October 2008
What you can do
Compare unit prices
Manufacturers might not shrink every size they make.
Be flexible
Brand-loyal consumers will probably pay through the nose more often than shoppers who choose among several brands. Consider store brands; they’re usually far cheaper than the big names, and in our tests many have been at least as good. In response to downsizing, one-third of our survey respondents said they’d bought more store brands.
Stock up
Weekly sales at supermarkets feature deeply discounted “loss leaders.” Follow the flyers to see which staples go on sale at predictable intervals.
Buy in bulk
Warehouse clubs offer low prices on big sizes or multipacks.
Contact the manufacturer
When our reporter called anonymously to ask why a product had shrunk, he was offered coupons toward his next purchase.
Manufacturers might not shrink every size they make.
Be flexible
Brand-loyal consumers will probably pay through the nose more often than shoppers who choose among several brands. Consider store brands; they’re usually far cheaper than the big names, and in our tests many have been at least as good. In response to downsizing, one-third of our survey respondents said they’d bought more store brands.
Stock up
Weekly sales at supermarkets feature deeply discounted “loss leaders.” Follow the flyers to see which staples go on sale at predictable intervals.
Buy in bulk
Warehouse clubs offer low prices on big sizes or multipacks.
Contact the manufacturer
When our reporter called anonymously to ask why a product had shrunk, he was offered coupons toward his next purchase.
Posted: September 2008 — Consumer Reports Magazine issue: October 2008
