A study reveals significant price differences for over-the-counter painkillers between physical stores and online platforms, with in-store prices nearly double. The largest discrepancy is seen in paracetamol prices at Kronans Apotek. High in-store costs are attributed to staffing and location expenses, while online competition drives prices down.
Painkillers Cost Twice as Much in Stores Compared to Online
Painkillers Cost Twice as Much in Stores Compared to Online
There are significant differences in medication prices between physical stores and the same chain's online platforms. Those purchasing painkillers in-store may pay nearly double, reports Dagens Nyheter.
The price difference for both over-the-counter painkillers and fever-reducing medications is the largest, according to a survey conducted by Prisjakt on behalf of Dagens Nyheter.
On average, prices differ by 92% between stores and online shops, according to the summary. In other words, it's almost twice as expensive to shop in-store.
The individual product with the most significant price difference is 500 milligram paracetamol from Kronans Apotek. The product costs 45 kronor in-store compared to 10 kronor online.
"Competition in e-commerce is extremely tough, which drives down prices for products sold online," writes Mickaela Borg, a spokesperson for Kronans Apotek, in an email response to the newspaper.
Staffing and Location Costs Highlighted
The reasons for higher in-store prices include high costs for store locations and the expense of employing pharmacists who can provide advice, according to the CEO of the Swedish Pharmacy Association.
"We see that customers are willing to pay for the service that is not available online," he tells DN.
At the same time, many want medications as quickly as possible when a sudden ailment occurs, which makes them willing to pay more, Wallér argues.
Consumer expert Isabella Ahmadi advises in DN to save money by ordering online but picking up in-store. This way, you get the product quickly but can pay the online price.