Recently on NBC's Today Show they replayed a story they had covered a few weeks before on how product manufacturers, specifically grocery manufacturers, are increasing their profits by keeping prices the same, but making products S-M-A-L-L-E-R.  Less product for the same price.

While this happens cyclically through the industry, more products have been downsized this year than ever before.  A representative from mouseprint.org provided some data behind the story.  The website tracks downsizing as a consumer service.  A few examples cited were:

• Skippy Peanut Butter, sells for $2.29, but is now 2oz smaller than before.
• Family sized bag of Potato Chips, down from 16oz to 14oz.
• Name brand orange juice, down from 96oz to 89oz
• "Large" sized cereal box, reduced from 96oz to 89oz
• And tissues are getting smaller, 8.4x8.4 inches to 8.2x8.4 inches.

Here in Colorado, for most items stores display the unit cost of items per oz or lb which helps savy shoppers compare A to B for the best value.  Doing so at my local grocer's shows that the big box of Special-K is actually better value than the generic of the same size!  Who knew! 

So with all things, its good to shop around!  The manufacturers deny they’re trying to fool consumers, but then why be subtle…psychology is at play.  It seems research has shown that consumers are more drawn to slight price changes than they are sizes.  Besides, I think it leaves manufacturers room later to advertise a product as "Now 40% BIGGER!", and slightly raise the price for the same size you used to be able to get before the downsizing.

Happy Holidays from Staged Right!

Home staging has been proven to maximize the sale-ability of your home AND to decrease your time on market. Let the home staging professionals of STAGED RIGHT help you sell your Southern Colorado home. Contact us or visit our website at www.stagedrightcolorado.com for more details and our current specials. Shopping around can save you money!!!