consumerism

1. consumerism

2. Advertising strategies • Impulse buying: buying on the spur of the moment, unplanned items • Loss leaders: You go to buy a sale item, then spend more money on extras • Multiple pricing encourages buying more…3/$1.00 • Specials…buy one get one • Celebrity endorsement • Create brand recognition…kleenex vs. facial tissue • Advertisements to appeal to basic needs • Positive images • If the claim is too good to be true, it probably is • Manufacture and store coupons • In store samples, free mailed samples

3. coupons • Usually offered on national brands • Use coupons when the final cost is less than other brands • Often used to get consumer to try new products • Consumer often purchases items they don’t need or use • Rebate coupons…often require original receipt and proof of purchase

4. Grocery store layout Eggs and dairy are at the back so you have to pass all the isles of sales and junk to get to it •Fresh produce, meat and dairy are around the perimeter of the store, convenience and junk food are on the inside •Stick to the perimeter of the store most of the time

5. Unit pricing/cost per serving • Price per unit…ounce, quart, pound or other unit to show best value • Unit price…total price divided by the number of units • Unit pricing is often figured and listed on the store shelf • Unit pricing is a way to compare brands and sizes • Largest package isn’t always the least expensive • Larger package may not always be the best buy if the product isn’t going to be used before the expiration date • Cost per serving…total price divided by the number of servings • Cost per serving is often used to compare two different types of foods

6. Budgeting and shopping strategies • Prepare a categorized shopping list. • Shop alone • Avoid shopping when you are tired or hungry. • Take a calculator

7. Eating out • More and more meals are eaten outside of the home • Greater variety of types of foods available • Fast food meals often are higher in fat and salt • Portion sizes may be larger which encourages overeating • On a limited budget, reducing the amount of food eaten out can save money

8. Name/national brands • Store brands are foods without name/national brand names • Store brands usually less expensive and often same quality • Check unit pricing of brands to compare • Buy for intended use

9. Spending record • Food dollars may be evaluated by keeping a spending record • Is helpful when determining how to reduce the amount of money spent on food • Includes money spent on food preparation in the home as well as food prepared outside the home