From popcorn to coffee, markups are everywhere

HADLEY, Mass. (WWLP) - Twelve times more than what you'd pay at the market, that's the markup for popcorn at the movies.  A recent MoneyTalks newsletter revealed its top 20 list of most expensive retail items, and from lattes to concession stand goodies, you’re paying too much for certain items. 

The newsletter says markups on packaged water are 40 times more than what it's worth.  Wendy Herzig of Greenfield says it won't stop her from buying it.

“No, the bottled water, I buy Poland Springs anyway because it's natural from natural springs, no matter how much that goes up. Because I don't want to drink tap water from my home,” said Herzig of Greenfield.   

And even cosmetics made the list.  From skincare products to foundation, the average markup was 78 percent.  “Everything is going up except our salaries so it's starting to get a little expensive, you go from buying $40 foundation to $8 foundation at the drug store,” said Jennifer Catt of Amherst. 

Although most items on the list were simple indulgences like lattes, bakery goods and even flowers.  Other items on the list were necessities like prescription drugs, which can see a markup of anywhere from two to thirty times more than what it took to make. 

“I think everything that we get through our doctor on our health insurance are pretty well generics, and I don't mind that as long as they are just as good, but the markups sound remarkably high,” said Pip Stromgren of Amherst. 

The newsletter says asking your doctor for free drug samples and generic prescriptions can help you save.  As far as everything else, choosing your moments to spend and not buying a latte everyday is your best bet.