Product downsizing isn’t a new concept, but with talk of the economy a part of almost every news program, it is certainly worth taking note of. Merriam-Webster defines downsizing as a reduction in size. Downsizing is a result of the manufacturer’s need to reduce the product to maintain their bottom line; because most consumers are price-sensitive this is the best solution for the manufacturer.

Downsizing finally became reality for me when I noticed that a bottle of name-brand dish washing soap (Palmolive) that I had recently purchased felt a little smaller than the last bottle. Sure enough when comparing the two products, the old bottle was 13oz and the new bottle was 11oz. The new bottle actually looks similar to the old bottle, as the height is the same, but the width of the product is much slimmer.

For the average consumer the reduction in size of a product probably goes undetected. It is because of downsizing and other factors that consumers should be diligent about their purchases in keeping expenses down for their family. The manufacturer is only looking out for their bottom line, and it is the consumers responsibility to look out for their family’s bottom line which can be accomplished by watching the sales and using coupons to get the lowest possible price on a product. In the end I think that the creative consumer is the one who wins by using coupons and purchasing items on sale.