Followup: The shaving-cream solution

Posted at 10:33 AM on April 2, 2012 by Bob Collins (12 Comments)

Last week I posted about the way companies change packaging to make you think you're getting more than you're actually getting in their products. One example I used was a Gillette shaving cream product that doesn't dispense 13% of what you pay for.

I wrote to Gillette about this and received the following "instructions" as a response.

• Make sure the container is in an upright position and held at a slight angle.

• To increase the product's flow, rinse the nozzle well with warm water and try spraying again. Press down on the nozzle intermittently to reactivate the spray.

• To slow the product's flow, reposition your finger tip so it rests on the last one or two treads of the pad. Because of the advanced technology, only a small amount of pressure is needed to dispense the product.

I hope this is helpful.

Thanks again for taking the time to write.

---

Comments (12)

You're holding it wrong.

Posted by Mark Myers | April 2, 2012 10:47 AM

---

I don't see how they are ripping any one off... They still manufacture everything that goes into the can, they get no extra profits if you buy the can and toss it in the trash 100% or 13%.

Seems like an area where Every one is getting screwed by poor implementation of their packing, they look bad for trying to rip you off, and you don't get to use all of the product you paid for.

Though I suppose to get the can completely empty you could jump on a plane, and once you are at altitude, take a quick shave... lower pressure out side the can should help get more of the cream out... perhaps repeat the experiment in Denver...

Posted by Jon | April 2, 2012 11:12 AM

---

//I don't see how they are ripping any one off... They still manufacture everything that goes into the can, they get no extra profits if you buy the can and toss it in the trash 100% or 13%.

Sure they do. They make more money because you buy a new can of shaving cream 13% earlier than they otherwise would. It would be zero-sum game only if there were no markup for what is, essentially, soapsuds.

Also, it makes comparison shopping impossible because the price is based on the weight of the product provided. If there's a can of another product, with the same amount inside, that fully dispenses, it becomes an unfair comparison.

Posted by Bob Collins | April 2, 2012 11:37 AM

---

So, did their tips help?

Posted by joetron2030 | April 2, 2012 11:57 AM

---

I stopped using shaving cream ten years ago. The only way to not be ripped off by shaving cream companies. It's a sham. You don't need it, and in fact it's bad for your skin.

Posted by Xopher | April 2, 2012 12:50 PM

---

I think I see the problem. When you combine shaving cream with "advanced technology" these sorts of issues are bound to arise.

Posted by Drae | April 2, 2012 1:52 PM

---

I agree, Xopher. I never use it either. If I need some extra lubrication, I put a tiny amount of hair conditioner on my face. And I only shave every few days - even with longer hair, I don't need anything but hot water. The lubricating strips on my three-blade shaver are pretty nice, but I can take it when they wear out and the blade is pretty (but not very) dull. Try it for a week, guys!

Posted by Jeff | April 2, 2012 3:44 PM

---

Agreeing with Xopher up above. Ditch your shave cream and find out how to shave better.

Check out Dr. Mercola's suggestion for shaving on YouTube. My husband had a terrible time with shaving and irritation. He found Dr. Mercola's suggestions very helpful.

Posted by Sue | April 2, 2012 4:44 PM

---

I also stopped using shaving cream. If I shave right after I get out of the shower, I perceive absolutely no difference.

Posted by Kevin | April 2, 2012 9:40 PM

---

I shave with my Bowie knife. What's shaving cream?

Posted by Jim Shapiro | April 2, 2012 11:22 PM

---

I found that the $1 shaving gel from the dollar store works like a charm. It's in a plastic squeeze tube. It is a true gel so it doesn't foam but sticks very well to the skin. Also, when you can't squeeze anymore out of the hole you can cut off the end of the tube and get any remaining gel out out.

Posted by Shannon | April 3, 2012 8:30 AM

---

While thinking more upon "advanced technology" shaving cream dispensers, I couldn't help but think of Jurassic Park.

Bob, you may want to check the can for the extra weight. You might have a vile of dinosaur DNA.

Posted by Drae | April 3, 2012 8:39 AM

---

• E-mail this page
• Print this page
• Tweet this page
• Share this

Services

• Hourly Newscast
• HD Radio
• iPhone App / Mobile
• E-mail newsletters
• RSS feeds
• Podcasts
• Submit your photos
• Videos
• Weather
• Most e-mailed stories