Now money is tight, do you buy cheaper brands?

June 20, 2011 6:18am CST
I have always been a canny shopper but just recently, in the present financial climate, I have actively searched out the cheapest way to buy everything! I avoid the more expensive UK supermarkets and go for those that offer their own very much cheaper brands of produce. I refuse to pay high prices just so the big companies can advertise. If I can find a more economical product in a duller-looking packet or can, I will give it a go. Usually the goods in the duller cans/packets are produced by the same companies who manufacture the brightly-coloured-eye-catching ones anyway! There may be one less ingredient in the cheaper ones, but I can cope with that! What do you do?
10 responses
@JohnRok1 (2051)
21 Jun 11
For a long time now I have gone for the cheaper brands of washing powder, because they have, presumably, less additives to irritate my skin - nothing to do with the economy.
1 person likes this
25 Jun 11
Very wise of you! I don't use washing-powder at all anymore and haven't bought any for over a year. I have a ball of ceramic baubles that activates the oxygen in the water to do the cleaning. They are completely harmless and won't irritate the skin or damage our precious environment. Try them!
@savypat (20216)
• United States
20 Jun 11
I do shop for cheaper things, it's been two years since we got a raise and the prices just go up and up.
1 person likes this
21 Jun 11
Don't they just! As we are part of a global economy now it seems that everyone on the planet is affected by even the smallest price-rises! The high price of wheat, not to mention oil, has had a huge effect on everything!
@dodo19 (47104)
• Beaconsfield, Quebec
19 Aug 11
I will usually look at the cheaper brands first. Nowadays, with money being so tight, it seems as though we don't really have much of a choice. It seems as though we have to cut corners wherever we can to save money. But, at times, you have to do what you have to do, even if it means that I have to look at the cheaper brands. It's something that I am willing to do.
@samafayla33 (1856)
• United States
20 Jul 11
I always buy cheaper brands. Sometimes ingredients are a tad bit differently but the product is about the same. If you try house brand, ask a employee of the store or another shopper if they've tried it before and is it good. Also read reviews of the product online before you buy it.
• Philippines
20 Jun 11
I buy cheaper brands but I still have to compare the quality with the other brands.If the cheapest brand does not have a good quality,I'm still willing to pay for a cent more.I never buy the most expensive goods because of it's brand name unless there is no other option.
21 Jun 11
Good for you! I don't mind paying a little more either.
• Malaysia
20 Jun 11
there is absolutely nothing wrong with buying cheaper brands. cheaper doesn't mean the quality is low. there are many items sold cheaper that have the same quality as branded items. for example, cloth. here at my place, cheap items are more preferred than expensive items. as long as the quality is above par, buying cheap is a way of saving money
1 person likes this
21 Jun 11
Yes, we all have to make our money go as far as it will nowadays!
@peach786 (16)
2 Jul 11
Places like Costco are cheaper with no frills. Buying in bulk saves money too. Sure good brands are expensive but they're quality. "Eat less, but eat the best" that's my motto.
• United States
26 Jun 11
I did that, now I live on beans, rice, water, and bananas, sometimes I treat myself to some cheap meat and kool-aid. Hopefully I'll get more work and catch up on bills next month. I miss the days when food was cheap. Welcome to big income gaps europe, you'll soon be the new America. I'm gonna save my money and move to Mexico.
@AFI34974 (61)
• United States
26 Jun 11
I am the most frugal penny pinching person ever. I never really did the expensive brand thing, but especially now more than ever I've been cutting back even more than I was. Now, I don't buy anything that a coupon isn't available for, and I always compare prices. I go to the ends of the Earth to find a good deal, and along my way I've run into some pretty amazing things! To find a good deal all you have to do is dig around a bit, you may be surprised at what you'll find.
• United States
20 Jul 11
I am on a tight budget and do a lot of home cooking with a very limited amount of cans is how I go. I have a small herb and vegetable garden in my yard. I try to buy in bulk when ever possible it is cheaper. If you want to buy light food such as fuits but the normal fruits and wash off the juice. This is all light fruit is and costs a lot less money.