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2.0 DOES THE GIANT ECONOMY SIZE SAVE MONEY? - COMPARISON PRICING

Buying the larger size is always cheaper, right? It costs the producer less to package and handle, right? Plus he's getting a bigger chunk of your money at one time.

We have always assumed that bigger was a better buy, which it often is. Advertisers have encouraged us with phrases like "Value Pack" and "Giant Economy Size." However, once the public gets used to an idea and develops a shopping habit, merchandisers try to take advantage.

Consider the following examples:
Tuna:
    6 oz.=   $.65  or .11 per oz.
    9 oz.=  $1.48  or .16 per oz.
   12 oz.=  $2.09  or .17 per oz.

Tampons:
   38 tampons = $3.48 or .09 each
   48 tampons = $5.99 or .12 each
NOTE:  The  48  tampon  package   was
labeled a "Value Pack"

Tissues:
 175 sheets =  $.89 or .005 per sheet
 250 sheets = $1.69 or .007 per sheet
Note: The 250 sheet package was labeled a "family" box.

In short, never, never buy the larger size without doing the math. Manufacturers often try to fool us with odd numbers, numbers which are hard to compare without a calculator (which most people won't bother to use). Also bear in mind that while (in some states) posting the unit price may be required for food at supermarkets, it is usually not posted for products like dish soap and paper products.

When you buy the "giant economy size," you are in effect stock piling. I think your money would be better spent when various products go on sale at a deep discount. "Giant" sizes may only offer a 10% discount. But you can often find everyday products at 30%-70% off. Use your hard earned money instead to stock up at these much better discount prices.

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Free Budget Calculators
Loans, Insurance, Cash Flow, Irregular Payments
Generic Vs. Name Brand Products
Brown Bagging Lunch