Women may feel when they are shopping that they are being taken to the cleaners -- literally.
A woman's shirt can be double the price to dry clean as a man's. A hair cut is 30 per cent more even if you have a short bob, and a man comes in with hair that looks like he's in a heavy metal band.
Now a new survey of products at the drug store finds everyday purchases may cost more too.
Key Points:
On a trip to the drugstore, we found that Women's Dial Body Wash was $4.77 while the men's version was only $4.27
Dry cleaning a men's shirt can cost around $2.09 while women often pay around $4.19, a difference of more than two dollars
Female shoppers should check prices closely and compare prices at different stores. Another way around paying more for women's toiletries is for women to consider getting a men's product
In the U.S., some states have explored legislation in the past to alleviate gender-bias pricing but it's hard to enforce
Price comparison chart:
Dial Body Wash:
Men's (532 ml): $4.27
Women's (532 ml): $4.77
Dry cleaning prices (shirts)
Men's: $2.09
Women's: $4.19
In the past many women have wanted to take a man with them to buy a car, over concerns they wouldn't get the same deal on their own that a man could negotiate. Of course a woman knowledgeable about the car-buying process and armed with the facts and figures should be able to get every bit as good a deal as a man. However, they may have to work on their bargaining skills and be ready to walk away if they don't get the deal they are after.
One area where women traditionally get a deal is on car insurance. When Brad and Tina turn 16 years old Tina will always get a better break on car insurance, as statistics show Brad will be more likely to speed, drive aggressively and get tickets. This has been argued as sexist but insurance companies are able to back up their claims, so women continue to enjoy lower auto insurance premiums.
In the United States some states have considered legislation to stamp out gender-biased pricing. However, even when laws are in place, they are hard to enforce. Women will have to shop wisely, consider unisex products (clothing for example - not Old Spice) and demand equal rights at the check-out!
Until then they will be spending more then men for many products and services.
