Price comparison - It pays to shop around

The consumer survey conducted in September by the National Consumer Agency (NCA) found that there is a great discrepancy between prices charged at various outlets for everyday healthcare products like toothpaste, shaving gel and cough mixture. Personal care items and over the counter medicines tend to be the most expensive elements in the weekly shopping.

Some items cost as much as two-and-a-half times more at one shop over another. This reinforces the message that it pays to shop around.

The survey included the four largest supermarkets, eight chemist chains and four independent pharmacies. The supermarkets were generally cheaper with Tesco the cheapest on a sample basket of 25 commonly bought items, while Superquinn was the most expensive at over 18% dearer.

There was also a significant price variant among the local pharmacies that could seriously impact on the consumer’s budget. Since the survey was conducted, the NCA has been informed by a number of outlets that they had cut their prices.

The agency also stressed that it only compared prices and did not take into account the free advice available in pharmacies, or the fact that some of them suggest lower cost alternatives that may be available in over the counter medicines.

Recent surveys have indicated that people are prepared to shop around. They have become more price conscious and are prepared to travel to get bargains.