How to Score Dollar General Penny Items Like a Pro
Want to know how everyone’s scoring those Dollar General penny items?
You’ve probably heard whispers about people finding brand-name items for just a penny at Dollar General. Sounds fake, right? But it’s 100% real—and surprisingly easy once you know the rules. Below is your no-fuss tutorial on how to find Dollar General penny items, save a ton, and maybe even have some fun doing it.
NOTE: Once something is marked a penny, it’ll stay that way—but occasionally resets do happen, so always double-check using the app.
What Is Penny Shopping at Dollar General?
Basically, when DG clears out seasonal items or discontinued stuff, it goes through markdown phases—25%, 50%, 70% off – and then eventually becomes a penny item. These items are meant to be pulled from the shelves by staff. But if they miss something, it’ll ring up for $0.01 at the register.
That’s where you come in.
Penny shoppers keep an eye on these markdown cycles and pounce when the items are accidentally left on the floor. It’s like a scavenger hunt – with a serious adrenaline rush when you score!
Penny Shopping Rules You Gotta Follow
These aren’t just suggestions – they’re the unofficial commandments of penny shopping. Break them, and you risk ruining the whole game for everyone.
🚫 Rule #1: Don’t Talk About Penny Items (Seriously)
Do not ask store employees about penny items. If you do, they’ll just remove them. They’re supposed to pull them anyway, so asking for help is like snitching on yourself.
🔍 Rule #2: Don’t Ask Employees to Price Check
Want to know if something’s a penny? Use the Dollar General app. Asking a cashier will just get the item pulled or denied.
- Open the DG app
- Tap “Lists”
- Click the barcode scanner in the top right
- Scan your item
Easy. If it doesn’t ring up right, just quietly put it back. No big deal.
☎️ Rule #3: Don’t Call Corporate
This isn’t the hill to die on. DG doesn’t have to sell you penny items, and if you complain, it’ll just make them tighten up on the deals. Play it cool and don’t blow up the spot.
🧹 Rule #4: Don’t Trash the Store
Clean up after yourself. Don’t leave piles in the aisle or knock stuff over. Let’s not make it harder for future penny hunters.
😎 Rule #5: Be Cool, Have Fun
This is supposed to be fun. Be kind to employees and fellow shoppers. It's not Black Friday—there's no need to wrestle over expired Easter candy.
How to Actually Find Penny Items
Now for the good stuff. Here’s how to find penny items without wandering the store for hours or annoying anyone.
1. Download the Dollar General App
You’ll need this to scan items as you go. The price will show up right in the app.
2. Check the Weekly Penny Lists
Find these in penny shopping Facebook groups, Reddit, or TikTok. People post UPCs, photos, and the locations where they found them.
Just know that not all stores are the same. Some items might’ve already been pulled at one store but not another.
3. Learn the Markings
Look for tags with dots or stars – especially older ones with season codes like F21, S22, etc. These are often the ones that hit the penny stage.
4. Put Everything in Your Basket Before Checkout
According to DG policy, you can only buy what’s in your cart at the time of the scan. So if something rings up for a penny, don’t try to run back for more – it’ll be too late. That’s why some people clear shelves. (We get it, but be mindful.)
5. If It Rings Wrong, Just Say “Nah”
If something doesn’t ring up how you thought, just say:
“Oh, you know what? I’m not going to need that after all. Thanks!”
No drama. No confrontation.
6. Keep a Screenshot of the Penny Policy
Sometimes staff gets confused or weird about it. Having the policy handy can help, but again – be nice.
Final Thoughts
We hope this guide made Dollar General penny shopping feel a little less intimidating and a lot more fun. Think of it as a treasure hunt with wild savings, but remember – if you’re respectful and low-key, you’ll get way further in the long run.
Want more penny shopping tips? Come hang with us in our Hot Deals Facebook Group for weekly updates, screenshots, and hauls.
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