Smaller size, same price
The sharp-eyed Frugal Dad blogger noticed that some companies are changing product sizes without lowering prices. It's one way to survive the tough economy, I suppose.
"In some cases, the price has even gone up while the quantities have gone down," he writes. "This has been going on for some time, but the latest reductions in product size has been more drastic, and come at a time when consumers are already feeling the pinch of rising food and gas prices."
Frugal Dad claims Starkist Tuna, El Paso Seasoning Mixes, and Folgers Coffee are guilty of this practice.
So what can you do about it? When you are at the grocery store be aware sizes may be different, check unit prices and do the math. Bulk is usually cheaper but not always. It helps if you shop with a pen or pencil.
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About The Bargain Hunter
Daily News staff writer Julia Scott loves to find bargains on everything from groceries to Gucci. Her tips will help keep your hard earned cash where it belongs - in your pocket.
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The Consumerist web site has been all over this bad, anti-consumer trend of the ever shrinking size of your product package, which they refer to as "shrink-ray".
Just the other day, I was shopping at Wal-Mart and noticed the 5 pack of Wrigley's chewing gum had "shrunk" from 5 packages to 4 packages, for a new lower price of .88c, from what was .99c. So, I save .11c for one less package which is a price increase!
The package boldly told me that each pack of gum "still" contains 5 sticks. Remember when they were 10, then 7 sticks? I do.
Here's a link to the consumerist.com web site that provides a great round-up on the products tracked that have shrunk:
http://consumerist.com/tag/grocery-shrink-ray/
Even 99c Only Stores is caught-up in the shrink-ray game. Many items that previously could be had at 2 for .99c are now .59c each, or those 3 for .99c are now 2 for .99c.
What is even harder to swallow is that 99c Only Stores has publicly stated in their last conference call they are seriously contemplating the introduction of price points over .99c, such as $1.09 and $1.19.
Of course if 99c Only Stores goes over .99c for a single item, they will have to drop "only" from their name!
So sad!
SO_CAL_RETAIL_SLUT
Breyers Ice Cream is also guilty. Their container went from 1.75 to 1.5.