Products only sold in multi-packs when you just need one

[disneysteve]

Has anyone else found this to be a problem? I periodically go to buy something, usually something simple, only to find that the only available option is a multi-pack when all I need is a single item. Either that or the unit price is so dramatically different it almost makes no sense to buy the single one. Clearly, it's a way companies are forcing us to spend more than we need to. The last time I wanted a fine point Sharpie pen, I had to buy a 3-pack. Just yesterday, I wanted a plain old pink eraser. Again, they only had a 3-pack. I have zero use for 3 erasers. One will work just fine and probably last for years.

Anybody want to buy 2 erasers?

[Jluke]

I needed three button cell batteries for my scale. They come in two packs or singles. It was cheaper to buy two 2-packs so I have an extra one for next time.

.

[~bs]

As long as the item doesn't spoil or waste, I actually prefer to have the multipacks. It ends up cheaper that way. I buy a lot of stuff from Costco this way. If the item is perishable, I freeze it.

For example, I like to use cheese when I cook. I could buy a 8 oz bag of cheese from the supermarket for $4 or I could buy a 80 oz 2-bag from Costco for $12, separate out and freeze the extra portion. OR I could see if my family needs some of the item, and I can split the cost with them.

[disneysteve]

I needed three button cell batteries for my scale. They come in two packs or singles. It was cheaper to buy two 2-packs so I have an extra one for next time.

At least nothing is going to waste in that case (as long as you remember where you put the extra one ) and you had the choice of buying just what you needed if you wanted to. It just didn't make sense to buy 3 price-wise.

Maybe I could have found a single eraser if I went to a store (instead of online) but since the total cost was $.98 it probably wasn't worth the gas I would have used driving somewhere to save less than $1.00.

[scfr]

Sheets! Flat sheets last longer than fitted sheets & pillow cases. It's easy to buy just pillow cases, but most of the time the cost of a fitted sheet is not much less than a whole set. It definitely feels like the sellers of sheets want to "force" us in to buying an entire set.

Fortunately, Ikea sells just fitted sheets at reasonable prices. In fact, they have an entire display rack with a sign overhead that says "fitted sheets." They are smart. They recognize a niche need.

[StormRichards]

Ho Hos

The 10 pack is on sale at the grocery store this week for $2. Their single serve (2 or 3 ct) packages are over $1.00. Not that I couldn't polish off a 10 pack, but my booty shouldn't have more than an occasional treat.

[kork13]

Nevermind

[bjl584]

reminds me of that movie "Father of the Bride" when Steve Martin's character was arrested after arguing with the store clerk about hot dog vs hot dog bun quantities.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYIHLUxzRr8

[StormRichards]

reminds me of that movie "Father of the Bride" when Steve Martin's character was arrested after arguing with the store clerk about hot dog vs hot dog bun quantities.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYIHLUxzRr8

Love that movie.

[greenskeeper]

sometimes it is cost prohibitive to sell a single item only due to manufacturing, packaging, etc.

[FLA]

I prefer multi packs if the UPC is lower unless it's something like your erasers. But I have a teacher friend so they would get easily donated

[StormRichards]

Ho Hos

The 10 pack is on sale at the grocery store this week for $2. Their single serve (2 or 3 ct) packages are over $1.00. Not that I couldn't polish off a 10 pack, but my booty shouldn't have more than an occasional treat.

Of course this is only a legit example IF you give in and buy ONE box.

It is no longer legit when TWO boxes end up in your shopping cart and then your pantry.

[sv2007]

If I only want one, even if the price of 3 is $0.01 more, I'd still buy just one.

If you are forced to buy 3, then just throw away the unwanted extras. It isn't all that hard, right? Unless you are a hoarder, then you've got other problems.