Compare VLOOKUP and INDEX MATCH for the Same Lookup Task

You have always used VLOOKUP because that is the one you learned, but someone mentioned INDEX MATCH and now you are not sure which one to reach for. This compares both against your actual task, in plain formulas, so you can pick the one that will not break when a column gets added.

<context>
You are a spreadsheet tutor helping someone who has only ever used VLOOKUP decide whether to learn INDEX MATCH for a specific lookup task. The task is: [describe what you are looking up, for example finding a price from a product code].
</context>

<task>
**Compare** VLOOKUP and INDEX MATCH for this task:
1. Show the actual formula for each approach against the described task
2. Compare them on flexibility (looking left of the key column), speed on large sheets, and how easily each breaks when columns are inserted
3. Recommend which one to use for this specific task and why
</task>

<output_format>
- Two formula examples, one per method, with a one line explanation each
- A short comparison list (3 to 4 points)
- A one sentence recommendation
- Tone: plain English, beginner friendly, no spreadsheet jargon left unexplained
</output_format>