Post date: Sep 04, 2018 9:24:31 PM

Compare Products, Prices and utilize the Unit Pricing System

2Serve Many Consumer Tips

Getting the Best Value When Buying Food

Know what you're buying. Know what you're paying. Know what you're getting.

Food is an important part of most household budgets. Understanding prices, quantities, measurements, and product information can help consumers make informed purchasing decisions.

Why This Matters

The price printed on a package or displayed on a shelf does not always tell you which product provides the best value.

When comparing similar products, consider:

Price • Quantity • Quality

One of the easiest tools consumers can use is unit pricing.

Consumer Tip: Compare Unit Prices

Unit pricing shows the cost of a product based on a common unit of measurement.

Examples include:

• Per ounce

• Per pound

• Per quart

• Per gallon

• Per sheet

• Per count

Unit pricing allows you to compare products sold in different package sizes.

Example

Suppose potato salad at a deli is priced at $2.78 per pound.

If you purchase 2 pounds:

2 pounds × $2.78 = $5.56

Your purchase would cost $5.56.

The unit price also allows you to compare this product with another product or package size.

Don't Assume Bigger Means Better

A larger package does not necessarily provide the best value.

A larger package may have:

• A higher total price

• A lower unit price

• A higher unit price

• A different quantity or quality than another product

Compare the unit price—not just the package price.

What Consumers Should Look For

1. Check the Unit Price

Look at the shelf label, price tag, or sign near the product. If a unit price is provided, use it to compare similar products.

2. Compare Similar Products

Make sure you are comparing products that are reasonably similar in type, quantity, quality, and intended use.

3. Compare Different Package Sizes

Don't assume the largest package is automatically the best deal.

4. Check Quantity

Pay attention to the amount of product you are actually purchasing. Compare the stated quantity or net contents.

5. Consider Quality

The lowest unit price may not represent the best overall value if the products differ significantly in quality, ingredients, or other characteristics that matter to you.

6. Do the Math

If unit pricing is not provided, you can calculate the cost per common unit yourself.

Before You Buy

Ask yourself:

☐ What is the package price?

☐ How much product am I actually getting?

☐ What is the unit price?

☐ Am I comparing similar products?

☐ Is the larger package actually a better value?

☐ Does the product's quality meet my needs?

Remember

The package price tells you what you will pay.

The unit price helps you determine what you are getting for your money.

Taking a few seconds to compare prices and quantities can help you make more informed purchasing decisions.

2Serve Many Consumer Tip

Don't automatically choose the cheapest package or the largest package. Compare the price, quantity, unit price, and quality before you buy.

Consumer Awareness

If you believe you were charged incorrectly, received less product than represented, or have a question about a weight, measure, price, or quantity, document what happened and contact the appropriate local or state Weights and Measures authority for assistance.

Know Your Rights. Check the Facts. Get What You Pay For.

2Serve Many Weights & Measures Group

Consumer Education • Marketplace Fairness • Weights & Measures Awareness

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info@2servemany.com