cashs_mom

There are lots of reasons for price differences, especially between US and Canada. Lots of exchange rate stuff I can't keep track of, import taxes, import costs, other taxes, blah, blah, blah. Its a bit here and there but does add up.

And there's the name brand versus off brand discussion. That can go on forever. I usually prefer name brands, but do buy off brands in some things. One thing you have to watch with herbs and spices, Joyce, is that name brands usually process correctly for the most flavor. Off brands, not so much. Processing can be expensive thus the increased cost to the consumer. I've found that difference is worth it. Same with supplements.

jbj137

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*** Big Lot in our area has spices for 99 cents/$1.00 when Grocery store is $5. or more.
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*** Ollie's $3.99 is a good place for books vs. Book stores $25. up.
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tranum

i bought spices in dollar stores and the like until I accidentally spilled a big amount of pepper on my food. I discovered it was incredibly weak so I decided then and there to pour out what spices I got there and buy elsewhere. I don't do grocery stores either. We have a health and organic store in town - they stock a large amount of bulk spices. Their chili powder is amazing and so is everything else.

orangeroom

I'm curious, what exactly were you shopping for?

tranum

20 or 22 ounce soup cup with a vented lid. Made by Corningware called "Pop In's".

JustAbitCrazy

I was really curious, too. Thanks for asking and answering.

joyce blint

In the case of the sage, both containers were top brand names

Geri B

I guess price differences in things is "competition".... I personally enjoy looking for the best price, then purchasing...a feeling of "gotcha!".

annette1952

I know it sure is crazy. It pays to shop around. Ebay amazes me with the different vendors. The prices can drastically be different. Also the shipping charges at some of the shops can be a real deal breaker.

Onebyone

Smaller discount stores buy the left overs or over stocks of the bigger stores. The Walmart and Target returns, clearanced and non restockable items go to a reseller who sells the lot to other buyers. Tuesday Morning stores gets the high end stores close outs and clearance items. Big Lots gets Tuesday Mornings closed out merchandise and the distribution continues until the items hit rock bottom in price. Food items are usually older and weaken but sellable.