I bought new heads for my Oral B electric toothbrush. What I thought were four toothbrush heads were priced at $24. Four will last a year. That is ok.
Note the packaging. Designed in Germany. Well I bet they aren't made in Germany, and sure enough, made in China. Do you see on the packaging what I didn't see? But that is ok.
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I think Oral B is owned by the Germany company, Braun. It is. That is ok.
But is it really? No, it is owned by the monster company Proctor and Gamble, with individual and institutional share market investors. But that is ok.
The time arrived to put on a new toothbrush head. Damned hard plastic packaging. I needed scissors, and still risky to my thin skin. I was careful, so that was ok.
What I initially saw was the two heads on one side, as I expected, so that was ok.
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This is very deceptive packaging, and most certainly not ok. I bought a new electric razor today, the fourth in my lifetime, although my first was inherited from my grandfather. It was interesting in that while it was plugged into an electric socket, it wouldn't start until you flicked a small inbuilt wheel. Has anyone ever experienced a device from perhaps the 1960s that worked like that? Could it have been a safety feature?
Now, go back and look at the first photo and below the 100%, you can see it indicates three brush heads. But do you see that when you are buying? As I was buying my new razor today, I checked the toothbrush heads, and they are the same, with only three heads when the packaging seems to be four.
Will I complain to Braun? You betcha. And maybe to whoever deals with deceptive conduct by companies.
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Shrinkflation.
ReplyDeletePixie, in a rather dramatic manner.
DeleteSneaky blighters.
ReplyDeleteJayCee, and I'd like to see them blighted.
DeleteYou should be able to get 5 for $25 on Amazon free delivery too
ReplyDeleteThanks Anon, but they last so long, I am not worried about the cost, but what I consider deception.
DeleteA nightmare from an electric tooth brush
ReplyDeleteThat could make a horror movie, Roentare.
DeleteLast time I ordered oral B toothbrush heads I picked a small supplier thinking why not, they'll appreciate the business. It took ages to arrive all complete and in order-- from a tiny Pacific island I never heard of. The stamps were lovely. So I expect it made someone's day.
ReplyDeleteBoud, that's an interesting experience. I prefer to shop in person unless it is large purchase with significant savings. Australian retailers seemed to have realise that there are people than me, and the price gap is much less than it was in the early days of online shopping.
DeleteI usually buy toothbrushes singularly.
ReplyDeleteKirk, do you mean the heads for electric brushes? There is a change they are no more expensive.
DeleteI think electric toothbrushes should be banned. We all have sufficient energy in our arms to wield simple toothbrushes. I believe in the conservation of electricity - not wasting it with unnecessary gadgets promoted by profit hungry corporations.
ReplyDeleteYP, my right arm is still very strong. The first time I used an electric brush, I was sold on it. My teeth felt like I had just had a dental clean. Try it. Use Shirley's if she has one. Or any of children's. Just don't tell them.
DeleteI tried an electric toothbrush only once and the vibration affected every nerve in teeth and gums, I had face ache for hours. Never again, I just buy ordinary toothbrushes now.
DeleteGo get em!!!! I hate deceptive advertisers. Greedy fucks.
ReplyDeleteStrayer, I have. We shall see what reply I receive.
DeletePackage symbol is 3 heads, Andrew. Deceiving though through the packet.
ReplyDeleteSafely measure I guess with the older razor, wouldn't want to have plugged it in and off it goes..lol :)
Margaret, I didn't notice the three symbols at the time. I believe it is deceptive, although I would have bought them even if I knew it was three.
DeleteThat is quite true about the old razor. It worked kind of like an on button.
Of course I see that when buying! I check everything and the symbol next to the 3 clearly shows three heads as Margaret D says. You can still make them last a full year, simply use each one four months instead of three. By the way, I think that "switch every three months" instruction is a con perpetrated by dentists and the brush companies to make more money for their CEOs who (god forbid) can't go without just one more super yacht. If you don't press hard and splay the bristles and brush will last a lot longer than they say it will and still be effective.
ReplyDeleteRiver, I use them until the begin to look a bit a shaggy. I take 'switch every three months' like I take 'best before' dates. Today's yoghurt was only a week past 'best before'.
DeleteFeels deeply unfair to fool one's patrons exclamation!
ReplyDeleteCloudia, yes, it is not about price or quantity, but deception, and I felt deceived.
DeleteI don't know why the brush heads are packed so impenetrably securely. It seems to me that they don't last as long as they used to, either.
ReplyDeleteJB, blister packs aren't they? I hate them. They are both difficult and dangerous to open. I used to buy them in a pack of three without difficult packaging. I am not sure about them not lasting as long.
Deletejabblog; they need to be so securely packed so that people can't rip open a pack, put the heads in their pockets and walk out of the store. Same with razor blades etc.
DeleteI bought a HUGE pack of heads from Amazon. 20 for $16.
ReplyDeleteJackie, at $16 for 20, I don't suppose it would matter if the number outlasted the toothbrush.
DeleteI mainly shop on line as I hate in person shopping. But I would have missed that tiny 3 also. But on line I wouldn't as I look at quantities closely. But these maga corporations have their claws into everything. So hard to avoid. Though I am so pleased lately when I shop on line to see the Canadian flag on so many items with a large "Made in Canada" flagging them. The US are suffering BIGLY (great word) from this dramatic product shift.
ReplyDeleteXO
WWW
WWW, I think we tend to be more careful when shopping online. I would be pleased too, to see the your flag on products. YouTube is full of clips of how badly the US has been affected by Trump but I'm not sure how trustworthy they are.
DeleteIt feels like every company is trying to fool us all with the changes in sizes and packaging. Thy think we don't notice, Andrew?
ReplyDeletePat, yes the constant shrinkflation that happens is appalling. We must be vigilant.
DeleteThere's no doubt that companies package things to make it look like we're getting more than we are -- regardless of the product!
ReplyDeleteSteve, the old line, 'There may be some settling of contents', line. The cereal box may only be half full.
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