Brand Loyalists
September 7th, 2007(I started this post as a draft a week or two ago, and as it turns out, the theme of this week’s “Works for Me Wednesday” at Rocks in My Dryer was discussing what brands we’re loyal to! In case you haven’t already, go over and read up on some other bloggers’ picky picks. This isn’t an official WFMW contribution (today being Friday and all), but here’s my two cents on brand loyalty…)
It’s an occupational hazard of bargain hunting - I find lots of brand name items at great discounts, and sooner or later, we find some brand we can’t live without. Obviously, this is the basic premise behind a lot of the promotions I utilize - Companies want consumers to try their (usually new) products in hopes that they get hooked and continue to buy them at full price. Usually, I’ll just bounce around to whatever line I can find the cheapest or even free.
But we have officially switched from Angel Soft to Cottonelle toilet paper. I picked up a supply of cheap Cottonelle during some deal ages ago, and my husband has decided he doesn’t want to go back. Fortunately, Cottonelle still gets in some great sales, so I just stock up when I can. To even things up, I’ll admit I like the convenience of Swiffer wet cloths for general floor mopping. (Generic versions are OK, too).
I’m perfectly comfortable sticking with some brands when for which we have strong preferences, although I’ll always try to find them on sale. Sometimes the generic or bottom shelf version or even another comparable brand just doesn’t taste/work right for the needs we have. Personally, this is a frugal versus cheap line. By getting the minimum where possible, we finance the habit of indulging in certain consumption habits that give us greater utility.
I also look at it this way: By bargain hunting, I get to try lots of products for very little cost. If we find something we particularly like, great! No money wasted on all the latest and greatest to discover the few products that actually improve our lives.
Here’s a sample of some of our other “must-have” brands:
Tabasco - To my husband the Tabasco nut, Tabasco and hot sauce are two different things, not to be used interchangeably! Fortunately, I’ve accumulated a huge supply for very little cost, combining Kroger $1 sales with doubled coupons.
Diet Dr. Pepper
Healthy Choice Fudge Bars
Oral-B Satin floss - This is what our dentist gives samples of.
Nature’s Own 100% Whole Grain Sugar Free bread - Not cheap.
Quaker Granola Bars
Tostitos Baked Tortilla Chips - Unfortunately, they discontinued the regular kind and we’re stuck with scoops
Degree deodorant (me) & Old Spice (DH)
Bounty Select-A-Size paper towels - They’re sturdy, and I like being able to use just a small sheet.