It wasn't so long ago that there were certain things you could count on when shopping or eating out:
Buying a bigger bag or larger amount of something was cheaper than buying a smaller one.
Purchasing a combination deal -- say a sandwich, drink and chips -- was cheaper than buying the three items separately
Things like that.
Well, lately I have been noticing something:
I needed 24 oz of chocolate chips. It was $1 cheaper to buy two 12 oz packages than a 24 oz package.
I went to a coffee shop and discovered that it would be cheaper to buy my sandwich and tea separately than to purchase Combo #5, which included the same items.
At one gas station, instead of lining up the selection buttons from left to right in order of price, they put the button for the cheapest grade in the middle.
Today, I found toilet paper rolls 2 for $1. However, the packages of four were 2 for $5 -- so eight rolls for $5 instead of four. Packs of 12 were $7 and packs of 20 were $12, all for the same type of roll. I bought the individual ones, though some people might think the convenience of the package worth the extra money. Which is fine if they know they are paying it.
Have some people been tricked? Is that the stores' intention?
I have no idea. I just thought I'd mention it so you could be on the lookout.
Anything similar in your area?
Buying a bigger bag or larger amount of something was cheaper than buying a smaller one.
Purchasing a combination deal -- say a sandwich, drink and chips -- was cheaper than buying the three items separately
Things like that.
Well, lately I have been noticing something:
I needed 24 oz of chocolate chips. It was $1 cheaper to buy two 12 oz packages than a 24 oz package.
I went to a coffee shop and discovered that it would be cheaper to buy my sandwich and tea separately than to purchase Combo #5, which included the same items.
At one gas station, instead of lining up the selection buttons from left to right in order of price, they put the button for the cheapest grade in the middle.
Today, I found toilet paper rolls 2 for $1. However, the packages of four were 2 for $5 -- so eight rolls for $5 instead of four. Packs of 12 were $7 and packs of 20 were $12, all for the same type of roll. I bought the individual ones, though some people might think the convenience of the package worth the extra money. Which is fine if they know they are paying it.
Have some people been tricked? Is that the stores' intention?
I have no idea. I just thought I'd mention it so you could be on the lookout.
Anything similar in your area?
Something I noticed a while ago is that while prices remained the same, volume decreased. A few years ago, yogurt containers went from 8 oz. to 6 oz. (and now in some cases 5.5 oz.) but the price remained the same. I don't think it's the stores; it's the manufacturers. Now the gas station thing ... haven't seen that one yet. And yes, lately I've noticed that you have to really look at price per volume to understand the cost of products.
ReplyDeleteOh, yes. The smaller package/same price is something I noticed awhile ago, too. Thanks!
DeleteYup, noticed the same thing. At the gas pump I noticed instead of going left to right, the prices when right to left. Really do have to look these days! As for the smaller packaging, that started many years ago with coffee. Caveat Emptor (spelling?) anyway, buyer beware!
ReplyDeleteAgreed!
Delete