LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) -If you could buy something that was nearly identical to what you were looking for for a fraction of the price, would you buy it? There is a hot debate happening on the topic of dupes. You can find the discussions, advice, and reviews all over social media.
WAVE News took a look at cheaper alternatives to see if it could help Make Ends Meet.
Melanie Lowe is a CouponCabin’s Expert Savings Strategist. She explained that dupe is short for a duplicate – a copy of a high-name-brand item.
“A dupe is actually a more affordable alternative to a more expensive product,” Lowe said. “The top categories for dupes through our survey are clothing, furniture, accessories and electronics. There are pretty much dupes for anything.”
It seems as if people are buying dupes for just about everything.
“79% of consumers are willing to buy a dupe as a holiday gift this year,” Lowe said.
Lowe says if you are considering buying a dupe, consider the circumstances. First finances.
“No one knows your finances better than you,” Lowe said. “When it comes to two different products, look at those products. Compare the prices.”
Second, the recipient.
“If your spouse has been asking for a designer bag for five years now, the dupe might not be the best route for you,” Lowe said. “There might be some disappointment there. Maybe you’re dealing with a Secret Santa situation with your friends. I think dupes are kind of a safe route there. I think it’s more about the thought than the gift itself.”
Dupes may have gotten a little help getting to the mainstream shopper.
“I think that dupes have become really popular, especially recently with social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok,” Lowe said. “Research what you’re buying. Like I said, read the reviews.”
Money matters little if you don’t like your dupe.
“Over 86% of shoppers who have purchased a dupe were actually disappointed,” Lowe said.
That said, one dupe doesn’t mean you won’t love another.
“51% of people thought that dupes were better than the original product,” Lowe said.
Even though dupes are already discounted, Lowe said smart shopping is still a must.
“Look into things like earning cash back,” Lowe said. “Stacking coupons on top of cash back. Don’t be afraid to make returns. You know it’s so easy to purchase a product, you don’t love it, you set it aside, and then you say I should have returned it. I should have gotten my money back.”
Dupes are not knockoffs. A dupe is similar to a designer item but does not try to be identical. A knock-off is as close to a carbon copy as it can be but its cheaper and mass-produced.
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