Candy Costs 3,000 Won, Packaging 17,000 Won... "Open Your Wallet Wrong and You’ll Be Fooled" [Misguided Economy]

White Day Products Where the Packaging Costs More Than the Gift
Be a Wise Consumer:
Don’t Fall for Marketing Tricks

Editor's NoteMany people believe they are making smart financial decisions to get something better, only to find out later that they have been misled. When consumers fall for corporate marketing or make poor choices blinded by short-term gains, they are often the ones who suffer in the end. This article examines cases where people have misjudged everyday situations and made misguided economic decisions.

Following Valentine's Day (February 14), White Day (March 14) is approaching, and competition in the retail industry to generate demand through "Day Marketing" is heating up. It is worth considering whether you might be swayed by flashy, lovely packaging and cute merchandise, only to end up spending on products priced unreasonably high.

White Day Products Where Packaging Costs More Than the Contents

Ahead of White Day, on March 10, marts and convenience stores are selling dalgona products under the name "Squid Game Dalgona" for 20,000 won. As demand for dalgona, featured in the Netflix series Squid Game, has increased, it has been repackaged as a White Day gift. This dalgona can typically be purchased for 3,000 won in the market, but with the addition of a teddy bear and special packaging for White Day, the price has jumped to 20,000 won.

A product containing 12 Pepero sticks (original, crunchy, almond, and white cookie varieties) is being sold in a Doraemon lucky pouch for 28,000 won. Even considering the 2+1 promotion, the maximum cost to purchase 12 Pepero sticks is about 13,600 won. The remaining 14,400 won is essentially the price of the pouch, meaning the packaging costs more than the contents.

There are also plenty of products where a few candies or chocolates are bundled with artificial flowers and sold at exorbitant prices. A bouquet of about 20 lollipops, each costing 300 won, is priced at 8,500 won. A bouquet with six Ferrero Rocher chocolates, which amounts to 900 won per piece, is being sold for 28,000 won, while a flower basket is priced at 35,000 won.

Be a Wise Consumer and Don’t Fall for Marketing Tactics

Various set products marketed for special days are designed to make consumers believe they are getting a "deal" when buying together. However, upon closer inspection, these are not "deals" but simply paying the regular price, and if you are not careful, you could end up falling for a marketing ploy. Caution is advised.

Lee Eunhee, a professor of consumer studies at Inha University, said, "In this era of high inflation, raising prices by inflating packaging costs for various holidays is an unscrupulous marketing tactic." She added, "It is not desirable for consumers to purchase such products simply because they feel they have no choice, even when they know the products are unfairly priced. Sellers need to realize that these products will not sell if consumers refuse to buy them."

Photo by Seven Eleven

Meanwhile, ahead of White Day, convenience stores, marts, and other retailers are launching a wide array of special products.

GS25 has released products featuring popular characters such as "Monamhee," "Nya Han Namja" from Naver Webtoon, and "Maru is a Puppy" for White Day. CU has introduced White Day products in collaboration with illustrator Grimbee, the character Joguman, the emotional lifestyle brand Iyaiya & Friends, and Tinyping. Seven Eleven is also selling keyrings, mirrors, eco bags, pouches, and mouse pads featuring Hangyodong, one of the Sanrio Characters, as well as Bbangbbangi and Okji from the animation "Bbangbbangi's Daily Life."