How Women Can Dodge the Pink Tax.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

pink tax, shopping tips, the three tomatoesNicknamed the “Pink Tax,” items like razors, deodorant, shampoo and even dry cleaning are priced higher for women than for men, even though the products and services for each gender are nearly identical. The cost difference for females adds up to an average of $1,400 more per year! As I explained during a recent interview with NBC’s TODAY, many companies claim that more expensive production requirements and variances in formulations are the cause of such price inequalities. Meanwhile, you’ll likely notice little to no difference between the products marketed to men compared to those targeted at women, aside from the price tag.

Next time you shop, don’t get duped out of money! Follow these tips to avoid paying a premium for the Pink Tax!

Head to the men’s section.
You may not notice the gender price discrepancy between similar products because they’re often separated in two different aisles: men and women. Next time you go shopping, head straight to the men’s section first to compare ingredients and prices side-by-side with the women’s version to determine the better value. Chances are, you’ll be just as happy with the men’s razor and shaving cream while enjoying some savings!

Don’t waste product.
Nearly 25% of the toiletries you buy like lotion, body wash and cosmetics end up in the trash without you even knowing it. That’s because many of us can’t get to the last drop of product in the container. Every bit you throw away is like throwing money in the garbage! Review these tips I shared with Inside Edition on how to get the last drop out of your beauty goods so you can maximize each purchase.

Lower the price with coupons.
While the initial price of the men’s product may be less, a coupon for the women’s version can help you get it for even cheaper. Search for printable manufacturer coupons at CouponSherpa.com to find printable deals like $3.00 off any one Gillet Venus Razor or $1.00 off Olay Body Wash.

Follow bloggers for deal news.
Extreme couponers get a bad rap but are ultimately a fantastic resource for saving top dollar on everyday items. When it comes to products often subject to the Pink Tax, blogs like The Krazy Coupon Lady tell you when and where to buy deodorant, shampoo, shaving cream, body lotion and more, and how to get it for pennies on the dollar by stacking coupons with store sales. Learn from the experts and never pay full price again!

Go for the generic.
After reviewing gender prices to find the best value, it’s important to step away from the brand names and look at generics. By opting for the store-brand version, you’re looking at saving up to 30% more. Keep in mind these store brands and generics may also price the women’s versions a little higher, too, so always compare with the men’s versions before you buy!

Take advantage of loyalty programs.
If you aren’t taking advantage retailer’s free loyalty programs, you’re missing out savings and freebies. Many drugstores and big box chains offer coupons based on your purchase history. For example, CVS offers loyalty members ExtraBucks which is basically free money toward future purchases. Plus, when you scan your card at the Coupon Center, you receive exclusive coupons for extra savings.

Customize your scent.
You don’t want to pay more for being a woman, but you don’t want to smell like a guy, either. Essential oils are a great way to customize personal product scents without overpaying for the products themselves. For example, you can opt for unscented body lotion, shower gel or shaving cream targeted at men and add a few drops of your favorite essential oil for a feminine touch. Just make sure the oil you choose is safe for topical application.

********

andrea woroch, shopping tips, the three tomatoesAndrea Woroch is a consumer and money-saving expert for Kinoli Inc. From smart spending tips to personal finance advice, Andrea transforms everyday consumers into savvy shoppers. As a sought-after media source, she has been featured among such top news outlets as Good Morning America, Today, CNN, Dr. OZ, New York Times, MONEY Magazine, Huffington Post, Forbes and many more. For more information, visit AndreaWoroch.com or follow her on Twitter for daily savings advice and tips.

 

This is where you'll find our shopping finds from this seasons trends, to products we're loving. Plus gifts guides for every season and occasion, and invitations to designer sales too.

Shopping Finds

This is where you'll find our shopping finds from this seasons trends, to products we're loving. Plus gifts guides for every season and occasion, and invitations to designer sales too.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.