4 ways women can avoid paying the 'Pink Tax'
Regardless of age, pink has remained the color most identified with the female gender. And it turns out,women pay a "pink tax" on items that are marketed for them. Also, products made and marketed to women are higher priced and sometimes not as well made. All of this makes women begin to see red.
In football, they say the best defense is a good offense, and the same can be said when shopping for the best prices. With a calculator as your playbook, here's how you avoid paying the pink tax and save money in the process.
On Toiletries
What is the difference between a three-blade pink razor and a three-blade blue razor? It's not a trick question, but when you see the difference in price, you will feel like you've been pranked. Price is the only difference in gender-based razors. Some razors may offer moisture strips and an extra blade, but you might save more by spending your money on the blue razors and a moisturizing lotion. If you use a women's shaving cream, compare that price with the price of an unscented men's shaving cream.
Don't put your calculator away just yet. Wander over to the shampoo and conditioner aisle and compare prices and sizes of shampoos marketed for women and shampoo for men. Often the biggest difference between the two, apart from the cost and size of bottle, is the fragrance. You're going to wash shampoo out and possibly use a conditioner, so is a fragrance really worth the higher cost?
Apart from items specifically marketed to menstruating women, many toiletries made for men are less expensive, come in larger quantities, and are available in unscented versions that could be used by women — including deodorant. Simply compare prices and quantity. Your time spent investigating will be well worth it.
On Hair Care
Women are quickly discovering the benefits and savings in visiting the neighborhood barbershop for a haircut instead of a higher priced, fancier hair salon. Most barbershops can easily cut short hair. Check with your selected shop if you have long hair. The barbershop may or may not do styling and colors, but for a quick trim or new bob, you might be surprised.
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On Clothing
Women's clothing may require less fabric than men's clothing — jeans, for example — but they cost a great deal more. If you're handy with a sewing machine or know a good seamstress, you can have most men's clothing tailored to fit and still save money.
On Car Maintenance
It's financially wise for women to learn how to perform basic car maintenance and emergency repairs like changing a flat tire, but it also gives women the knowledge to know when they are being overcharged at a repair shop. Many technical schools offer classes in basic car maintenance and repair.
Knowledge is power, not only when it comes to car repairs, but also in real estate, mortgages, and buying or leasing vehicles. The more you know, the smarter your choices and decisions will be, especially when it comes to avoiding a pink tax.
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