Are there times when it doesn’t pay to buy generic products? Of course there are. Use this handy guide to help you make the best savings decisions about when to buy generic groceries and when to stick with the name brands.
When you can combine deals
If you can combine two or more deals, you are usually better off buying name brand products. Use a manufacturer’s coupons plus a store coupon, or combine a manufacture’s coupon with a sale. You can also use a coupon, store coupon or manufacturer’s coupon with clearance items. Often when you combine two or three deals, you will get the item for free, or even get overage, which is when the store pays you to buy the groceries!
When you are buying toilet paper
With the exception of the Walmart generic brand, you will probably lose money by buying generic toilet paper. This is because most generic toilet paper brands contain fewer fibers. Fewer fibers in your toilet paper means that it won’t absorb as much, and you will wind up using more. For the best savings, look for sales and coupons, and don’t be brand loyal, just loyal to name brands.
When you need paper products
In general, most generic paper and plastic products just can’t compare to the name brands. So in addition to toilet paper, skip the generic trash bags, paper plates, etc. You’ll just wind up having to double or triple the bags and plates to make up for the flimsiness of the product.
When the unit pricing doesn’t add up
Take advantage of those unit pricing stickers on the shelves. They can often clue you in to the best bargain. I have seen lesser known name brands sell for less than their generic counterparts, such as local dairy products, bread and other basic staple foods. A bulk package of a generic product may be cheaper than the name brand that does not offer bulk packaging.
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