BLog #3 Virtual Shop Along

1.    Blog about where you typically purchase “conventional” vs. “natural” OTC healthcare products.  Is it the same outlet, or different—if different, why is that?  Please explain when/how you typically shop for “conventional” vs. “natural” OTC products.  How is the shopping & selection process/experience different for “conventional” vs. “natural” OTC products? (Consider how long it takes, how many options you weigh before you make a selection, if you talk to anyone or not, if you buy on deal or not, etc.)

I typically purchase both conventional and natural products in one store, I usually get most of my products in my local Rite Aid which has a large selectino of both types.  I usually shop for both products both when i specifically need something because i ran out of it and when i am doing a larger shopping trip and stocking up on other items.  in terms of selection process, i think i am a bit more thoughtful in the natural products.  i like to compare and read a bit more when deciding what natural products to pick.  i weigh more options and compare more.  i rarely talk to anyone unless approached and have a good question to ask.  i am often tempted by a good deal and will try a new product if theres a good deal.

2.    For EACH healthcare category in which you purchase/use “natural” products, explain in detail how you choose between brands using real-world examples.  Snap/post some pictures to illustrate your criteria & how you compare between options.

When choosing between brands in cough drops i look for an image/packaging that conveys to me that this product is soothing, herbal, flavorful, and doesn't taste like medicine.  looking at the ricola vs cold eeze, the ricola packaging conveys more soothing, relaxing, and will help ease my throat.  the cold eeze conveys that its more strong acting, powerful, etc.  even the packaging/image/type face tells me the cold eeze is there to fight my cold.  the cold eeze packaging has lots of wording, strong claims, clinically proven, etc.    I like that the ricola packaging says natural, herbal, etc.  i suppose i choose each one depending what im specifically interested in.  typically, i look for my cough drops to be soothing and have a nice herbal feel.  

looking at cold relief i usually choose zicam over other brands.  the zicam tells me its a "pre-cold" medicine and is preventative.  it clearly tells me righ ton the packaging that its homeopathic.  Compared to the Bioron, the zicam packaging is more interesting, has stronger promises, and seems like its tough enough to fight my cold.  the Bioron packaging looks like it isnt any special and i dont believe the claims.  Zicam is a brand I know and trust and looks like a larger, legitmate brand.

turning to vitamins and supplements, I read the packaging carefully and trust brands that I know and have experience with.  I took photos of a few probiotics.  the one i go with is natures bounty.  Its a brand I know and trust, its an experienced brand, and the have clear, easy to understand claims on the packaging.  I like that its simple and straightforward about what it is and does.  Compared tot he other brands, which have complicated and difficult to understand claims (100x survivabilty, 15 billion live cultures, 15 billion cfus, etc)

3.    Now, go on a scavenger hunt for some “natural” products that you have never used before….

a.    Look around & snap/post some pictures of products that interest you, ones that you would say are “FOR ME”.  For each, explain what specifically catches your eye.  If you were going to buy a new-to-you “natural” OTC product today, what would it be & why?

I am extremely interested in this natural cough suppressent/topical analgesic.  The packaging is soothing just looking at it and there was a way to smell the product which totally hooked me.  It smelled natural and herbal and not like medicine.  I believe that it will work as well as it claims (cough relief, 8 hours, etc) and love that it says in giant lettering that its 100% natural ingredients.  

b.    Next, please search for “natural” products you would say are “NOT FOR ME”, items that DO NOT interest you.  For each, snap/post some pictures & explain specifically why these “natural” items are not for you.

This sinus rinse solution does not intrigue me for a number of reasons.  I looks complicated from the instructions, which is a turn off.  The packaging is bland and doesn't interest me.  It doesnt' strongly tout that its natural and a great alternative to conventional products and its claims are vague and broad.

4.    Some OTC healthcare brands offer both “conventional” & “natural” products. Find an example of a brand that you think is doing this effectively.  Snap/post pictures of their items & explain why this works, what’s good about this brand offering both “conventional” & “natural” items.  If the brand is mostly known as a “conventional” brand, what value does that add?  If it’s mostly known as a “natural” brand, what value does that add?

I couldn't find or think of one brand that has both conventional and natural products.  I thought long and hard and was really perplexed that i couldnt think of one brand doing this! I think of conventional and natural products is such opposing terms that no brands overlap in my brain.  I actually even asked the pharmasict while i was at rite aid and he didn't think of any brands that specialized in both.  its an interesting question!

5.    Where in the store did you find the “natural” products you were looking at today, and does that location make sense to you—why/why not?  In your opinion, should all “natural” products be located in one, multi-category “natural” section—or should stores put “natural” products right next to “conventional” products within each healthcare category?  Be sure to explain your rationale/logic.

The rite aid i was in has a large vitamin/supplement aisle that makes sense as a seperate area.  Its clearly displayed as natural supplements and is easy to locate.  In terms of other healthcare items, the natural products are mized with the conventional products.  The natural products are not clearly differentiated, if anythin they are less prominently displayed, often on the bottom shelf.  I think it would be very beneficial if the natural products were completely seperate and would be clearer and easier to find.