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9V batteries - where to get them cheap?

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1/21/2000 3:15 PM
fet	9V batteries - where to get them cheap? My local convenience store now asks $3.49 for one 9V Duracell in a bubble pack. Since all I use is an overdrive box these days, I prefer batteries to power supplies. Question: Where's the best place to get 'em cheap? Is there an Internet supplier? Thanks.

1/21/2000 3:23 PM

I probably don't know where you can get 9V batteries for the most absolutely rock-bottom price. However, the guideline I use is that if I can pay no more than around $2 per battery (for 9V alkaline), I'm doing fairly well. Also, I assume that all alkaline batteries are of similar quality and lifespan, so that brand really doesn't matter ( and most generic brands are actually relabeled Duracell, Energizer, or Rayovac -- e.g., CVS batteries are really Duracell).

I think Radio Shack sells a 4-pack for $7.99. Same thing for Sears ("Diehard"), I think.

1/22/2000 12:49 AM
Reid Kneeland	My local Home Depot has 4-packs of Energizer Alkaline 9V for 6.99. I haven't seen better. (Maybe you can get them cheaper by the case at a memberhsip/warehouse store like Sam's Club or Costco.) Reid

1/22/2000 2:13 PM

I saw a segment on a news show where they compared batteries. The test lab ran them all through the same loads and waited. They said ALL of the premium ones were very similar, and even the cheapos were similar(store brands from Walgreens, supermarkets, etc.). In fact, as they tore them apart, they said some of the store brands seemed to be made in the same factory as the premiums. The only ones they said were significantly better were the new "Ultracell" type....and they cost a bunch. Their advice was, if you wanna save money, go for the store brand.
Wonder what Eric Johnson would say about that?

1/22/2000 2:31 PM

Consumer reports did a comparison of AA, C, & D (no 9v though) batteries in their Dec.'99 issue. Here's what they found:
Energizer, Eckerd, Radio Shack Enercell, and Sears Diehard all appeared to be manufactured by the same plant. Similarly, Duracell, CVS, Rite Air, and Kirkland all appeared to be identical.

Performance amongst all the batteries was nearly identical; the worse performer was the Rayovacs but only by a hair. Kirkland batteries cost substantially less than any others (at least for AAs, .19 vs. .66 for the Duracell label).

Again, none of these were 9v, but it ought to give you an idea of what to look for. We buy 9v batteries by the case at work (for minature pH and ECG recorders) and I *think* we pay about $2 per battery for Duracells, plus shipping. If you're really interested I can look up the exact price, but my guess is that with shipping (batteries are fairly heavy) you're not going to save much if anything.

MJ

1/22/2000 2:18 PM
AMZ	Go to a Dollar General or Family Dollar store and they will have their private label batteries at much reduced prices. Prices are 2 for $1 and sometimes 3 for $1. regards, Jack

1/24/2000 6:27 PM
anon	Good deal Today at Target: 4-pack of Ray-O-Vac 9V batts - dated to use by Dec 2004 - for $6.49. Don't know how long sale will last.

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