Virtual Shop-A-Long

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 purchase conventional products from grocery stores (Mariano's, Jewel), Target, Costco, cvs, walgreens, etc.  I purchase natural healthcare products from the Vitamin Shop, target, CVS, walgreens, GNC, Trader Joe's and Whole Foods.  They are different because Not all places where I purchase natural products sell conventional products.  The places where I buy conventional products, don't have as good of a variety of products or brands of natural products.  When I buy conventional products, it doesn't take long at all because I typically know what I'm looking for, as I've been using the products for years.  When I'm searching for natural products, it takes a bit longer because I haven't been using them for as long and sometimes look brands or reviews up online while I'm in the store.  I also talk to salespeople for recommendations.  I don't typically purchase on a deal, that won't sway my decision.  I'm willing to spend more on these types of products because they relate to my health.

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.

-  I choose between brands based on online reviews and recommendations from salespeople.  I don't typically make a decision based on anything I can illustrate, it's more about recommendations.

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?

-This particular product was recommended to me by my doctor, who I trust.  I like that it's food based and backed by my healthcare professional.

-I use this on everything - to help nourish dry skin, heal a rash, on my dog's paws and even to cook with.

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.

There were so many options here and they confused me, because I don't know that they'd be used for.

- I don't believe in things that claim to help with craving control because I don't think that they work or are effective.

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'm not familiar with brands that have both types of products.  If I were to find one, I don't think brands known for convention medicine would be as appealing with a natural line because I'd still categorize them as not being as pure or natural as brands that are only natural, only because I automatically associate them with conventional medicine.  I don't have proof that if they came out with a natural line that it would be any different from brands that are exclusively natural.

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.

-I found the natural products all over the store, which was a bit confusing because I didn't know exactly where to go because everything was mixed in.  In my opinion, all natural products should be locating in a central place but next to conventional products.  I like to compare things side by side and would only go to a particular area in the store to find these medicinal types of products.