Comments on: Why I Don’t Buy Generic

By: AB

AB — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 17:01:40 +0000

I only buy generic when I need the item immedietely, and the name brand is more expensive at that point in time. Usually for stuff that I do not use often as I won’t have a stockpile.

By: Bargain Babe» Worst credit cards and whining about being broke

Bargain Babe» Worst credit cards and whining about being broke — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 15:34:46 +0000

[...] at Saving Cents with Sense has a stalwart policy against buying generic. It may change your mind about my recent post on the value of generic food [...]

By: 10 Ways to Save on Groceries Without Coupons

10 Ways to Save on Groceries Without Coupons — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:02:30 +0000

[...] Compare name brand products with store brands. Usually, I tend to stay away from generic brands, however, without coupons, many times the store brands may be a cheaper price. Just make sure you [...]

By: Money Saving Tips from A to Z

Money Saving Tips from A to Z — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 16:09:33 +0000

[...] Quit Buying Generic. It won’t necessarily save you any money, and many times you end up paying more. [...]

By: dear hannaford. shut your damn face. « broke 207

dear hannaford. shut your damn face. « broke 207 — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 21:00:48 +0000

[...] you get ONE CRAPPY DOLLAR back to use on your next shopping trip. with a MAXIMUM OF $10. whatever. everyone knows that you can overall get better deals on name brand prodcuts than you can on generics anyway… [...]

By: Being Frugal Does Not Mean You’re Cheap

Being Frugal Does Not Mean You’re Cheap — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 22:25:51 +0000

[...] purchase many more name brand products than I used to. This is one of the main reason that I don’t buy generic any [...]

By: Melissa

Melissa — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 19:53:09 +0000

I agree. We use a lot of generic OTC medications; even with coupons and sales, the store brands are almost always less expensive. For foods, we buy either brand names or store brands, depending on the sale prices. Melissa’s last blog post..A Lovely Blog Award

By: Jen-After the Alter

Jen-After the Alter — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 19:23:49 +0000

I go back and forth. I am not HUGE on name brands but there are some items that I have tried generic on and they just aren't as good...IE Coffee Creamer, Listerine generic, shampoo generic. Those I have found to be less of a product. I am not huge with coupons, but I totally see your point that if you can save more by using coupons and buying the name brand then more power to ya! Jen-After the Alter’s last blog post..Works For Me Wednesday: Chore Chart

By: mom2fur

mom2fur — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:36:59 +0000

I think you basically have to know your prices, and what works for you. Cheaper isn't better if it's cr*p (I'm thinking cheap plastic wrap or foil--yuck), but sometimes you can't tell the difference. I'll always opt for a brand name with a coupon, because often the quality is better. Too bad you didn't run into that lady more recently--you sure could have taught her a thing or two! mom2fur’s last blog post..We should all get along like this!

By: mom2fur

mom2fur — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:36:49 +0000

By: Carrie

Carrie — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:16:35 +0000

there are some things i still buy generic/store brand like medications i need and don't have coupons for, milk, and flour Carrie’s last blog post..Oven Cleaning Before and After

By: zoe

zoe — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:18:51 +0000

Sadly in the UK coupons are just not a big thing and are usually not combinable with other offers! So the rule you don't like usually works, BUT not always! And I make sure to check, like you! zoe’s last blog post..Save Money on Hair Cuts

By: Melissa

Melissa — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 15:51:50 +0000

Thanks for all your thoughts everyone, and the great examples, Abby and Amanda! Skye, I think that it is fine to be a brand snob when you know your budget and what you can afford. Sounds like you have found the trick to using coupons to get your products and not compromise on what you want! This is getting me thinking about the new Frugal Series that I started last week. If you haven't checked it out yet, head over and let me know what you think.

By: Amanda

Amanda — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 13:53:00 +0000

The key is combining a coupon with a sale. Like right now at Kroger you can get Kraft cheese for .67 a pack, with a coupon/sale. This is significantly cheaper than the Kroger brand at 1.99. However, without the coupon or sale, the generic is cheaper. If you are buying from a set list and not stocking up with sales/coupons to maximize your savings. Generics probably is a cheaper option for you. Not everyone waits for a sale to combine the coupon, which is why for them generic would be cheaper. I love getting brand name products for cheap! Amanda’s last blog post..Dog Treat Deal

By: Skye

Skye — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 13:40:40 +0000

I am a name brand snob! lol
Always have been! But with 5 kids (2 my own, plus custody of my 3 nephews) I had to learn to buy cheaper! And that by NO means buying generic! It just means using coupons, and when something is at a rock bottom price, as long as it is storable, buying TONS!!

By: BusyMom

BusyMom — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 01:35:33 +0000

I agree. I used to buy some generic items, but not only are they not always the cheapest, they aren't always the best value. I have found that products can be of thinner consistency, causing the use of more product. I have found that I just get better performance from name brand products - especially true I have found with shampoo / conditioner. BusyMom’s last blog post..Tried It Tuesday - Sweet Muse S'mores Brownies

By: Lisette

Lisette — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 01:29:55 +0000

I'd agree that generics are not always cheaper. Although I do find that sometimes I can still buy the generics for less than the sale price of a brand name even with a coupon. Most generics are just as good as the name brands, in fact many of the generics and name brands are made in the same factory. They just put a different label on it. I shop at Aldi's to stock up on the basics, especially those things that seldom go on sale and I have a coupon for... like flour, sugar, instant oatmeal packets, bread, milk, etc. They mostly have generic products and they are really good. I don't buy generics for hba products because I can usually get the name brands for cheap or even free. Lisette’s last blog post..Trying to cut back

By: Abby

Abby — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 01:21:26 +0000

I am with you. You will find very little generic in my house as that is not is what is the cheapest with the coupons and sales being run! I love Life cereal. So last week when I saw it on sale for $1.49 plus I had coupon at Safeway. I bought 15 boxes. May sound crazy but that stuff doesn't spoil and since Life is normally almost $5 a box. Wow what a savings! Abby’s last blog post..Bob the Builder Teamwork

By: Susie

Susie — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 01:19:22 +0000

On some items I buy generic, but normally I like the quaility of some name brand and do not have to use as much as I do when I use generic. I prefer brand name toilet paper, ( because my husband only likes Scott and the king should be happy in that area) Usually in paper towels (Scott) but will sway if free or good deal. Now on dish detergent I want a name brand like Dawn or some type I can use less, the generic takes more and bubble leave sooner, usually they do not remove grease as well for me? Soap usually have to use Dove because of skin allergies. I had rather save on generic in areas of life that are as important to me. My husband said there is a different in generic cookies, crackers, especially Ritz. I am flexible there.