There are certain things you can’t escape as an adult like waking up early on weekdays, becoming a kitchen gadget expert, paying bills, and yes, the most mundane one - filing taxes. And while paying taxes if you forget to look at details or lack basic math skills you might end up paying the 'stupid tax'.
The 'stupid tax' is that sneaky fee that some companies hide behind bargain offers and saving deals. And the Stupid Tax subreddit is known for shining light on these unreasonably priced products. With nearly 40k members, this community warns people about paying any additional price for day-to-day items. Enjoy this list of pics that might have you reconsidering those tempting offers.
#1 Subway Really Wants You To Buy Two Cookies
Image credits: LewdLittleLemon
#2 Clearance Mini Quiche At Aldi!
Image credits: martyz
#3 Buy More, Save Less!
Image credits: InsertCoinForCredit
As grown-ups navigating the world of finances, we're all finding ways to save some money. Whether it's comparing prices online, delving into DIY solutions, or just opting for store brands over popular ones, saving a few dollars is like an art form in people’s daily lives.
And who can forget the joy of finding a good deal, only to realize later that the product was a downsized version of what you normally purchase? That's shrinkflation at its best. The term is a combination of two words: shrink and inflation. The "shrink" refers to the change or reduction in the product size, while the "-flation" part comes from inflation—the increase in prices.
#4 A “Deal” On Chips
Image credits: photophunk
#5 Hmmm, Tough Call
Image credits: averagepenisman
#6 By Grapthar’s Hammer… What A Savings
Image credits: BuddLightbeer
It’s more likely that customers will notice the increase in cost; that’s why companies opt to reduce the size of the product while maintaining its sticker price. Simply put, shrinkflation is a form of hidden inflation. Businesses make profit as people pay more for a package containing a little bit less.
For instance, Toblerone cleverly reduced the weight of its chocolate bars in 2016. They increased the gap between the popular triangular peak design, leading to a noticeable decrease in the amount of chocolate per bar.
#7 Now This Is Bs
Image credits: imwackinout
#8 Inflation Hitting All New Highs
Image credits: joshbutthole
#9 Twice The Nutella For The Same Price
Image credits: Bnb53
To deal with shrinkflation, many politicians and corporations have started adopting different measures. In June 2023, French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire called 75 retailers and consumer groups for a meeting to discuss pricing concerns, challenging large corporations in the process.
#10 What A Deal! The Lady Behind The Counter Said Most People Buy The 3 Pack For $4.99
Image credits: joemits
#11 Discounted To 29.99 You Say? 36% Savings You Say?
Image credits: thegamesthief
#12 Hmm, Sounds Like A Good Deal!
Image credits: blarron
Carrefour, the second-largest grocery retailer in France, put warning stickers on certain items on the shelves reading: "This product has seen its volume/weight fall and the effective price charged by the supplier rise." Their intention was to let the consumer know what was really happening.
They identified 26 products, including Nestle, PepsiCo and Unilever, that have become smaller in size without a change in price. Stefen Bompais, director of client communications at Carrefour, told the BBC, "Obviously, the aim in stigmatizing these products is to be able to tell manufacturers to rethink their pricing policy.
#13 For $5.69, You Get Your Choice Of 12oz Or 18oz
Image credits: grptrt
#14 For Only $58/Mo, I Can Cut My Internet Speed By 3/4
Image credits: calvarez
#15 Why Yes, I Would Like To Buy Two Of The Same Game
Image credits: averagepenisman
In other countries like the UK, the British consumer groups also warned people of the effects of shrinkflation on common items like cat food and chocolate biscuits, among others.
In the United States, the White House stated that “President Biden is calling on companies to put a stop to shrinkflation.” In fact, the president has called for a bill allowing the Federal Trade Commission to make rules to stop shrinkflation. The bill will also let the FTC and state attorneys sue companies for the same.
#16 Pizza Hut: 5 For $55 Or 1 For $9.99
Image credits: BUCNDrummer
#17 Nothing Like A Good Bargain When It’s On Sale!
Image credits: Argodruid
#18 Looking To Buy These Wooden Cd Cases In Bulk?
Image credits: fungusmungus1
On the other hand, many companies have explained why prices are going up and products are getting smaller. Talking about Pringles, a Kellogg's spokesperson told Which publication, “As the cost of ingredients and production processes increase, it can cost us more to make our products than it used to. That said, prices don’t always increase, for example in 2021 a 200g can RRP was £2.50 and in 2022 it was £2.”
#19 I Guess I’ll Just Get One
Image credits: 0OOOOOOOOO0
#20 Thanks, I Guess I'll ... Just Wait Then?
Image credits: whyistoastsogood
#21 Maple Sugaring Spiles/Taps: Buy 4 For ~$14 Or Pay $5 More If You Want The Same Number In Only One Bag
Image credits: atridir
A spokesperson for Mars said, “The inflationary pressures being felt around the globe are well documented and sadly we are not immune to them. While we continue to absorb cost increases coming from raw materials, and retail pricing remains at the sole discretion of the retailer, regrettably we made the difficult decision to maintain the list price of our Whiskas pouches at the new size. We will always offer our high-quality pet food at the best possible value for money.”
#22 4/$5.00 Or A 4 Pack For $5.38
Image credits: colonels1020
#23 Wow, That’s A Nice Deal
Image credits: lia421
#24 [follow Up] The Sasuage Biscuit ($1.49) Is Still Cheaper Than The Biscuit ($1.89)
Image credits: 751assets
Whether it's inflation or simply a mathematical error, it's always better to check the prices on deals before making a purchase. So next time you're tempted to overlook the fine print, remember: you might end up paying the stupid tax. Tell us if you have ever made a “stupid” purchase. How much did it cost you?
#25 12x Monthly Payments Are Cheaper Than All Annual Memberships
Image credits: limbago
#26 West Elm, 2 For $23 Or 1 For $10. Hmmmm
Image credits: slaywacher
#27 Buy Two For More!
Image credits: Manufactured1986
#28 Getting A Meal + Drink Is Cheaper Than Without The Drink
Image credits: matthewmspace
#29 Pay More For Four
Image credits: rocketship92
#30 A Glitch Or Incentive To Buy The Meal, You Decide
Image credits: ajwest927
