Why It’s Not Always Better To Buy Generic
Recently there was an article on Yahoo Finance titled 7 Things You Should Always Buy Generic. The author even posted a video showing why buying generic is a better deal then buying name brand items. Now, at one point, before my “couponing on steriods” days, I probably would have thought he made some good points. But, now I know better. Not that buying brands is sometimes the way to go. But, don’t go in with blinders on and not look at your other options.
I’m going to take each comparison he made and tell you why buying generic is, in fact, not always the cheapest way. So, here is my list vs. his list. My price difference is only off the generic brand:
1. Pain relievers and other over-the-counter medications
His list:
Name-Brand Acetaminophen: $10.99
Store-Brand Acetaminophen: $6.99
Difference: $4.00 (57 percent)
My List:
Store-Brand Acetaminophen: $6.99
Excedrin $0.99 after coupon & ECB at CVS
Difference: $6.00 (85%)
2. Water
His List:
Name-Brand Water: $1.25
Store-Brand Water: $.85
Difference: $.40 (48 percent)
My List:
Store-Brand Water: $.85
Poland Spring: $0.50 for an 8 pack after coupon & catalina
or 15 Poland Spring Sparkling Water Free
Difference: as much as $0.85 (100% percent)
3. Milk
His List:
Name-Brand Milk: $5.45
Store-Brand Milk: $3.39
Difference: $2.06 (60 percent)
My list:
Store-Brand Milk: $3.39
Smart Balance Milk: 4 quarts Free + $1.00 Moneymaker after coupon & catalina
Difference: $4.49 (129%)
4. Margarine
His List:
Name-Brand Margarine: $1.79
Store-Brand Margarine: $1.19
Difference: $.60 (50%)
My List:
Store-Brand Margarine: $1.19
Land o Lakes Buttery spread: FREE after coupon
Difference: $1.19 (100%)
5. Bleach
His List:
Name-Brand Bleach: $2.25
Store-Brand Bleach: $1.67
Difference: $.58 (35 percent)
My List:
Store-Brand Bleach: $1.67
Clorox Bleach $0.65 each after catalina
Difference: $1.02 (60%)
6. Cleaning Products
His List:
Name-Brand Cleaner with Bleach: $3.29
Store-Brand Cleaner with Bleach: $2.39
Difference: $.90 (38 percent)
My List:
Store-Brand Cleaner with Bleach: $2.39
Lysol Products: Free after coupon & catalina
Difference: $2.39 (100%)
7. Spices
His List:
Name-Brand Oregano: $5.48/oz.
Store-Brand Oregano: $1.24/oz.
Difference: $4.24 (342 percent)
My List:
Store-Brand Oregano: $1.24/oz.
McCormick Oregano $0.85/oz after coupon
Difference: $0.39 (30%)
As you can see, most of my comparisons are from recent deals. If you buy enough at the time of the sale and place them in your stockpile, you will not need to buy them again until they hit these rock bottom prices. So, unless you need something quickly and don’t have a coupon or a deal, it’s best to buy name brand at the lowest price, use a coupon and incorporate any other deal with it such as a catalina, ECB at CVS, etc. Unless of course your store has a coupon for a generic product and it’s a good deal. But, for the most part, you get the best deals from name brands! Not from buying generics!
If you are new to using coupons you might want to check out the beginner’s section here.
