The Making of Looking for Bargains with Joseph and Liam
The Premise
mkyou2tube had noted, as had many other consumers and journalists, that many supermarkets appeared to be offering irrational savings. It is often taken for granted that buying in bulk gives better value for money. One might expect to pay 50p for one item but perhaps 90p for two, offering a discount to the shopper who spends a bit more to save a bit in the long term. However, the offers mkyou2tube was noticing were exactly the opposite, actually making it more expensive to buy two items than one item twice.
Our intrepid reporters
Joseph and Liam were regular shoppers at one of the large supermarkets. They volunteered their time and expertise to highlight some of the ridiculous offers. Liam wanted some unusual varieties of cheese but Joseph was particularly interested in the availability of purple cheese, a delicacy not often found on the high street.
Crazy offers
Some of the fantastic offers on display can be seen below. The first three give you multiple products for more than you'd expect to pay individually: 3 for £3 or 99p each, 3 for £4 or 75p each and 2 for £1 or 40p each. The Bendricks chocolates normally retail at £3.99, but with a clear intent to show that they are Cutting Prices, they are now available for £3.98. The Black Eyed Beans don't cost any extra, but 40p each or 5 for £2 is hardly a mouthwatering bargain. What would will.i.am make of it?
An excellent offer
But the good news is that if you hunt for them you can find some amazing deals that work in your favour. Take this offer for mixed pulses, £1.11 per can, but five cans for £2. Many times mkyou2tube found itself wanting a solitary can of mixed pulses but being unable to resist the acquistion of four more cans for just 89p. They're not light, though.
Wine
Here's another excellent offer, but the video was made before it became
available. La Patrie Cahors for £11.99 each, or if you would like to take two
bottles instead of one you could pay £10 for the two. Madness.
available. La Patrie Cahors for £11.99 each, or if you would like to take two
bottles instead of one you could pay £10 for the two. Madness.
Cookies
And how about this? One packet of cookies for a pound, or, if you prefer, two for a pound!
The End
So what is happening here? Is there someone innumerate sitting in head office, making up prices without making sure they make sense? Or is it a deliberate ploy designed to appeal to the joy of thinking you've saved money (when in actual fact you haven't)? Even if you don't have to pay the extra at the checkout, you've still bought several items when you may have only wanted the one. Whatever is the cause, keep your wits about you and check you're not being ripped off. And if you haven't already, you can watch the video here.