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I have a very major problem in that I don't know what products are high quality. While I can see which products have a higher price, I have no idea if this translates into higher quality or not.
Not only do I seldom have enough personal experience with a brand to determine if it is high quality, there have also been numerous instances of brands dramatically cheapening the quality of their products in recent years. Tools are a classic example where the tools manufactured a few decades ago were high quality while recent manufactures are junk. I believe the latest instance I recall reading about this is the Sears Craftsman brand.
So how do you tell if a product is high quality?
It depends on what type of item you are talking about. What I do if I am not familiar with the brand or item, I will search it on Amazon because I have found the reviews on their website to be very accurate. I am actually to the point now, if the item has 4.5/5.0 stars, I won't even search for more reviews on different websites. The first time you buy a product, you are always taking some risk. If the product turns out to be good make a mental note or even write it down. Try some of their other products as well. If the product falls apart, then also make a mental note and try a different brand next time.
Also, I'd like to add - if you're unsure when you buy something new, then get the cheapest one out there or at least the cheapest that meets your minimum requirements.. then you'll figure out what additional features you'll desire over time and you look for those features the next time you go shopping for a replacement.
From people I know and their experiences, it seems that appliances/electronics are not built to last like they use to. For example, my brother's fancy LG front loader broke down 1.5 yrs into owning it. Way too many options and features that seem to be breaking down. Keep it simple, less things to break down. I guess that's why I haven't upgrade my 14 yr old washer/dryer. My step-brother spent almost $2,000 on large screen TV (forgot which brand it was) didn't last either, broke down after 3 yrs of use, while his old tube tv lasted for over a decade.
I like to buy electronics and even trusted names like Onkyo and Harman Kardon are no longer living up to their reputation from their past.
I've reached a point that I'm hesitant to buy. Used to be a time where appliances, clothing, household
goods (toasters, blenders etc...) were made in the US & made to last. Now we have parts & products
made abroad by US companies that don't last long and can't be fixed. If they can be fixed it costs more
to do that so people end up buying another new whatever......more garbage in the landfill.
There are refrigerators and stoves from the 40's and 50's that still work
I may start looking for items at Goodwill or estate sales for smaller appliances if mine should break.
We are in the process of furnishing the house after using items from the last house and IKEA for almost three years. Use your gut feeling. You generally get what you pay for. Bonded leather at a discounter versus custom built by local craftsmen. Barstools from Bed Bath & Beyond or comfortable enough for our spoilt cats? A few good pieces can carry a room. So pick your non-bargains carefully. My last purse died of old age at 20. SO found the replacement in Italy and had it shipped. Considering the price of cheap purses and their lifespan - 25$/year is not too bad for Mandarina Duck:>)
We are in the process of furnishing the house after using items from the last house and IKEA for almost three years. Use your gut feeling. You generally get what you pay for. Bonded leather at a discounter versus custom built by local craftsmen. Barstools from Bed Bath & Beyond or comfortable enough for our spoilt cats? A few good pieces can carry a room. So pick your non-bargains carefully. My last purse died of old age at 20. SO found the replacement in Italy and had it shipped. Considering the price of cheap purses and their lifespan - 25$/year is not too bad for Mandarina Duck:>)
My comments on the bolded:
I agree.. the more you spend on something, the more quality and utility you get out of it.
However, the increase in quality and utility isn't always linear in the amount of money you spend. If you compare a $100 good and a $200 good of the same class, the $200 good probably isn't twice as useful as the $100 good.
A $10000 used car is probably more reliable, in better shape, and a better ride than a $2000 car.. but definitely not 5 times as useful. If the extra features and utility of the $10,000 car does not justify paying an extra $8,000, then the $2000 car is a better deal.
I agree.. the more you spend on something, the more quality and utility you get out of it.
However, the increase in quality and utility isn't always linear in the amount of money you spend. If you compare a $100 good and a $200 good of the same class, the $200 good probably isn't twice as useful as the $100 good.
A $10000 used car is probably more reliable, in better shape, and a better ride than a $2000 car.. but definitely not 5 times as useful. If the extra features and utility of the $10,000 car does not justify paying an extra $8,000, then the $2000 car is a better deal.
You can nickel and dime everything to death - enjoyment is a big factor. Otherwise we will be back to survival mode. Where does art fit into your life?
You can nickel and dime everything to death - enjoyment is a big factor. Otherwise we will be back to survival mode. Where does art fit into your life?
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