Shrinking buying power

Manufacturers Display Their Magical Powers

There is something underway you should know about. Even as I speak thousands of consumer products are shrinking, right before our very eyes. That’s right, manufacturers are reducing the sizes of everything from bags of dog food to boxes of cereal and cartons of ice cream. Can you say back door price increase? Inflation?

Less is better right?

Grocery StoreWhile the mainstream media reports less product for the same price, I have noticed something different. Most everything I purchase has gone up in price, if only by a few cents. Sale prices have not been anywhere near what they used to be. So, I would say “Less for More”. If you are already aware of this, good for you! You’re a savvy shopper! If not, take a look next time you’re at the grocery store. Ice Cream for instance has shrunk from 54oz to 46oz. That’s almost 15% less creamy goodness for little Johnny. Some manufacturer’s are trying to pass off the size reduction as a health benefit, as in “New Smart Size”. Face it folks, it not about your waist, it’s about your purse.

Soon you may have to buy ten boxes of Super Duper Flakes to make one bowl of cereal!

Have you noticed products of all types shrinking in size?

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What Can You Do About It?

Here are a few ideas to help ease the pain:

  • Shop sale ads
  • Buy sale items in bulk
  • Use manufacturers coupons
  • Buy store brands
  • Eat less (I’m kidding, sort of)
  • Write your congressman (Again joking, they don’t seem to be able to relate to what’s going on in the real world from behind the tinted windows of their bullet proof, fuel-hog SUV’s.)

For more detailed tips on saving on your grocery bill, check out:
5 Tips To Cut Your Grocery Bill Today!

And now would be a great time to work on your personal finances:
8 Steps To Recession Proof Your Finances

Please check out these posts and feel free to offer other money saving ideas that you may have!

In Conclusion

There are many reasons for this latest round of product shrinkage. Commodities such as eggs are up 46%, corn is up nearly 70% and wheat is up an amazing 96% over the last year. Fuel has almost doubled. These are all major factors contributing to our ever decreasing purchasing power. I get it. I understand the manufacturers have to re-coupe the cost of the higher raw materials and fuel. But where I have a problem is the way in which they are passing on the increase to consumers. Quietly. Inconspicuously. I would almost prefer to see the price increase. Almost. Unfortunately, I think we will see more of both. What do you think?

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