theBetterDeal

Examples of using theBetterDeal price calculator application

Example 1:   The False "Bulk Discount" (The Multipack Trap)

• Item A (Single Bottle):  16 oz for $3.20

• Item B (Twin Pack): Two 12 oz bottles (24 oz total) for $5.28

• The Trick:  Shoppers naturally assume buying the twin pack or "bigger box" saves money.

• The reality:  

  • Item A is $0.20 per oz.

  • Item B is $0.22 per oz.

  • Buying two(2) single bottles is actually the better deal than buying the twin pack.

Example 2:  The Liquid vs. Powder Dilemma (Concentrate vs. Diluted)

• Item A (Liquid Laundry Detergent):  64 fluid oz (40 loads) for $8.99

• Item B (Powder Detergent):  40 oz by weight (60 loads) for $11.99

• The Trick:  Comparing fluid ounces directly to weight ounces is impossible for the human brain on the fly.

• The Reality: 

  • Item A costs $0.22 per load.

  • Item B costs $0.20 per load.

  • The more expensive powder box gives you a better deal per use.

Example 3:  The Sneaky Shrinkflation Metric Shift

• Item A (Old Packaging): 1 pound (16 oz) of coffee beans for $12.00

• Item B (New "Eco-Friendly" Bag):  12 oz of coffee beans for $9.50

• The Trick:  The new bag is cheaper up front, making shoppers think it is a sale or a lower price point.

• The Reality:

• Item A is $0.75 per oz.

• Item B is $0.79 per oz.

• The price went up, but the smaller package hides the inflation.

Example 4:  "On-Sale" Endcap Ilusion

• Item A (Name Brand On Sale):  32 oz for $4.48 (marked down from $5.50 on a bright red store sign)

• Item B (Store Brand Regular Price):  18 oz for $2.34 (Tucked away on the bottom shelf)

• The Trick:  The massive "SALE" sign triggers an inpulse to buy the name brand thinking it is a rare bargain.

• The Reality:

  • Item A is $0.14 per oz.

  • Item B is $0.13 per oz.

  • The regular-priced store brand still beats the big name brand sale.