Cheaper Vs Expensive Products

For a long time now we heard the debate of whither the cost of a product equals the quality. It is usually accompanied by the quote that ‘you get what you pay for’. From experience that is not necessarily the case. Just because a product is expensive doesn’t automatically mean it is better.

In the past (more than 20 years ago), I would say that this made more sense. Most products were well made, good quality. If you wanted to pay a little extra then you got a product that will last you longer. I even remember there was super cheap products that you wanted to avoid. Other than those even the so called cheaper products were still better quality then the so called good quality today. Back then it wasn’t uncommon for products to last more than a decade and in most cases several decades.

Now almost everything is cheaply made. The quality of the products is basically the same no matter how much you pay. Most products are made in the same factories with a different brand name placed on them. Most of the time when you pay that additional cost you are just paying extra for the brand name to be on it and not better quality. As someone once told me, these days it is all crap so try to find the one that is the least crappy.

So what do you do. I look at it as levels.

• The first level are products that are super cheap. These are usually not worth buying. They are poor quality, will break down fast and will not last long. They are also not usually worth repairing either.

• Then you have the middle ones. These products vary and will discuss it more later

• Finally, there are the very expensive products. These are good quality, last long but not affordable for most people and expensive to repair. In my opinion the high costs makes them not worth buying. Simply put the average person just can’t afford it. As for lasting longer, they usually don’t last long enough to make up for the high cost.

The middle level:

• Something to keep in mind is, just because it is a higher price doesn’t mean the quality goes up too.

• Also the more expensive products are usually also mean that it cost more to repair. Simpler is usually better and last longer.

• If the product has more moving parts and/or electrics then price goes up, repairs happen more often and parts are more expensive. Again, simple is better.

• Do cost and quality comparison. Look at the product carefully, feel it if you can. The quality might be the same Many times it is worth buying the affordably option and repairing it when you can. This option usually works just as well.

Tips for making products last longer:

• Unfortunately, as a society we don’t take care of our stuff like we use to and we don’t know how to fix things when it is needed. We live too much in a disposable society which increase cost and waste. - -Showing a little love and being gentle with your products can go a long way. I know this is obvious but it is not done as often as people think and it will help with longevity.

• Keep up with weekly maintenance and do deep clean every few months. Repair when needed

• Try to live within our means. There is nothing wrong with buying budget products, buying second hand or looking for sales. Many of these products work just fine and is how society functioned for a long time.