We all buy ridiculously overpriced products without really thinking about it. May it be expensive coffees or pricey flowers, we waste money on these products every month.
But what are the worst ridiculously overpriced products?
1. Film/movie theatre popcorn
As far as ridiculously overpriced products go, you don’t get much worse than popcorn. On average popcorn has a mark-up price of around 1275%, which makes sense. How often do you feel shocked at the price when you buy some popcorn and a drink. It’s usually twice the amount of the ticket.
2. Diamond rings
When you think of ridiculously overpriced products, diamond rings aren’t likely to spring to mind. Diamonds are really expensive to start with, no? Well actually diamonds can have a mark-up from 50-400%. Learning more about diamonds will ensure you get a better deal.
3. Hotel minibars
If you get a midnight craving for a Mars bar while you’re staying in hotel you better be prepared to pay the extortionate price. Think mark-ups hitting 400% – you’d be better bringing some of your own nibbles.
4. Bakery goods
On any bakery good that you could make at home you’re looking at around a 100% mark-up. So next time you’re craving a cupcake, get out the recipe books rather than nipping in the store.
5. Flowers
Especially around the Holiday period, shopping for flowers can be a very pricey business. For a large(ish) bouquet of normal flowers expect to pay around £50. If you want roses or orchids expect to pay considerably more.
6. Cosmetics
Did you know that most cosmetics are made from dirt, oil, fragrance and wax? It seems weird that we pay so much money (usually a 78% mark-up) for them then. The big price all comes down the branding – anti-aging, pore-reducing and dark-shadow killing etc – as that is what makes us part with our money.
7. Greeting cards
Greeting cards have a 200% mark-up for a bit of card. Match this with the endless Holidays a year that require a card and you’re seriously out of pocket.
8. University/college textbooks
Anyone who has been to university will know the pain of textbooks. You need one for every class you take and they often cost in excess of £70 a book. Not great for the student load – especially as many books can be marked-up as much as 200%.
9. Sofas
Furniture shops are awful for their margins – expect your sofa to have a 200% mark-up at least. It’s best to try and do your furniture shopping during sales.
10. Bottled water
That bottle of water you have to buy every morning? It probably has a 4000% mark-up. You should really stick to tap water.
11. Fizzy drinks in restaurants
Eating out is always fun, but you pay for it with your soft drinks which can range from a 300 to 600% mark-up. Opt for water and spend those extra pennies on dessert.
12. Coffee and tea
We all love a trip to places like Starbucks or Costa for a nice cup of super skinny, caramel, extra foamy coffee thing for £5. These are a hefty 300% mark-up though. Just make your own coffee at home.