Monday, December 17, 2012

Razors--Why Is Reusing the Handle More Expensive?

Trying to cut back on trash? It seemed logical to reuse the handle on a razor, but the cost incentive leans the other direction. Eight new razor heads cost $24, which comes out to $3 each.
The alternative is to buy three full razors, including handles, for $2.66 each.
At another store, the math works out about the same,
after accounting for the discount promotion for the more wasteful product.

My guess at why there's a disincentive to reduce waste is that the package of 8 heads is more valuable and therefore more often stolen, requiring that staff put each one in a magnetized box to discourage theft. One's paying not only for the extra handling but also for the percentage that are stolen.

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