A former Dollar Tree employee points out the trick almost no one knows: it's hidden

Dollar Tree is one of the most popular discount store chains in the United States, known for offering products at extremely low prices. With its selection, which ranges from household items to snacks and beauty products, it's easy to understand why so many customers turn to the store for budget shopping. However, a former store employee has revealed that there are more savings opportunities than one might imagine, especially if you know where to look.

Thomas Villalpando, who worked at Dollar Tree, shared some secrets about how to make the most of every visit. According to him, while the main aisles have many attractive deals, there's one section in particular that might be going unnoticed by many shoppers. Villalpando explained that this area is one of the best for finding high-quality items at even lower prices.

The Hidden Trick: The Surplus Section

One of the most valuable tips Villalpando shared is that shoppers should pay special attention to the surplus section in the stores. These sections vary by location, but they're the products that Dollar Tree receives from other major retailers.

This surplus merchandise, which includes food and beauty items, comes from well-known brands and is sold at lower prices than in other stores. "Sometimes, the stores receive surplus from retailers like big box stores, which offer unbelievable deals," Villalpando said.

The former employee emphasized that the surplus can cost as little as $1.25, an excellent price for merchandise from well-known brands. However, these products tend to sell out quickly, so the recommendation is to buy them as soon as you find them. "It's definitely worth buying them, but you have to hurry, if someone else finds them, it's very likely they'll sell out quickly," he warned.

More Tips to Maximize Your Savings

In addition to exploring the surplus section, Villalpando suggested that shoppers join the rewards programs available at Dollar Tree. These programs can offer additional discounts or exclusive promotions, which help customers save even more. "Stay informed about Dollar Tree's rewards programs or loyalty initiatives, as they can offer additional discounts or exclusive deals," Villalpando noted.

Julie Ramhold, a consumer analyst, also recommended using cash-back apps like Ibotta and Checkout51. These apps allow shoppers to receive additional rebates, which is useful if you can't combine coupons with in-store discounts. "These apps provide a small extra rebate and, therefore, a small extra saving on an already affordable shopping trip," Ramhold explained.

With these tips, your next visit to Dollar Tree can become an even more economical and rewarding experience. Don't miss out on these savings opportunities.