The pink price rip off: Brands charging women 7% more for same products

By Roisin Kelly-Goldsmith ·
Fact Checked
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Women have to pay more than men for similar products, a study in New York City revealed on Friday. 

The New York City Consumer Affairs department in the US compared 794 individual items with similar male and female versions. While these products available to men and women in the city were close in branding, ingredients and appearance, the study revealed a significant price gap. 

RELATED: 5 practical steps for women who want to take control of their finances

Findings from the study concluded that there was no clear reason for these products overall to cost more for the female consumer than the men’s equivalent. 

“Though there may be legitimate drivers behind some portion of the price discrepancies unearthed in this study, these higher prices are mostly unavoidable for women,” it reported. 

To summarise the results of this study, girl’s toys and accessories cost 7% more than boy’s, 4% more for children’s clothing, 8% more for adult clothing, and 13% more for personal care products.

This isn’t the first time brands have been accused of overcharging on women’s products. Earlier this year the Aussie advocacy group Getup! launched a campaign against the culture of “pink tax” in Australia. 

Tips for dodging the pink tax

- Buy men’s shaving products instead of women’s. Generally speaking, your generic home brands will charge the same for men and women’s products, but with more upmarket brands like Gillette and Schick, there can be a $2 to $3 price difference. Given that men’s razors are actually sharper anyway, save the extra dollars and opt for the blue packaging instead. 

- Go for gender neutral products and they’ll probably be much cheaper than the ladylike fragranced version, like deodorant and body wash. 

- Shop and compare prices online to make sure you’re really getting a good deal on the pink products you really like. 

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