It turns out that many everyday drugstore products are, on average, twice as expensive in the Netherlands compared to Germany.
A recent investigation by Kassa into two major drugstore chains — Kruidvat in the Netherlands and DM in Germany — has revealed that we should all be shopping for toiletries in Germany.
A price comparison revealed that a haul consisting of 13 A-brand products would cost someone in the Netherlands €161.69. Meanwhile, this same haul would cost only €73.75 in Germany. 🫠
The 1+1 trap
Dutch drugstores are filled with 1+1 promotions, giving the impression of a charming bargain.
In reality, these deceivingly welcoming deals are just a clever way to manipulate consumers. BNVARA reports that drugstores use these promotions to create the illusion of generosity.
READ MORE | Cheapest supermarkets in the Netherlands: the ultimate guide in 2025
Consumer psychologist Liza Luesink explains, “Dutch drugstores are addicted to 1+1 offers, and so are we consumers.” Even when we know the trick, our brains will give us the green light to buy two of everything we don’t need once the word “free” is involved.
A cross-border shopping trip
For those living near the German border, shopping across the border is already a well-known money-saving hack.
READ MORE | The 19 biggest differences between Germany and the Netherlands
According to a survey by BNNVARA, 65% of 2500 respondents said they regularly shop in Germany.
Nearly 40% reported that they save more than €50 per trip.
What power do we have as consumers?
Shoppers are not passive. If you want to save money on A-brand products, there are a few strategies. 👇🏼
- Compare prices online before buying.
- Shop at discount stores.
- If you prefer in-person shopping, keep a close eye on the offers, be mindful of promotional tactics and question what “free” really means.
- Or, of course, make a quick trip to Germany and enjoy nearly 50% off on the same products.
What do you think about these price differences? Would you consider travelling to Germany for cheaper shopping? Let us know in the comments below.
“Trap”? “Charming bargain”? Perhaps, for newcomers.
After a month in the country you learn the correct interpretation of these promotions: “Buy 2, pay normal price. Or, if you are poor, buy an overpriced single pack.”
And this is why these “promotions” are morally reprehensible. They extract money from people who can’t afford to buy multipacks of everything.
So true. I go at least once a year to Germany for different reasons and always buy from DM. So much cheaper than Netherlands and more choices. Thanks for the nice article.