Depends - if I had time, I'd get a new pack when I needed them.

If they were $3 for 2 packs, or $2 per pack, I might buy 2 packs. Even if I throw 2 per week, it's still cheaper per croissant.

Or I'd freeze the spares.

But the calculation depends on how much of my relative discretionary spend that $2 is - if my budget allows me $20 a week, I'm going to be much more concerned about waste and cost per unit than if I have $200 or $2000

What's this for? Everyone's answer depends on their indifference curves for this problem (if you want an intuitional response rather than are just asking this because you're curious). I personally would probably buy 2 packs because i'm a decadent westerner who wastes a lot and isn't sensible with money

*indifference curves and budgetary constraints

If they were really good quality but were only sold in packs of 6 I would speak with friends/neighbours and agree to share with them, then buy the requisite number of packs to satiate our needs and wants.

Buy two packs some weeks and eat a few extra croissants, and one pack on other weeks with some sort croissant alternative instead.

To clarify: in the last case, even if you take into account you throw 2 croissants away, you still spend less per croissant because of the discount. So in that case, it's all about wether you would rather throw 2 croissants away to spend relatively less but effectively waste food as part of the deal, or buy less which is relatively more expensive (again, per croissant you actually eat) but means you don't waste any food.

What I'm trying to find out is how many people would change their mind based on a cheaper second pack to make it a commercially good deal, even though they still waste food.

In other words: do you also mind waste if it's cheaper for you? Or do you get a bad feeling systematically throwing food away?

I know this problem is pretty non-existent for croissants, but it's hypothetical. I can't think of a real example.

And I forgot to mention you can only get the croissants once a week; you can't just get a pack once every 4 days or something like that.

Also, you could replace croissants with meat if you don't have a freezer or something like that, as long as it doesn't last long. I suppose croissants was a bad example since they probably last long (never tried, when we have them they're gone in 2 days :P).

Oh, you just want to know if we'd rather waste money or food? In your limited option scenario I would waste the food and save money. It would something of a no brainer.

Why are you asking about this in the first place, Steephie?

Anyway, I would buy two packs and have a friend over to share the two spare croissants.

I hate wasting food and they freeze just fine so buy two packs, throw one in the freezer immediately, and eat the other. Pull the second one out the night before you need it. For that matter, buy 3 as you may want some on the weekend too.

Sell the left over ones to your friends or neighbors, problem solved.

Anything cam be preserved in theory and have it's life extended. Even fruit cam be converted into a compote or a jam. Meat can be cooked and refrigerated or frozen. Breads freeze well.

But from a purely intellectual pursuit, share the food, don't waste it. Drop by a friends for a bite or take a couple extra to the food bank in a separate bag.

As much fun as winding up steephie can be, you could at least try to answer his question :p

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzW2ybYFboQ

Oh well, never mind... Wrong forum for this question I suppose :)

Jmo's right--save money AND be charitable. Win-win.

The math is easy, compute the cost per item based on only 10 being used. As long as it is less than the cost per with 6 being used, you are saving money per item and getting the full enjoyment. Then make a decision, is the cost of 10 items worth the added enjoyment you will get from the additional 4 versus the cost of just 6? That is a personal judgment call and depends on how much you really enjoy whatever item.

Steephie? Did you donate to the site?

I'd organise a protest and try and blacken the supplier's name until they realise that they, single handedly, are responsible for African poverty, global warming and the rise of international terrorism. Just sell us the required number of croissants, bagels and other foodstuff we need for crying pity's sake.

Steephie made a donation using the money raised from selling his unwanted croissants. Well done, Steephie.

... No comment.

And thanks Jamiet99uk :)