Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Items You Should Not Buy Generic



Being economical is generally productive when it's not taken to the extreme, according to USA Today. There are, however, some purchases we make where being too frugal may cause problems later on. USA Today created a list of generic items you should shy away from.

*** Note there is a difference between generic and store brands.*** Many store brands are just as good as brand names.

Whether for your car, tablet, smartphone, or a kid's toy, features you want in a battery are longevity and reliability. When it comes to batteries, you get what you pay for. A study published on MSN revealed that battery value is well-reflected within its cost, and when their lifetimes are compared, the actual cost for generic versus brand names for batteries is about equal. This means that a Dollar Store non-alkaline battery may last 10 hours and cost $1, whereas a Duracell or Energizer may cost $5 but last 50 hours. Therefore, cost per unit energy is about the same. However, if you buy generic batteries, you may have to spend more time going to the store and purchasing batteries, and you will have to change your batteries more frequently. When it comes to tablet and phone batteries, the difference between brand name and generic is more pronounced. A good mobile product has long battery life, and if you need a replacement, going generic may not be the best idea. Trusted brand car batteries are usually the better way to go, as well. Car Battery World explains how the cheap models are often poorly constructed and made with lower-quality materials. Trusted brand car batteries are usually the better way to go, as well. Car Battery World explains how the cheap models are often poorly constructed and made with lower-quality materials. 

These include certain toiletries like deodorant, razors, lotion, and perfumes. Web MD says we have between 2 million and 4 million sweat glands in our bodies. Containing ingredients like aluminum-based compounds, parabens, and fragrances, deodorant helps keep our sweating in check. It's probably best to go with a trusted brand. For perfume and lotion, it's a good idea to put out a little cash for these. These products undergo a degree of testing for safety and effectiveness. When you buy a fake, you may get a product that hasn't been extensively tested. 

This next group from 103FreshFM is much more subjective, and your tastes may NOT agree with those on this list. Butter: Fancy (read: expensive) butter can make a big difference. European butters user higher percentages of butterfat, creamed more slowly. Soda: Everybody has tried to recreate Coca-Cola or Pepsi, and it’s proven nearly impossible. These flavors (or the flavors from whatever your favorite soda may be) are forever in your taste memories, so they’re hard to replace. Ketchup: For many people, nothing can compare to Heinz ketchup. Unlike the many varieties of mustard, there is just one specific kind of ketchup. Ready-to-eat diet dinners.  Low-cal or low-carb foods can already be touchy in terms of taste, and it’s a risky bet to try out some generic brands for brand-name products, which have expertly come up with the right mix of foods and flavors. Processed cheese: Generic-brand cheese may be short on flavor and texture. Brand-name cheeses often pack more flavor. Generic beer:  Have you found one that even comes close to a brand name beer? Spaghetti sauce: With some generic brands, you’ll probably end up with some pretty mild-flavored tomato sauce. Often better to go with a brand-name. Dishwasher detergent. Generic brands may not compare to some of the high functioning powders and packets that clean dishes so efficiently. 

courtesy of WTAE


No comments:

Post a Comment