How to avoid paying more as a woman
Tips from Sally Deneen.
It may come as little surprise to female readers that women pay more than men for some similar products such as razors, but a report reveals eye-opening examples that show the trend starts at a young age and never seems to end. Examples: A scooter from Radio Flyer called My 1st Scooter was seen priced at $24.99 at Target.com for the red model versus $49.99 for pink, the report found.
For adults, a men’s classic button-down shirt with one pocket was seen at Levi.com priced at $48, while its similar-looking shirt meant for women (called a “boyfriend” shirt) cost $78.
Usually the price gap is less glaring, yet still exasperating. In a crazy example, a mundane elastic brace called “ITA-MED Rib Support,” which is one of those white elastic things that wraps around a person’s midsection, costs less for men. It was seen going for $22.99 for men versus $26.99 for women at Walgreens.com, the report found. Similarly, CVSbrand three-blade disposable razors for sensitive skin cost $4.99 for men as compared to $6.99 for women. At Walgreens.com, FUTURO-brand Revitalizing dress socks cost $18.99 for men, $21.99 for women.
“Women are paying thousands of dollars more over the course of their lives to purchase similar products as men,” states the report by New York City’s Department of Consumer Affairs. (Find it at http://bit.ly/costgap). On average, women pay 13 percent more than men for personal care products, for example.
The upshot? The report says “these higher prices are mostly unavoidable for women.” However, I’m sure I’m not alone in thinking that comparison-shopping is in order: If the red scooter is cheaper, go with red. If a men’s elastic rib brace will work just as well (you might ask the nurse or physical therapist), then choose it. Fans of Dollar Tree or competitors already pay just one buck for razors. Readers, how do you avoid getting gouged by gender pricing?
Many happy returns? If you plan to exchange a holiday gift, act quickly. Examples: Best Buy’s deadline is Jan. 15 to return most presents bought since Nov. 1. Staples’ deadline is Jan. 16 for furniture and electronics purchased since Nov. 22. T.J. Maxx’s and Marshalls’ deadline is Jan. 23 for gifts bought on Oct. 18 or later. Amazon.com’s deadline is Jan. 31 for most things shipped since Nov. 1, according to a survey by ConsumerWorld.org. Read its full survey at http://bit.ly/returngift.
Freebies: Target often offers free samples online via Samples.Target.com. Alternatively, go to Target.com and search for “free samples.”