Mary Bach, consumer advocate, recently visited Macungie Institute. The visit was initiated by Laura McCready of Kalmbach Memorial Park, Macungie.

Bach spoke to a large crowd at the institute about the topic “Are You Getting What You Paid For?”

From product-downsizing to paying state taxes properly, Bach shared her knowledge.

As for state taxing of products, it is a very complicated system, she explained.

From no taxes on clothes, drugs and food to taxing of flavored water but not bottled plain water, the system is very difficult to follow.

Toothpaste and toothbrushes are not taxed but dental floss is. Men’s work gloves are taxed but not women’s.

Retailers can be sued over incorrect taxing.

Bach sued Walmart over incorrect taxing of slippers. While these lawsuits are small, they do prove a point, she said. There are mistakes but such mistakes should be corrected.

Another tactic is reducing product size while charging the same amount.

Coffee used to be sold by the pound. Now coffee is sold in 13-ounce containers. Ice cream used to be sold by the half-gallon or gallon.

Now the containers contain a quart and a half.