This topic was spurned on by my fifteen year old son today. To make a long story short, he had a sinus infection last year, and I took him to an after hours clinic (it was a weekend) and they prescribed him an antibiotic and suggested I purchase Mucinex DM in order to loosen the phlegm. I went to Walgreens promptly and bought Mucinex DM, as well as the Walgreen’s brand because it was on sale, buy one get one free. I thought it would be good to have some in the medicine cabinet just in case.
Fast forward to today when my son said he was staring to feel like he was coming down with something. He asked if we still had some Mucinex and I said yes. However when he went to the medicine cabinet to retrieve it, he saw that it the actual brand name had been used up and we had the two boxes of Walgreens brand left.
He proceeds to ask me to go to the store to purchase more Mucinex. I asked him why since we had plenty in the cabinet and his response? It’s the Walgreen’s brand, not the “real” brand.
I became unhinged. I told him that the ingredients are the same and that the only difference is that Mucinex costs more. About $17 per box. The Walgreen’s brand was $9.00 and I got a box free. I told him he would have to use what we had-it was unopened and not even close to the expiration date. There was no reason not to use it.
He then tells me, “nevermind”, I don’t need it anymore.
I was floored.
These companies really have some people believing that a real brand versus a generic brand is majorly different. And in some instances they are. I know that in terms of laundry detergent, I will not use an “off” brand because it does not clean my clothes well. But that is a rare instance where I refuse to buy an off or generic brand.
Even my five year old is beginning to show signs of brand favortism. She doesn’t like to eat off-brand cereal, even though for the most part, it’s the same cereal but just costs more.
This is not something I have taught her, however. It seems to be a trait which has been learned from society I imagine.
What do you feel about brands? I do have some instances where I have brand loyalty to an item, but I am not above purchasing a generic or off-brand version.
Sound off and let your thoughts be known.
I use to be a brand snob…until I realized that I could save a t least 0.75-1.00 of something that had the same exact ingredients that was a store brand
Applauds another great blog! I <3 it!
Is there a happy medium? Because that's what I think I am… I really do dislike how items are marked up just because its connected to a 'brand name'. When I was younger, which wasn't very long a go.. but yeah I refused to buy anything 'generic'. But as I've gotten older, and realize how much work goes into making $$$$ and I am trying to budget… i find myself giving the generic stuff a shot. Let me tell you, some of those generic product work a lot better than their brand name counter parts, AND I'm saving muncho dinero!
I don't mind using Costco's Kirkland brand detergent over TIDE, I buy TARGET brand make up remover wipes over the CLEAN & CLEAR. I get CVS brand Nyquil. BUT for some reason I refuse to veer away from HALL'S cough drops.. and I dont like using odd brand make up.. and facial cleanser.
Happy medium, that's me 🙂
I also like to think I have the happy medium. My partner and I tend to buy brand name on some things and store brand on others, but it definitely depends on the product. I will test my brand snobbishness tonight when I go shopping this evening!
Great topic!!! I am a brand SNOB although i've steered away from some things Kroger ,Tom Thumb, and Target makes great store brand items. I will forever use Charmin and eat name brand food lol It's just the way it goes. When I was young I wouldn't touch an off brand item and my Mom fed into it so i'm now 28 and spoiled. Even now that i'm spending my hard earned money, I will sacrifice other things to buy my named brand items. I need rehab. lol
I once was a brand snob until I started looking at both brands for each product and seeing the EXACT same ingredients. When I finally discovered that life changing. Still certain products, I still can't help but use them, but other things I will now get generic.
Brand name is silly…I mean for certain things such as medicatio I consider it but never for cereals, clothes, etc!
its funny you posted that medicine, because I just bought some Mucinex this morning, and looked a few times at the store brand. Damn….wonder if there REALLY is any difference
I looked at the ingredients on both boxes. They are exact same accept for coloring additives.
i think i am a brand snob when it comes to certain things like cereal.. and maybe some medicine.. but when im tight on money i go with the generic.
I would love to be a brand name snob but sadly i can't afford to be. I buy some brand name foods & some supermarket own as they are just as good and save a few pennies too.
I do have some lovely named clothes that i bought whilst on holiday on Florida a few years back as it was so cheap compared to UK prices and as it was an outlet having a sale you can imagine i had a brand name ball.
So i am not a brand name snob but from what i have just read you now know i would so love to be LOL
@Coistycat on Twitter xx
I am a brand name snob and proud of it. However, I clip coupons and catch sales to stock up so I save money. I dont apologize for the things I like and in most instances if it is off brand I wont eat it especially my cheese, ranch dressing, and ritz crackers! I still love yall though!
I am a brand snob to certain things like bleach and dish detergent. But, I will purchase the generic brand if it will save me money. I get the generic brand on my prescription medicines, because the brand name is too expensive and the generics work just as good. Most times you can find better money saving deals on brand names at the dollar store (Family Dollar, Dollar General, & Dollar Tree), than you can at Walmart. So, shopping at the dollar store may not throw the brand names out the window entirely. 🙂
I am in agreement about store generics almost 100% of the time…but I tell you girl, there is a difference between Walgreens generic Mucinex and the real thing. No joke. I would not have believed it but was desperate this weekend when a nasty head cold moved into my chest. The pain relief in my chest and throat came after the first pill of the real thing. Am on the mend and a believer. And yes it’s more than 2x as much $$. Because it’s more than 2x as effective. Maddening, I know.
I prefer my OTC product not be made in China.