# A Thread In Which We Call Out Ripoff Products **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [January 23, 2018, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-in-which-we-call-out-ripoff-products/807270 "2018-01-23T04:11:38Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![gigi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a587f6/32.png) [@gigi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gigi)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2018, 5:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-in-which-we-call-out-ripoff-products/807270/61 "2018-01-24T05:41:17Z")
> [@Grumbacher\_Red](#): > > Not really, I recall older plastic tubes being much more pliable. I dunno, maybe I am wrong, but I get a sense of a double wall on some of these newer tube designs, and just like the other beauty products, I suspect it is a way to give us less while charging more. And I just threw one away not too long ago, too. :mad: I took one for the team and cut off the end of a new Crest ProHealth. Well, it’s really the top since it’s a tube that stands on a big base/flip top head. Sure enough, there was 1.25 inches of air above the toothpaste. I have pix on photobucket but it’s being cranky. ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2018, 6:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-in-which-we-call-out-ripoff-products/807270/62 "2018-01-24T06:06:52Z")
> [@BobBitchin](#): > > Levi’s!!! > > In the late 80’s early 90’s ( last time I had name brand clothes money) Levi’s 501’s we’re the standard. > > I bought some in the last 10 years…I thought they were women’s slacks. > They were cut all wrong and made from a blue material that does NOT resemble denim in feel or structure. > > I hear there is some kind of custom shop at Levi’s and you can still get real shrink to fit, non prewashed jeans like the old days…for a price.:mad: It seems the sizes of every variety of Levi’s are totally different. If a 501 of a certain size fits you, a 505 of that size won’t. And the dyes are different even within one variety. I don’t have that strong a preference so I take whatever fits and won’t bankrupt me, but it didn’t used to be this way. ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2018, 6:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-in-which-we-call-out-ripoff-products/807270/63 "2018-01-24T06:10:08Z")
> [@brujaja](#): > > Have you bought a TV dinner lately? Recently I got an out-of-season craving for a turkey dinner. (I cook from scratch most nights, but everyone eats convenience food sometimes.) A turkey TV dinner used to be actual slices of roast turkey. Sure, the stuffing was nothing more than reconstituted cubes of white bread, but the gravy was good and the portion was decent. Now you get a couple tiny pieces of “turkey loaf,” which is completely unsatisfying if you crave roast turkey. There are barely any bread cubes, barely any “gravy,” and you are supposed to believe that a tablespoon of red goo is some kind of “dessert.” It is worse than hospital food, worse than airline food, worse than school cafeteria food; and the whole thing amounts to the volume of one appetizer from a “nouvelle cuisine” restaurant that you split with a dinner date. And they want six or seven dollars for it. It’s insulting. What brand? When I was a kid Swanson’s was the only game in town, but the last time I bought one, the “Hungry Man” dinner was smaller than the normal ones back then. And worse. I suppose with the vast quantity of stick it in the microwave dinners available, no one under 70 buys these things any more. Fond memories, which I don’t want to ruin by trying to eat one now. ---
**Author:** ![eschereal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschereal/32/18939_2.png) [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2018, 7:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-in-which-we-call-out-ripoff-products/807270/64 "2018-01-24T07:25:08Z")
> [@DrCube](#): > > You actually don’t need toothpaste at all. I asked my dentist about this and she[sup]\*[/sup] said, “Umm. Well, uh …” So I brush with water. \*I will only ever go to a woman dentist because I _expect_ pain from women. ---
**Author:** ![Egnu\_Cledge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/34f0e0/32.png) [@Egnu\_Cledge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Egnu_Cledge)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2018, 7:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-in-which-we-call-out-ripoff-products/807270/65 "2018-01-24T07:38:19Z")
McDonald’s chicken nuggets. Sure, they were always junk, but they used to be very satisfying junk. I hadn’t had any in years when I recently came down with a hankering for them. What used to be a divine mixture of fluffy chicken “meat” and thick, crispy breading is now half as thick, chewy, and rather soggy. Apparently, this was meant to be a “healthy” makeover. Boo. Who ever went to McDonald’s to eat healthy? ---
**Author:** ![Grumbacher\_Red](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/85e7bf/32.png) [@Grumbacher\_Red](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grumbacher_Red)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2018, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-in-which-we-call-out-ripoff-products/807270/66 "2018-01-24T13:13:27Z")
> [@gigi](#): > > I took one for the team and cut off the end of a new Crest ProHealth. Well, it’s really the top since it’s a tube that stands on a big base/flip top head. Sure enough, there was 1.25 inches of air above the toothpaste. I have pix on photobucket but it’s being cranky. You’re the best! And dammit I knew it!!! 😛 Ripoff. :mad: ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2018, 1:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-in-which-we-call-out-ripoff-products/807270/67 "2018-01-24T13:56:12Z")
> [@Biotop](#): > > I don’t think the labelling on paper towels makes a whole lot of mathematical sense. “6 = 12?” What does that even mean? What is the standard? Do they even sell the 1=1 to compare size and pricing? Why not make just one giant paper towel roll where 1 =12? Think of how much would be saved in cardboard tubing then! > > I believe this labelling is misleading and an excuse to charge more. This. It is a scheme to hide the rising cost of paper products from you and is meant to confuse the consumer. Me, I’m calling out the Swiffer, P&G’s ingenious way to monetize mopping. At $.34/sheet, the Swiffer now allows you to pay good money for the convenience of not getting your hands wet, is good for, maybe, 1/3rd a room, and to do my entire house with those things results in an outlay of $4. No thanks. ---
**Author:** ![Slash1972](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slash1972/32/6461_2.png) [@Slash1972](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slash1972)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2018, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-in-which-we-call-out-ripoff-products/807270/68 "2018-01-24T14:31:43Z")
> [@JohnT](#): > > This. It is a scheme to hide the rising cost of paper products from you and is meant to confuse the consumer. > > Me, I’m calling out the Swiffer, P&G’s ingenious way to monetize mopping. At $.34/sheet, the Swiffer now allows you to pay good money for the convenience of not getting your hands wet, is good for, maybe, 1/3rd a room, and to do my entire house with those things results in an outlay of $4. > > No thanks. I think the Swiffer is pretty great. I have a small kitchen and 1 sheet works great. Takes about 5 minutes to mop around. ---
**Author:** ![gigi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a587f6/32.png) [@gigi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gigi)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2018, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-in-which-we-call-out-ripoff-products/807270/69 "2018-01-24T14:34:45Z")
> [@Egnu\_Cledge](#): > > McDonald’s chicken nuggets. Sure, they were always junk, but they used to be very satisfying junk. I hadn’t had any in years when I recently came down with a hankering for them. What used to be a divine mixture of fluffy chicken “meat” and thick, crispy breading is now half as thick, chewy, and rather soggy. Apparently, this was meant to be a “healthy” makeover. Boo. Who ever went to McDonald’s to eat healthy? I’m still mourning the loss of the dark meat version which was replaced with white some years ago. ---
**Author:** ![gigi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a587f6/32.png) [@gigi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gigi)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2018, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-in-which-we-call-out-ripoff-products/807270/70 "2018-01-24T14:40:55Z")
> [@gigi](#): > > I took one for the team and cut off the end of a new Crest ProHealth. Well, it’s really the top since it’s a tube that stands on a big base/flip top head. Sure enough, there was 1.25 inches of air above the toothpaste. I have pix on photobucket but it’s being cranky. Try this, but apologies in advance if a bunch of ads come up. Photobucket didn’t used to be this painful to use. > **[Photo Storage](https://s1283.photobucket.com/user/winowin1/media/C883DB33-3C01-406B-B6A4-E77DD5567451_zps3is5csop.jpeg.html?o=0)** > > Store your photos and videos online with secure storage from Photobucket. Available on iOS, Android and desktop. Securely backup your memories and sign up today! > **[Photo Storage](https://s1283.photobucket.com/user/winowin1/media/D563E8A0-F54C-4DE9-B8D6-4AFF8EBE5581_zpsj97muugu.jpeg.html?o=1)** > > Store your photos and videos online with secure storage from Photobucket. Available on iOS, Android and desktop. Securely backup your memories and sign up today! > [@eschereal](#): > > I asked my dentist about this and she\* said, “Umm. Well, uh …” So I brush with water. I’ve thought about brushing with Listerine and saving a step. ---
**Author:** ![Grumbacher\_Red](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/85e7bf/32.png) [@Grumbacher\_Red](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grumbacher_Red)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2018, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-in-which-we-call-out-ripoff-products/807270/71 "2018-01-24T14:42:29Z")
> [@JohnT](#): > > Me, I’m calling out the Swiffer, P&G’s ingenious way to monetize mopping. At $.34/sheet, the Swiffer now allows you to pay good money for the convenience of not getting your hands wet, is good for, maybe, 1/3rd a room, and to do my entire house with those things results in an outlay of $4. > > No thanks. Good one! Swiffers are good for spot cleaning and quick once overs, but nothing beats getting down on your hands and knees with a bucket and a rag every now and again when things need a good cleaning. Swiffer cannot get your baseboards clean nor can it get into corners. Cleaning is messy, and gadgets can come in handy sometimes, but there is no substitute for your 2 hands and elbow grease. ---
**Author:** ![gigi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a587f6/32.png) [@gigi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gigi)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2018, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-in-which-we-call-out-ripoff-products/807270/72 "2018-01-24T14:44:59Z")
Unless maybe my Shark steam mop 🙂 I dry Swiffer and then wet Swiffer to get what I can off, and then use the steam mop to finish it off. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2018, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-in-which-we-call-out-ripoff-products/807270/73 "2018-01-24T14:45:53Z")
> [@gigi](#): > > Try this, but apologies in advance if a bunch of ads come up. Photobucket didn’t used to be this painful to use. > > [Photo Storage](http://s1283.photobucket.com/user/winowin1/media/C883DB33-3C01-406B-B6A4-E77DD5567451_zps3is5csop.jpeg.html?o=0) > > [Photo Storage](http://s1283.photobucket.com/user/winowin1/media/D563E8A0-F54C-4DE9-B8D6-4AFF8EBE5581_zpsj97muugu.jpeg.html?o=1) > > I’ve thought about brushing with Listerine and saving a step. If you haven’t paid their $400 yearly ransom, your pics won’t show up. ---
**Author:** ![gigi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a587f6/32.png) [@gigi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gigi)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2018, 2:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-in-which-we-call-out-ripoff-products/807270/74 "2018-01-24T14:50:05Z")
Crap. ---
**Author:** ![Clothahump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/51bf81/32.png) [@Clothahump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Clothahump)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2018, 2:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-in-which-we-call-out-ripoff-products/807270/75 "2018-01-24T14:57:58Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > We found her text books digitally online for the most part. But the prerequisite for the course is owning a hard copy. Ridiculous and stupid. She invariably uses the digital version on her lap top. She had a maths course last semester, the book was almost $300, it came with a workbook, they never used the workbook. Stupid University! By any chance, did the prof teaching the course happen to be the author of the textbook? Can you say royalty ripoff? ---
**Author:** ![Grumbacher\_Red](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/85e7bf/32.png) [@Grumbacher\_Red](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grumbacher_Red)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2018, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-in-which-we-call-out-ripoff-products/807270/76 "2018-01-24T15:04:17Z")
> [@gigi](#): > > Crap. I can’t see the pics, but I totally believe you! ---
**Author:** ![Inner\_Stickler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inner_stickler/32/318_2.png) [@Inner\_Stickler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inner_Stickler)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2018, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-in-which-we-call-out-ripoff-products/807270/77 "2018-01-24T15:04:23Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > If you haven’t paid their $400 yearly ransom, your pics won’t show up. I was able to see them but yeah, I would recommend something like imgur for pic hosting. Loads faster too, in my opinion. ---
**Author:** ![TRC4941](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trc4941/32/6792_2.png) [@TRC4941](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TRC4941)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2018, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-in-which-we-call-out-ripoff-products/807270/78 "2018-01-24T15:35:22Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > While on the topic of toothpaste rip-offs: > > 1. Your teeth are not supposed to be white, they are more of a ivory color. Teeth whiteners can damage your teth. > > [http://www.sciencefocus.com/qa/are-yellow-teeth-stronger](http://www.sciencefocus.com/qa/are-yellow-teeth-stronger) > [http://www.dentist-gladstone.com.au/teeth-not-perfectly-white-dont-feel-embarrassed-its-normal/93/](http://www.dentist-gladstone.com.au/teeth-not-perfectly-white-dont-feel-embarrassed-its-normal/93/) > > 1. You only need a amount of toothpaste the size of a pea. Decades of Toothpaste ads have shown the paste covering the brush and often then some. They are trying to get you to waste their product. Thank you! I’ve mentioned on another thread how I think this “new” fad of teeth whitening is ridiculous. It looks fake - like plastic teeth. Clean, healthy teeth - yes, bright white chicklet teeth - no. ---
**Author:** ![bibliophage](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bibliophage/32/7615_2.png) [@bibliophage](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bibliophage)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2018, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-in-which-we-call-out-ripoff-products/807270/79 "2018-01-24T17:06:01Z")
Laundry detergent is the first thing that came to mind. If you read the label carefully and look at the cap carefully you’ll probably find that you’re only supposed to use about half a capful or less of detergent per large load. They make the caps big on purpose, hoping you’ll use a full cap of detergent every time. They also make the fill-line markings on the cap hard to read, often white markings on a white cap. If you’re over 40 you don’t stand a chance of seeing them in less than perfect lighting conditions. Using more detergent than you need won’t get your clothes cleaner but can lead to incomplete rinsing which may irritate your skin, cause dingy clothing, and weaken the clothing fibers. ---
**Author:** ![california\_jobcase](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9d8465/32.png) [@california\_jobcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/california_jobcase)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2018, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-in-which-we-call-out-ripoff-products/807270/80 "2018-01-24T17:40:07Z")
> [@scr4](#): > > I wonder what happened to the lawsuit against McCormick? They started [putting 1.5 oz of black pepper](https://consumerist.com/2015/06/10/watkins-sues-mccormick-over-pepper-makes-federal-case-out-of-grocery-shrink-ray/) in the same size container that used to contain 2 oz. They changed the label to update the quantity, but otherwise the tin looked exactly the same. Any spice with the names Durkee, McCormick or French’s is going to be a ripoff. Head over to the Hispanic foods aisle and get what you need for less than half-price, usually. For example, I wanted nutmeg, and the tiny jar from Durkee was $4.69. A jar of nutmeg three times the size was $1.99 in the Hispanic section, _ **and this was at a Publix!** _ For the common ones such as black pepper, garlic and onion powder, etc., most supermarket store brands are a much better buy than McCormick et al. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-in-which-we-call-out-ripoff-products/807270.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-in-which-we-call-out-ripoff-products/807270.md?page=5)