Does GE Think We’re Stupid?

by Ryan Healy on November 10, 2007

Since my wife is recovering from giving birth this last Wednesday, I went to the grocery store to pick up a few things. One item on the list was “night lights.”

As I scanned the inventory, I zeroed in on some GE brand night lights. I had two sizes to choose from. I could buy two night lights in a single package for $3.49. Or I could buy the “Night Light Value Pack” (their wording, not mine), which includes four night lights for $10.99.

I immediately did a second take.

“Wait a second. If I buy two of the smaller packages, I’ll get four night lights for $6.98. But if I buy the so-called Value Pack, I’ll get four night lights for $10.99.”

Question: Since when does paying $1 extra per light constitute “value?” Do the marketing folks at GE think we’re really that stupid?

Anyway, I share this as another clear example of the perils of buying in bulk.

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{ 1 comment }

Kyle March 6, 2008 at 7:25 am

It may not be that GE thinks you’re stupid. GE makes the product and sells it to the grocery store. It is the grocery store that sets the price to you. While stores often rely on MSRP (manufacturers suggested retail pricing) the store will often run specials on certain products leading to pricing differences.

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