Walmart Gouging on "Economy" Sized Products

I really don't think there is any dishonesty here. The prices are
there for everyone to see, including those who don't know how to add
or subtract. Good for you for recognizing that you could save a few
bucks buying the smaller sizes items but really there is nothing more
to read into.

Walmart not matter what anyone thinks is in this business to make a
profit (huge as it is already).

Like you I am a smart shopper and do not take anything for granted
just because its in a "double" pack. I too check prices and make sure
I am getting the most I can for my money.
However, sad to say there are many people out there who will never
look at a price because they need that item or they just do not care
what it costs and just toss it in the cart.

Its not illegal to make a profit and whether its Walmart or any other
store they do appreciate those customers who never check the prices or
compare.

Robert, you must understand that a significant portion of Wal-Mart
customers do not think your way, and will simply buy the bigger one
thinking its a better deal. Its a sign of the times. The product size
is clearly advertised along with the price, so if someone desires,
they can do the math. Additionally, unfortunately, another major
portion of the clientele would not be able to do your calculations.

So they are taking advantage of these types of customers. You beat
this system, good for you. But it is not dishonest profit. It is only
dishonest if they misrepresent the volume of the contents.

If you look closely at the price stickers on the shelf at Wal-Mart,
you'll notice a yellow cornor on the upper left with the price per
unit. It is very simple to compare those and buy the better bargain.
They did the math and provide you with the info, it is up to you to
use it!

Before anyone says it: I read the price tages, have double checked
random labels, and found the math to be accurate, and can buy
accordingly.

I don't ever recall being told that the economy size products always
offer the best deal. It's always been that the economy size COULD
offer a better deal.

The consumer needs to pay attention to the unit pricing and take care
of themselves. That's why unit pricing was put in place...to enable
you to do that. If it's not displayed, use a calculator.

WalMart isn't ripping people off, at least on in this case. This is
marketing as it has long been done.

No business is going to hold your hand and make sure you get the best
deal by always packaging the best deal a certain way. You need to
take care of yourself and pay attention when you shop.

Im your next door neighbor in Lombard. If you really want to help the
local economy, don't shop at Wal-Mart!! There are a number of smaller
businesses in the area where you could buy these items that would
appreciate your business very much. The more business you throw
Wal-Mart's way, the more you are hurting Glen Ellyn businesses. Food
for thought.

I think this might be a good thing. As more and more people are
affected by the economy and living paycheck to paycheck, this gives
them the option to buy the smaller size at a cheaper price and maybe
have a little money left over.

You have to do your own unit pricing. 10+ years ago, I was shopping
at Sam's Club and things like ketchup and tuna were more expensive in
bulk than they were at the grocery store. Not every "economy" size
product is worth buying.

This has been going on at stores for decades. As always, it is buyer
beware. This is the power of the unit price tags for those unwilling
to do the math in their heads, which I used to do in the dark ages
before unit pricing.

WalMart could care less about the environment, and frankly I doubt
most stores would consider pricing larger items lower per unit
volume/weight based on environmental impact. Stores are in business
to make money, and playing games with different sized product and
prices is one way they do that. Larger is not always cheaper.

For the longest time, retailers priced the larger version of products
less on a per ounce basis than the smaller versions. It used to be
that the small version was a "bad buy" and getting the large version
saved you some money AND it was a good thing for the retailer because
they managed to pry some extra cash from your wallet without having to
spend much more in extra packaging costs. Even with a built in
discount, the profit margin usually was better on a larger item simply
because the packaging costs were less.

Lately, that trend has been shifting, for unknown reasons.

I've seen this at other retailers as well. I always check the "price
per unit" pricing before I decide to buy the bigger item.

All the tags have the price per ounce, or pricer per each. They
provide you with this information and you make the purchase or not. I
would never assume a larger size is the better deal.

Right now at my grocery store, I can by two six pack Coors bottles
(regular price) for less that a 12 pack. (woot!)

It happens everywhere. Not just Wal-mart.

No one is ripping you off or forcing you to be gouged.

People need to take more responsibility for what they are putting in
their own carts. If they are so concerned about saving money, they
need to pay attention more.

Robert M.,

At first I was beginning to see your point on an ounce to ounce
comparison basis.

However, where in your research do you give them, in this case,
WalMart, an opportunity to cover their packaging and shipping costs on
the larger packaged goods?

BillR.