Heads Up, OCC Shoppers: Double-Check Prices at Dollar General
If you shop at Dollar General to fill OCC shoeboxes, you’re not alone. A lot of OCC families and church groups rely on DG for affordable toys, school supplies, socks, and hygiene items.
But here’s something worth knowing before your next trip: the price on the shelf isn’t always the price at the register.
What’s Going On?
Over the past couple of years, multiple states and consumer watchdogs have found that some Dollar General stores regularly ring items up higher than the shelf price. In some cases, the difference is small — a few cents or a dollar. In others, it’s several dollars per item.
Dollar General has even paid fines and settlements after audits showed customers were being overcharged several millions of dollars nationwide. There are multiple class action lawsuits pending against DG for deceptive pricing practices.
That doesn’t mean every store or every trip is a problem — but it does mean it’s smart to pay attention and double check the prices on everything.
Why OCC Shoppers Should Care
When you’re shopping for OCC, you’re usually:
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Buying multiple items at once
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Working within a tight budget
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Trying to stretch every dollar to help more kids
Even small overcharges add up fast. A few extra dollars accidentally spent at checkout could mean one less item in a shoebox — or one less box altogether.
Easy Ways to Protect Your Budget
You don’t need to stop shopping at Dollar General. Just shop a little smarter:
👀 Watch prices as you shop
Take a second to notice shelf prices, especially in clearance aisles or seasonal sections.
🧾 Watch the screen at checkout
Glance at the register as items scan. If something looks off, say something right away.
✋ Speak up — politely
You can simply say:
“I think this item was marked lower on the shelf — could you check it?”
Sometimes the cashier will fix it. Other times, they may not. Be prepared to say "never mind, I don't want it anymore."
📄 Check your receipt before leaving
It’s much easier to correct mistakes while you’re still in the store.
📸 If needed, take a photo
A quick photo of the shelf tag plus your receipt can help if there’s a dispute.
A Quick Reminder
Dollar General still has plenty of real bargains — that’s why so many OCC shoppers use it. This isn’t about blaming workers or avoiding the store altogether. It’s just about being aware.
When you double-check prices, you make sure your generosity goes where you intend it to go — into the hands of kids who need it most.
💙 Shop smart. Give generously. Pack more joy into every shoebox.