This lesson will discuss the "myth" of buying in large sizes vs buying smaller sizes. While it is true in some cases it is a better deal to buy the larger size, this is only true if you are not using coupons.

Example:
You have a recipe that requires 16oz of Sour Cream
16oz of Sour Cream cost $1.99
8oz of Sour Cream cost $1.09

You do not have any coupons for this item.
For this example it is better to buy 1 of the larger size of Sour Cream.

Example #2
You have a recipe that requires 16oz of Sour Cream
16oz of Sour Cream cost $1.99
8oz of Sour Cream cost $1.09

You have 2 Coupons good for .50 off 1 any size Daisy Sour Cream. Your store does NOT double coupons.

In this example it is better to buy 2 of the smaller size sour cream.
Here is the math:

2 80z Sour Cream @ $1.09 = $2.18
Subtract out 2 coupons @.50 each = $1.18 for 16oz of Sour Cream

If you were to buy the larger size - you would pay $1.49 for 16oz.

In this example buy 2 of the smaller sizes.

Lesson:

Need to purchase a Family Size Bottle of Shampoo around 16oz.

1. You can buy a twin pack of this shampoo at Sams for $3.99 (32oz in total)

2. The same Shampoo at Kroger is $2.49 for 1 bottle (16oz)

3. Kroger also has trial size bottle of the same shampoo (4oz) for .99

You have coupons for .50/1 any size shampoo. Kroger doubles the first 4 like coupons. The rest are at face value.

What is the cost breakdown for #1 #2 #3?
Which scenerio is the best deal?

Hint - Sam's does not take coupons.

My Coupons are my American Express Card - Don't leave home without them!

This is so true!!! If you would like to read more about this concept...please click the link:

Bigger isn’t Always Better. Buying Smaller. - WeUseCoupons.com

Here is the answer:

1. Because Sam's doesn't take coupons, you pay $3.99 or around $.13 per oz of shampoo.

2. Kroger's 16oz bottle of shampoo is $2.49. I can use one $.50 coupon which double to $1 and makes the final price of the bottle $1.49 or around $.09 an oz.

3. Kroger's trial size bottle of shampoo is $.99. I have four $.50 coupons all of which will double to $1. The trial size bottles are free before tax.

The answer is obvious. Sam's because it's doesn't accept coupons it not a savings at all. Kroger wants you to buy the bigger bottle. Their profit margins are alot better there. The Smallest bottle is the best deal, which when using coupons is very often the case. Often we forget that perception and reality are two entirely different things. The value size isn't always a value!! Coupons are powerful...and learning to use them effectively can really help your bottom line!!!!

But some coupons say except on trial size. Or something like that where your not suppose to use it on the trial size. And if the cashier won't take it for that size then the larger bottle is better than not getting any.
Candy

True!!! Make sure to follow the verbage. If the coupon says 'not allowed on trial size'...then you can't use the coupon on a trial size.

Interesting. I never thought of it that way.

WOW. I have sooo much to learn about all the in's and out's of couponing!!

Paula aka MrsOcean. I frequently shop at Walmart, Kroger and Marsh (in my town). I occasionally shop at (with some travel involved to surrounding towns) Kmart, Big Lots, Aldi, Meijer, Target and Sam's Club.

Thanks for the reminder to always do the math. I just recently dealt with this with diapers.