Why buying for quality products is worth it

Do you find it troublesome whenever your shoe starts to wear out? I mean like the seams are becoming undone while the bottom is quickly thinning. However, I’ve learned to be a bit wiser by getting something proven and well made for my daily use. Thus, effectively reducing my need to replace it for a longer period if time.

Whenever you are in the market to get something new. I challenge you this, spend some time on doing in-depth research before making a purchase decision. The research will well worth your time as you will be able to get something that will last and give you peace of mind. Along the way, you will also pick up enough knowledge that you can share and help your family and friends on their future buying decision.

Just ask yourself this question, “Do I want to get something that is well made and is able to last longer? Or something that needs constant upkeep, maintenance or replacing?“. No one will hope for the later but will always wish for the former.

It is a special kind of feeling to know the shoe you brought is tough and durable enough for the next 3 to 4 years. You don’t want to risk having your sole falling off when you are out hiking in your favorite weekend mountain nearby. Now, that would suck!

It has been a trained habit of mine to look for built quality when I’m out and buying. Rather than a quick fix. This way, I could save more money in the long run.

What do I mean by quality?

It will be vague to mention quality but can’t stick a definition to it. I basically mean how well it is made or how durable. For instance, if I am in the market to get myself a new comfortable walking shoe. I would definitely try my best to find high and low to get a well-made one. Something that could last more than a few years and not something I will need to change on a yearly basis.

There are people who will want to keep on changing their shoe on a yearly basis to play catch up with the changing trends of times. I am more conscious on the possible waste I am generating and whether it could last.

There are places that you can certainly donate it. Giving it to an organization that handles the recycling by which it picks up your backpack, clean it and then sell it as a used item to people that are less fortunate. Those proceeds will, in turn, be donated to people in need. There are more options on recycling that warrant a new post which I will pen in a future entry.

The best way is to find a timeless design that ages well. For instance, a good pair of denim jean can last almost forever and a good fitting 3 piece suit can be used for any occasions.

Never skimp on the quality of the things you used often, or you in for a life of frustration.

Investigate

When you have a product in mind. Do your research and the approach can be online or offline.

The best way to find out if a thing is any good is by asking someone who has used it before. Their opinions are usually better as you can poke and ask related questions regarding about it.

There are many avenues you can do your research online. For instance, you can read reviews on Amazon or any major retailer site that sell that item. People usually write a review either they are extremely satisfied with the product or hate it and do so to warn others.

My online sources are usually Reddit, personal blogs, amazon reviews, and YouTube video.

Say you are looking at “Brand X Shoe Model Y”. You can easily use Google to your advantage by doing a search“Brand X Shoe Model Y Reddit” to see if anyone is talking about it in Reddit which I think have more candid response or “Brand X Shoe Model Y review” to get a general feels in the search results or use the same keyword in YouTube to see if anyone has done a video on it.

You can apply this to any kind of product you which to buy in the future.

Also, if you want to join a community that has the same mindset. Try joining the discussion over in BIFL sub-Reddit. People always ask for a recommendation from bedsheet to kitchen blender.

PS: Although I advice you to read the review. You need to be careful as well because it can be game either by the manufacturer or seller with a large marketing budget.

A Good Reminder

Ever read or heard of this quote from Men at Arms by Terry Pratchett? I love one of the quote from the book describing quality boots versus a cheap pair.

The reason that the rich were so rich, Vimes reasoned, was because they managed to spend less money.

Take boots, for example. He earned thirty-eight dollars a month plus allowances. A really good pair of leather boots cost fifty dollars. But an affordable pair of boots, which were sort of OK for a season or two and then leaked like hell when the cardboard gave out, cost about ten dollars. Those were the kind of boots Vimes always bought and wore until the soles were so thin that he could tell where he was in Ankh-Morpork on a foggy night by the feel of the cobbles.

But the thing was that good boots lasted for years and years. A man who could afford fifty dollars had a pair of boots that’d still be keeping his feet dry in ten years’ time, while the poor man who could only afford cheap boots would have spent a hundred dollars on boots in the same time and would still have wet feet.

This was the Captain Samuel Vimes ‘Boots’ theory of socioeconomic unfairness.

Terry Pratchett, Men at Arms: The Play (Discworld Series)

Now, after reading through that small excerpt from the book. Do you know want to save up to get the $50 boots or the $10 option but replace it every year? If a $50 boot can last up to 10 years then the cost of it is basically $5 a year. In the same time frame, the cheaper option would cost $10 a year and you end up paying $100.

Of course, in reality the boots price is much more expensive but the essence of is still the same.

Be Aware

Be mindful when doing your research online and what other people write

A thing to note. A pricey product or branded product does not automatically translate quality. So, tread lightly as with anything these days. Things are usually made with cheaper materials to get better profit margins from the customer.

It is the same vice verse on cheaper item. If an item is affordable does not mean it lacks quality.

Sometimes, even you have done your research and the thing did not last as long as you think. It is always possible to get a lemon and if it is still within the exchange period. Make sure to make full use of it.

If it hasty passed. Then, just take it as a lesson and be wiser next time. Trial and error is the best teacher.

Where Can I Apply This

You can apply this knowledge into many different areas when you are out shopping for a new laptop, a phone, clothings, shoes, backpack, bed or anything things that you need to use on a daily basis.

There are times that you don’t need to buy the best version of an item when you are only using it once of twice a year. This warrant a new post differentiating the distinction.

Take Away

Save up a little more and get a better version of it as it will pay in dividends over a long period of time. Make the smart choice and go for the quality even though the initial cost might be more.

Also, make sure to take good care of the item. It will last much longer than intended rather then one that does not.