shopping around could save you

Worth Doing
It is human nature not to bother shopping around for less costly alternatives. We are, after all, busy and would rather just get it done! Yet we complain when we are out of pocket for something our neighbours or friends found at a lower cost—or even had fully covered by their benefit plan.
 
Consumers should be aware that cost savings are available for many products by just looking a little further. Retail prices are marked up to increase the profit margins of the retailer.
 
Markups and upselling (where the retailer suggests that you need more) apply to almost every product or service. Consumers pay hundreds of dollars out of pocket every year for services and supplies that could have been purchased for much less. Consider shopping around.
 
For example, you can find savings in the following ways:

• Check drug dispensing maximums before dropping off prescriptions, and find a pharmacy that charges less in drug dispensing fees.
• Call the dentist down the road and ask if they follow the dental fee guide. Look for a dentist that does not pressure sell unnecessary services (such as annual polishing or x-rays).
  
• Purchase factory direct CPAP supplies or custom foot orthotics at a discount online. Benefit providers will reimburse you for online purchases if you have a proper receipt.
• Have your custom orthotics refurbished for a fraction of the cost of purchasing new.
• Call local insurance providers or speak with brokers directly about insurance products.

 
The savings are out there, but we all need to do a little work to find them.
Be a wise consumer! Save your pocketbook, your benefit plan and your family by shopping around.
 
 
WORTH SHARING
In an economy of rising prices and getting less for more, let’s all do our part by shopping around for a better deal. #WEAREATA