For much of what is sold at the dollar stores (now 1.25+ in my area), you get what you pay for. It might look the same, but in many cases it ain't the same. Another thing stocked at dollar stores are liquated products that failed at retail, they were bought up on the cheap. In any case, it is a bunch of inferior stuff. Sure, much of it useable, but not necessarily durable or long lasting. You get what you pay for at those stores. The quality isn't there for much of the product. Corners are cut wherever possible. The other trick is portion size. Many products and consumables are only cheaper there because you get MUCH less of it in the package.