Generics are sometimes the same or better quality than the name brands. They are almost always a better value. Sometimes, the generics are the exact same product as the name brands, they buy the product in bulk from the "name brand" producer and simply repackage it. The original producer usually disguises its appearance to protect its reputation. The original producer makes a calculation as to whether the potential loss in sales from generic competition can be offset by the increased discount sales to the generic marketers.

The advantage of the name brand is that you already know ahead of time what you're going to get and whether it and the price is acceptable. If you're willing to shop and compare, you can get some real bargains, because you're not paying for all the marketing overhead needed to push the name brand image. For some products, like gasoline, you're crazy if you shop for the name brands. It's a commodity, and highly regulated so you're getting essentially the same stuff. In fact, I always buy gasoline at the bulk gas stations, it's cheaper and they refill their tanks more frequently and therefore usually have a lower incidence of contaminated fuel. Of course, if clean restrooms are important to you...