14 of the Most Outrageously Overpriced Products

If you’re a merchant, the only way to profit is to sell stuff for more than you pay for it.

As a consumer — whether you’re sipping a martini in a swanky bar or swilling bottled water from the grocery store — you are swallowing that markup. Fortunately, you can save a lot of money simply by paying attention.

Following is a list of products with high markups, along with ways to avoid paying a premium.

1. Movie theater popcorn/candy

Concessions such as $5 tubs of popcorn and $6 boxes of gummy worms are big revenue streams for movie theaters. Since most theaters prohibit moviegoers from bringing in outside food and drinks, one way to save is to bypass concessions altogether. Try having a snack at home before you go to help you resist that fresh popcorn smell.

2. Prescription drugs

Astronomical prescription drug prices — with markups ranging from 200% to 3,000% — are enough to give patients a headache or even an ulcer. To save on prescriptions, ask your doctor about generic substitutes.

Comparison shopping is also a great idea. Check out “5 Ways I Slashed My Drug Costs up to 50%.”

3. Diamonds

Shoppers in the market for a diamond should be prepared to pay much more than the wholesale cost — as much as 200% more, according to some experts.

A diamond’s sparkle may cause shoppers to turn a blind eye to the price tag, but you can land a better deal by understanding what you’re buying and doing a lot of shopping.

4. Bottled water

Bottled water’s markup can be outrageous. Saving is simple: Drink tap water. If you’re concerned about taste or quality, use a water filtration system.

5. Eyeglass frames

Dishing out $450 for Armani frames? Fortunately, focusing on warehouse stores and the internet can help you find discounts. Check out “Is It Worth Paying More for Better Sunglasses?”

6. Soda

Order a glass of Coke when you’re dining out, and you will pay a ridiculous amount for what is essentially sugary water. Sure, you know going into a restaurant that you’re paying for the service and ambiance, too. But if you’re looking to save without sacrificing a night out, skip the extras like soda and opt for water instead.

7. Wine/Champagne

It’s not uncommon for restaurants to charge two or even three times retail for a bottle of wine. So, scan the menu for a reasonably priced bottle. Tip: Look for house wines.

8. Coffee and tea

Lattes are one of life’s little luxuries, but they can be marked up by a crazy amount. If you’re looking to save, start by turning on your coffeemaker at home and bypassing the coffee shop.

9. Bakery goods

Go to a bakery, and you could be paying a budget-busting markup for items that you can instead easily bake at home. Granted, convenience is a factor — especially for labor-intensive treats. But if you’re a big fan of homemade bread, consider spending $50 to $200 on a bread-making machine for your kitchen.

You throw in the ingredients, turn it on and walk away until it tells you it’s ready. (Your nose will also alert you!) It’s a relatively small investment to put a wide array of fresh-baked breads at your fingertips.

10. Greeting cards

Greeting cards are simple pieces of paper with a whopping markup. And that’s before factoring in so-called Hallmark holidays.

On a budget? Make your own cards — or better yet, if you have school-aged children, have them design one. This will likely amount to a more sincere gesture and will leave a lasting impression.

Or, stop by the dollar store. Greeting cards are among the “21 Things You Should Always Buy at a Dollar Store.”

11. Flowers

An orchid can cost up to $25 per stem. Add a holiday like Valentine’s Day or a wedding into the mix, and prices can surge. While disregarding flower purchases altogether isn’t always an option, shopping around for the best price is. Check out online retailers and buy in season to help cut costs.

12. Produce

Buying produce in season is the best way to find a bargain. Look for deals on grapefruit and oranges in January, asparagus in March and melons in May. Also, steer clear of precut veggies and fruit, which often have a big markup.

13. Furniture and mattresses

Furniture stores usually make a hefty margin, with big markups. Try to shop during sales, but if your timing is off, don’t be afraid to negotiate a better price. Also, take note of the product number and then search online to see if any other retailers offer a lower price.

For more tips, check out “10 Secrets to Finding Quality Secondhand Furniture.”

14. Cosmetics

It’s no secret that makeup comes with a big markup. Since most cosmetics are made from various combinations of dirt, oil, wax and fragrance, it’s surprising that shoppers pay such a premium.

But thanks to anti-aging claims and celebrity-endorsed marketing, shoppers have been breaking the bank for years to buy products they hope will make them look younger and more beautiful.

Fortunately, there are some simple ways to get more bang for your buck when purchasing beauty products. In fact, cosmetics are on the list of “7 of the Best Things to Buy at Drugstores.”