May 12, 2009 4:21 pm US/Pacific
Save With Dave: Save $6100 With 'Twin Products'
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) ―
Before you reach for a brand name appliance or even makeup product consider this, a lot of companies make two different versions of a product – one expensive version and a cheaper version. They're called second labels and they can save you thousands.
What's in a name? Sometimes it's nothing but a price-point. Manufacturers often times make twin products under two different brands. The products might have some very minor differences, except when it comes to price.
Kiplinger put together a list of twin products for you to consider. Let's start with a big ticket item, a Lexus ES-350 goes for over $35,000. But did you know Lexus is owned by Toyota? A Camery is the ES-350's twin, and is even loaded with features. The Camery is $5800 cheaper than the Lexus!
We all think that $550 isn't too bad for a new Whirlpool washer, right? But Whirlpool also manufacturers 'Roper Appliances' which makes this similar washer for $200 cheaper.
A Lancome mascara costs $25. But Lancome is made by Loreal, which makes a similar mascara for $15 less.
Laurel Glenn Cabernet from Sonoma Valley even has a cheaper second-label. Buying Counterpoint Cabernet instead will save you $25 per bottle.
GAP, Old Navy and Banana Republic is all the same company. A pair of Banana Republic 'skinny jeans' sell for $90. But you can find a similar pair at Old Navy for just $25, leaving $65 in your pocket.
And again, sometimes the products are slightly different. That Roper washer for example does not come with a noise-reduction system, like the Whirlpool.
So you have to do your homework and decide whether the brand name is worth the extra money. But all those alternatives combined would save you over $6100!!
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