Name Brand vs. Generic?

Imitation is the sincerest of flattery. ~Charles Caleb Colton

I commonly tell people "Be an original, not a copy". However, everything from medicines, dish detergent, cheese, even cookies, have both a name brand (original) and generic (copy) counterpart. As an informed consumer, I want to get the best value for the money that I have to spend. So the question comes down to this, "What is better, name brand or generic products?"

Well, in general, generic products are cheaper than "name brand". This can easily be seen by going to your local grocery store and check the grocery store brand of cheese to a name brand product such as "Kraft" or "Sargento". You will see that there maybe upwards to $1.00 in savings if you purchase the generic brand. If price is your only factor that you consider with a purchase, then hands down, the generic cheese wins consumer dollars.

It is a common thought that name brand products are higher quality than generic products. This could be the case, but if you look on most of the packaging for generic products, you will see that most of the time, generic products are usually made in the same factory that the name brand products are made. Of course this does not mean that they use the exact same ingredients, however it does not mean that there is not quality in both products.

Although cheese is just one example of a product, there are also other products that many consumers have to make a choice about. I personally use about 50% generic and 50% brand name. Some items (such as aluminum foil, and plastic bags) do not have any noticeable differences than the most expensive counterparts. However, there are somethings that I do not skimp on.

What it all comes down to is your personal preference. It is up to the consumer to decide whether or not the name brand product is worth the extra dollars. What products do you buy that are generic? What products do you buy that are name brand?

Stay Disciplined!