I happened upon this MSNBC article yesterday and found it rang true to my own observations while shopping at the grocery store. Manufacturers, afraid of raising prices for products, are instead employing a sneaky practice of what is called "short sizing." Short sizing means that manufacturers choose to actually decrease package size rather than raise the price of an item. Consumers actually get less for the same price, which is a sneaky way to raise prices because you are paying the same price for less.
A thread on Refundsweepers shows that I am not alone in noticing this new packaging practice. Forum members there have noticed decreased package sizes in everything from ice cream, cereal, to Hamburger Helper!
Here's some tips to help you be a more savvy shopper in light of short sizing.
1. Look for larger packages nearby. Sometimes stores will be in the middle of phasing the larger package out, but it will still be the same as the smaller package in price.
2. Seek out generics on name brands whenever possible. Many generics cost less and have comparable taste.
3. Browse the clearance, as some stores will clearance out the old in favor of the new. For many items, expiration dates are more of a suggestion. Of course, I wouldn't do this for milk products, but cereal a month out of date should be fine to consume.
4. Keep an eye on unit prices. Smaller packages don't necessarily mean cheaper and buying a larger package may mean greater savings.
5. Coupons, coupons, coupons. Seek those coupons out in the store and in the paper. Most coupons printed go unredeemed. Turn the tables on manufactuers and redeem those coupons!
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