What's the one product you will pay more money for when you are shopping?

I buy brand name shampoos now! - brand name shampoo
United States
November 8, 2007 10:47am CST
The way things are today we all have to pinch those pennies and it's not very easy for most of us. I admit that I do a lot of my shopping at the dollar stores and I'm always happy with whatever it is that I've purchased there. I've always believed that even the 'generic' brands are the same as the name brands and we're only paying for the name. Now that I'm working at a Health and Beauty aids store and get a decent discount I've tried some of the better shampoos and now I'm starting to think differently about them. I am now buying the brand name shampoos and seeing a big difference in my hair and loving it. Is there one product that you are willing to pay more money for than the others? Do you or did you feel the same way that I did in that we're only paying for the name and whatever is inside is the same as everything else?
4 people like this
18 responses
@usmcsgtwife (4997)
• United States
8 Nov 07
I am the same way I usally will only buy name bran Shampoo and body wash, also laundry soap, everytime we have tried the off brans we have always broken out in some kind of rash or have gotten really dried out skin
2 people like this
• United States
8 Nov 07
For some reason I have always bought name brand laundry detergent. I've never trusted generic when it comes to that.
1 person likes this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
8 Nov 07
We are the opposite as far as laundry soap. When we use Tide liquid or dry we break out in rashes. We have tried a few generics and no itchy rashes. HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
2 people like this
• United States
8 Nov 07
Is it possibly the dyes and perfumes that are in the detergent that is making you break out? I know Tide has a very high content except in their free and clear line.
2 people like this
@cynddvs (2948)
• United States
8 Nov 07
I won't skimp when it comes to diapers. I don't buy the most expensive brand but I won't buy generic either. We used to buy generic until we realized we were going through more diapers because they leaked more. I buy Luvs now. They aren't too terribly expensive but they don't leak either.
2 people like this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
8 Nov 07
Diapers? Ugghhh! Now I am going to have to start buying them again. But they are for my dad who is old etc etc. I am not looking forward to this at all. YIKES!! HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!`
1 person likes this
• United States
10 Nov 07
You are right about the diapers. I have to keep some at my apartment for when my granddaughter is here and since I use them so seldom I only buy the VERY best!
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
8 Nov 07
Toilet Paper. I hate generic and or store brands of toilet paper. Gotta have the thick soft quality paper when I wipe. Ewww! HAHAHAHAHA!1 HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
2 people like this
• United States
10 Nov 07
lol...it took me a loooong time to realize this too. Not only is it more "comfortable" but the better brands last a longer too!
• United States
8 Nov 07
That's a good one. I didn't used to think it mattered, but as I am getting older I find that I am getting very picky about this item!
2 people like this
• United States
8 Nov 07
I do use the beauty supply items for my hair, but I dont let the rest of th family use them. I have long hair that needs good conditioner but everyone else is just as happy with store brands so why share the expensive stuff. If the generic stuff works I always buy it first. The other think I am pick on is hamburger. I will pay more to get less of the surprises.
• United States
10 Nov 07
I think it's always safer to pay more for our food since it could effect our health.
@maddysmommy (16230)
• United States
8 Nov 07
Mostly personal items I usually spend a little more than usual. I usually purchase named brands as opposed to the cheaper kind.
1 person likes this
• United States
10 Nov 07
For personal items I think it's always best for us to pay that extra few cents.
• United States
9 Nov 07
I only buy generic items if they are better than the name brand. There are a few items that are better. To the questions are they same, just paying for a name. Yes and No! I used to work in retail, and I can not say the name but....Generic bread is the "old" namebrand stuff. When the namebrand bread is a couple of days old, it is re-packed as generic. Now not all stores do this but some do. Another reason why I don't buy generics is becuase the price is no different (around here anyways). Natures own bread $2.19 store brand bread $2.09. I will spend the extra 10 cents for better bread!
1 person likes this
@ersmommy1 (12588)
• United States
8 Nov 07
For me it's cosmetics. And a variety of food products. I guess the best way is to be choosy for products based on your own personal experience. I occasionally purchase from Dollar store chains. Depending on the product, we have had good experiences.
2 people like this
• United States
8 Nov 07
Since I don't wear any make up I couldn't tell you if generic was good or bad. There are also a few food products that I will buy the store brand of to save on my grocery bill.
1 person likes this
@atticus (1379)
• Italy
9 Nov 07
at present i feel really a no-material-boy but in the future.. who knows..:).. anyway maybe the last computer out..
1 person likes this
@TerryZ (22077)
• United States
8 Nov 07
I have to agree with you ctrymuziklvr when I have some extra money I like to get the better shampoo. It really does make a difference on my hair. Now that I cut all my hair off I dont have to worry as much.LOLheheheh I only cut 5 inches off.LOL
• United States
10 Nov 07
I think I responded to a discussion you did on cutting your long hair! I know I should cut mine to a point but I'm so afraid to do it. It's down to my waist and I sort of like it but then it does have it's drawbacks doesn't it?
@cher913 (25782)
• Canada
8 Nov 07
i think lip gloss and other make up products would be the area that one should not be cheap with. I wouldnt want to use a lip gloss say from a dollar store, who knows whats in it?
1 person likes this
• United States
10 Nov 07
I have to admit I've tried the cheaper lip glosses and their horrible. Not even worth the .99 I paid for them...lol...
@twoey68 (13627)
• United States
9 Nov 07
Probably hygiene products b/c I'm allergic to alot of things. I have bought expensive products like Pantene only to find out I'm allergic to it. So when I find one that I'm not allergic to I'll stick with it even if it costs a bit more. "COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS" **AT PEACE WITHIN** ~~STAND STRONG IN YOUR BELIEFS~~
1 person likes this
@3lilangels (4639)
• United States
9 Nov 07
one product that i will spend on more is toilet paper,to me the cheap stuff is a little rough.
1 person likes this
• United States
10 Nov 07
Not only is it rough but the name brands seem to last so much longer don't they?
• Philippines
9 Nov 07
I would probably do that for a pair of shoes/sandals. There's nothing like a comfortable one. Because I go to work daily I must have at least two pair of shoes and must durable that would last at least for a year.
1 person likes this
@blueunicorn (2401)
• United States
8 Nov 07
I usually don't mind generic, but there is one thing that pops to mind immediately when asked this question. Macaroni and cheese. It MUST be Kraft or I won't buy it, no matter how cheap the other option is! I have also found that the better shampoos do seem to be a better value in the long run. I always use name brand laundry detergent, too, because I need the free and clear options with no dyes and perfumes. I just don't seem to trust the generic for the things that touch my skin that is constantly giving me trouble.
1 person likes this
• United States
10 Nov 07
YES! Mac and cheese is always better when it's Kraft. The generic or store brands are horrible and not even worth the small amount of money they charge for them.
9 Nov 07
There are certain things that I wont skimp on, one is apperance, Conditioners, and Make up! Thats my big thing, otherwise the dollar store is good just wantch it because somethime even a dollar is too much for the item!
1 person likes this
@jennybianca (12912)
• Australia
9 Nov 07
I buy as many homebrand products as possible. Often they are of equal quality. Not always though. For instance, I won't buy homebrand toilet paper, as it is rougher. I am not keen on homebrand cheese either, as even the low fat one is higher in fat.
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14886)
• United States
8 Nov 07
I have always felt just the opposite, ctry, because I subscribe to the theory that you get what you pay for. I have never cared for generic products because, by their very nature, they are not on a par with brand named products. I have to pay more for everything that I use on my skin due to the fact that I have eczema. I found that the cheaper products I had been using would aggravate my condition. I am also very particular about food items. When it comes to foods, I want to know that I am getting the best quality that I can afford. Most of the generic products just can't stand up to brand names. I really don't like generic prescriptions either, because, no matter how much they tell you there is no difference, you have to ask yourself, why, then, would anyone pay more for brand names?
@pyewacket (43958)
• United States
13 Nov 07
I'm all for saving money myself in buying things, and yes, will often go to those dollar stores to get a few things, but like gee, just about everything in those dollar stores are made in China! So like now I'm wondering how safe they are. For a long time I used to get toothpaste there. But yikes some of the very same brands sold in the dollar stores were ones that were recalled, so nope thanks. I'm also willing to pay more for certain items as now I'm becoming a lot more conscious of buying products that aren't tested on animals. So yes, it costs more, but now for instance I get Tom's Of Maine Toothpaste and Deodorants. One, they aren't made in China, two, they are all natural, and three, and best of all none of Tom's of Maine's products are tested on animals
• United States
9 Nov 07
I love my caress body wash!! the texture is os much nice and it leaves my skin so smooth...and they have diffrent scents none of them stink.. its like 4 dollars a bottle but the bottles are huge!.. that i would not trade for anything. unless i had nothing then mabey i would:P