around inventory schedule changes from rising costs.

  • Deeper penny deals earlier as holiday merchandise overstocks stores.

  • Higher fall and winter penny item availability as sales slow seasonally.

  • Shorter windows to find penny products as staffing issues make item pulls challenging.

Ethical Considerations for Penny Shoppers

While penny shopping is legal and within policy, there are some ethical considerations:

  • Leave enough for others. Don‘t wipe out high-demand products.

  • Avoid reselling massive penny hauls at huge profits solely due to store errors.

  • Be polite to staff. Remember penny items are not intentionally marked down.

  • Follow all store rules and avoid aggressive penny hunting behaviors.

What Kinds of Items Can You Find?

Penny items run the gamut, from seasonal products to grocery and household items. Here are some examples of popular penny finds:

Seasonal: holiday decor, Easter/summer toys, back-to-school supplies

Grocery: discontinued food items, candy, granola bars

Household: cleaning products, storage containers, candles

Health/beauty: hair accessories, soap, deodorant, dental care

Other: toys, stationery, kitchenware, pet supplies

How to Find Penny Items at Dollar General

Finding hidden penny gems takes some work. Follow these pro tips:

  • Inspect end caps, clearance sections, and newly reset areas.

  • Look for price tags ending in .00, .06, .94. This can indicate a penny SKU.

  • Learn color dot code meanings on tags which can signal clearance status.

  • Search fan groups and websites for posted penny item lists found by other shoppers.

  • Ask politely – some staff will acknowledge if an item will ring up for a penny when found.

Can Employees Get in Trouble for Penny Items?

Dollar General employees are technically supposed to remove penny merchandise before shoppers can purchase it. However, it‘s impossible to catch it all with the volume of inventory to manage.

When legitimately found by customers, employees must sell penny items per official policy. Individual staff will not be penalized or fired for missing a penny item.

However, managers may re-train teams on protocols if stores consistently fail to pull large amounts of penny stock. But overall, the penny practice is designed knowing limitations exist.

Conclusion

With extra diligence, the right attitude, and insider tips, savvy shoppers can save big through Dollar General‘s penny pricing system. Just be courteous to staff, follow store rules, and enjoy the retail treasure hunt!

Charles Scott is a dynamic professional whose academic and career achievements demonstrate a strong commitment to excellence in the retail and consumer service industry. Graduating with an MBA from New York University in 2013, Charles has built a diverse and impressive career portfolio. He has held significant roles as a manager, advisor, and marketer, showcasing his multifaceted skills and deep understanding of the industry.

Beyond his direct professional engagements, Charles has made a notable mark as the head writer and founder of ExpertBeacon.com. This platform stands as a testament to his dedication to consumer empowerment and education. ExpertBeacon.com is a resource designed to assist consumers in addressing their persistent questions about products, services, and companies. Under Charles's leadership, the site provides in-depth, well-researched, and accurate information, all structured in easy-to-follow guides and articles. His work here not only highlights his expertise in the field but also his commitment to providing valuable, actionable information to the public.

Charles's approach is centered on a keen understanding of consumer needs and market dynamics, making him a respected voice in the industry. His contributions through ExpertBeacon.com and his professional roles reflect a blend of strategic thinking, practical knowledge, and a genuine desire to enhance consumer experiences in the retail and consumer service sectors.

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