10 Things You Shouldn't Buy at the RM5 Store

The RM5 store welcomes trifty spenders with an immense number of great value items priced at RM5- check out on our list of items worth spending over here. While it may have gotten people loading up their basket with a chockful of items, they are unaware that not everything is worth buying (for various reasons!).

As an update to savemoney.my initial five item list; they have added another five so on par with savemoney.my "Things You Should Buy..." List! Ready? Dig in!

1. Cooking utensils (used over fire)

These plastic ladles appears like they'll snap in two at the slightest twist. Could you safely use these when cooking on high flame? While we aren't saying it is for sure a bad quality item, you're dealing with a two pronged risk here: the risk of having inferior plastic melt into your food and the danger of having the item crack over a fire. Unless you are looking at items for basic scooping and serving; it's probably best to spend a little more money to safeguard yourself. Even supermarket quality spatulas with a plastic ends have been known to melt on the side when left in a pan on the stove, what more a cheaper item?

2. Stationery

For the most part, an RM5 store gives off the impression that everything within it is a bargain but that isn't always true. Whether it comes in packs or singles, stationery doesn't necessarily cost RM5. You can get a pack of quality ball-point pens or a file folder from bookstores for much less. We dont mean to sound kiam siap but why pay more when you can pay less right?

3. Gift wrapping paper

With everything in its own section, you can definitely find what you need when you're on the run. Especially when you're on panicky last minute gift hunt, it's easy to make an entrance to Daiso and headover to the gift wrapping section. At first glance, the papers look pretty decent but before you make your way to the cashier- think about it, should a scroll of giftwrapping paper cost RM5? Go to your nearest bookstores, you can find them for a fraction of a price - some as low as RM1! Alternatively, you could check out our inexpensive gift-wrapping ideas for an even more frugal approach!

4. Sodas

No matter where you go, convenience stores and supermarkets are everywhere making quenching thirst on a hot day an easy quest. Normally, you can get a can of soft drink for RM2. Because of that, we just couldn't justify paying RM5 for a can or a bottle of soda even with the cute Hello Kitty labels. Unless you're craving flavoured sodas and that flew all the way over from Japan, we suggest trudging to your nearest 7-Eleven or Newsweek for an RM2 can of anything.

5. Make up

Your skin absorbs most any everything. Just like you sometimes eat your lipstick when it's on your lips- your skin eats whatevers on your face too. Some people assume that more expensive make-up is only that way because the companies are out to make a killing but that's not really true. Legitimate make-up producers are forced to abide by safety regulations and use only approved products, the same cannot always be said for items you buy for RM5 at a store such as this. If you're unlucky, your skin might suffer from breaking out or an allergic reaction but long-term use can cause far more serious skin damage. While we can't be sure that these cheaper items are truly toxic - it'd better to be safe than sorry. Stick to reputable make-up producers that are forced to abide by international safety standards. It will cost you more but you can have peace of mind knowing that the likelihood of poisoning your skin is pretty low.

6. Toilet paper rolls

Who can deny the importance of toilet paper? Our world goes upside down when we realise that there isnt a single ply of tissue left at home. In short, we just can't live without it. You can get toilet paper in any grocery mart and supermarket. A pack of 30 would cost around RM24.50 at supermarket. Usually it gets cheaper in higher quantities. Thus, a pack of four tissue rolls for RM5 is a tad overpriced.

7. Nail clipper

A nail clipper (a small one) can cost as low as RM1 at your regular grocery store and would cost a little more for the larger ones. There are variety of options available in the RM5 store from the usual metal plated ones to polka dotted fancy clippers. It's definitely more kawaii to have a bejewelled or colourful clipper - so if that is your thing, then by all means, go for it. However if you're in for practicality, RM5 is not worth paying for a nail cutter.

8. Tea candles, 15's

Having an aromatherapy oil burner at home is one of the cheapest ways to soothe your senses (if you don't buy organic oil - which can get pretty expensive!) while making the house smell divine. While trifty spenders will be very pleased with oil burner for only RM5 each, for 15 tea light candles isn't so pleasing. A pack of 100 tealight candles can be found for RM12.50 at Ikea. That is over 6X more in quantity for just an additional RM6.50.

9. Cutting board



As pretty as this lemon yellow is; we're sure we've seen sturdier and more durable cutting boards for RM5 or less elsewhere. Again, if you're into the designer colours then this is the board for you but if you just want something practical - why not get more value elsewhere? Ikea's version is RM4.90 and thicker.

10. Hair accesories



At a glance, hair accesories that comes in packs are definitely worth splurging. Before you take your pick, it's still important think of whether you can get cheaper alternatives. Hair accesories like scrunchies, bobby pins and elastic ties can be found at a fraction of the RM5 price at some acessories stores. ONE scrunchie for RM5?? Really?

With that said, RM5 stores are still great places to get bargain items especially on goods that shouldn't cost so much in the first place. However, some selective buying is required to truly reap the benefits of the RM5 store without the pitfalls.

source: savemoney.my