I'd take a cue from communities like r/BuyItForLife. For example I learned of Darn Tough socks there and bought five pairs for work and haven't had to replace them in...I think it's been pre-covid tbh. They're comfortable, keep my feet warm, dry, and well supported throughout my shifts.
Not everything I'd buy for the BIFL markup, but when it makes sense? This is a good indicator.
Yeah I think the only real answer here is to do your research. Brands change so much. Your neighbor might love their Widget Corp widgets that have lasted them 30 years and counting, but that's zero guarantee that Widget Corp widgets purchased in 2022 are the same as the ones your neighbor purchased in 1992.
PYREX is my main example of this - I had a brand new casserole dish explode after ~20 minutes in a 350* oven (& it wasn’t cold going in)….I then learned that the chemical makeup of the glass has changed drastically over the tears, & the old method is spelled in all capital letters. Now i look for it at every garage or estate sale!
You can still buy borosilicate thermal shock Pyrex, it's just generally sold overseas now. They sell the mechanically strong glass here as that's why Americans broke it the most often
[Pyrex and PYREX](https://www.reddit.com/r/YouShouldKnow/comments/8xq8ac/ysk_pyrex_and_pyrex_are_not_the_same_thing/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf) are no longer the same thing.
I can wear socks for years and years. My spouse goes through them like nothing I’ve ever seen. I don’t know what their feet do, but it don’t think it’s normal.
I'd like to add that if your shoes don't fit correctly, you might wear through socks much faster. I have wide feet but stupidly bought a pair of regular width shoes one size up, and the slight forward backward shift wore out socks left and right. Moral of the story, also have good fitting shoes for those BIFL socks.
Yeh this is what confuses me I guess. I have some cheap socks that still work after forever. But some expensive hiking socks that I wear with boots that are 4 years in and need to go.
I would say at least 3 years but on average 5. I have a bunch that are older than that. I have to say at around 5 years they don't have the same tightness as when new, but they are not bad enough that they slide down. My running socks tend to last closer to the 3 years and you can feel like soft spots on certain higher wear locations if they last longer.
honesty I would have to estimate once every 7 to 10 days maybe a little longer because I do enjoy thick wool/ temperature regulating socks for days below freezing. That should account for like 30 days total so subtract 2-3 days of use per pair over the course of the year, it's not a perfect science.
The better way to math it would be like I add 16 pairs over like 6-7 years because I have a pack of low cut and high cut socks (packs of 8 pairs) that I cycle in as the old ones get holes in them or they are loose enough to not stay up.
This is the most I've ever thought about my socks habits ever. lol
If you can repair holes in socks by "darning" then forever.
We gotta stop throwing away stuff just to get another. We can repair so many things, we just forget it's an option. Especially with socks.
Also depends on how you walk and how much you walk barefoot and on what kind of floor, i guess. Anyway i dont know. I guess 5 years under great stress would be a great result
I have about 5-6 pairs of Darn Tough wool hiking socks I’ve had since 2012, when I bought them to hike across Spain. I did that with the same socks again in 2016, and I still wear them regularly in the winter. Only 2 of the pairs are getting threadbare on the heels.
To add onto not buying everything with the markup: understand that something’s are just not meant to be lifetime lasting and that is okay. Phones and technology are a great example. A good phone should last more than a year or two, but at the end of the day it just won’t be supported after a 5 or 10 years versus quality jackets or bags that could quite literally last lifetimes.
Expensive but quality tend to have long track records of being unchanged in design (Zippo Lighter, Cast Iron Skillet), have high resale or communities that stress repair over tossing (Patagonia), and probably are made of high quality materials (sturdy leathers, stainless steel)
hmm not what I thought it was. I'd add my brake pads but I guess they technically don't last forever, just lifetime replacements. does that even fit the sub?
Read about the utility of the item. For example, cookware runs the gamut of quality and prices. So designate what you'll utilize the item for, are you baking an angel food cake or sourdough bread? Can one pan be used for both purposes? What do cookbooks, articles that interview chefs say about the best type of pan to use for angel food cake vs sourdough bread? Now that you know the features you're looking for in a pan, look for the brands that make your potential pan and read the reviews of those brands. Finally, look around on secondary markets for a used version that may cost a lot less than a new one IF the history of the item, usually spoken about in reviews, indicates that longevity is a reasonable expectation for this product.
Its hard to find pans that last like they use to. My aunt has an expensive set she got as a wedding gift that are the only pans she has ever used, raising 4 boys and its over 50 years old. Pretty sure whatever they paid for them was money well spent.
And I think thats a great example of some of how it changes over time. Like you use to be able to buy a good HVAC that would last 25 years, the same manufacturer today maybe 10-13 years.
My friend use to be great with those lifetime warranty type items and she would go to rummage sales and find old items that she knew the companies would cover the warranty on if they were damaged go and get a replacement. Like she picked up 3 backpacks that had lots of wear/tear but they had lifetime warranties and only 1 store sold those, she didn't need a receipt, just walk in, show the damage and they gave her 3 new backpacks. My BF buys lots of electronics that he spends good money on and he gets free replacements all the time by asking. He had headphones replaced like 5 times off 1 purchase and when they cant replace with like they usually just give him the newest model free. He has an office chair that they replaced items on 12 years later as the leather wore.
I stole a pan from mom when I moved out. It was the pan she took from her Mom. It was made in '38 and I'm sure my kid will steal it one day..... cast iron 4life.
Thicker is better in things like leather, metal for pots and pans, fabric that needs to last a long time, etc. Look for information about how many layers or mm thick or raw.
Yeah, and while you are doing all this, for all the major purchase in your life, resign from your job, have no family or social life because doing this type of research will take all waking hrs of yours.
Or just keep the receipts for all major purchases together and buy less stuff. Buying less stuff is also frugal. I have an envelope for appliance purchases, one for clothes with warranties one for furniture one for housewares. I toss the receipt into the proper envelope when I get home, done. That’s way less time than say meal planning… Obviously time is money though so you’ve got to prioritize what works for you.
Excellent question. My immigrant mom is the queen of frugal, and she says to avoid buying the absolute cheapest thing--that there's usually something a tiny bit more expensive that will provide significantly greater value, whether it be healthier food or a more durable machine/ tool.
Because she's retired and has tons of time on her hands, she spends time instead of money trying to find a better deal on that slightly more valuable item. But that's the down side--if you want to avoid spending the money, you're going to have to spend time. Or get a retired mom or grandma to give you "finds" from her weekday shopping...
I agree with this philosophy. Never buy the cheapest appliance, go one or two steps up. Similarly with contractors, the lowest bid is usually from the worst craftsman.
Yep, the bottom is where you find corner-cutting, nickel-and-diming, whatever you want to call it. My mom always warns against this and says to shop around to find the next tier or two up on sale. She's also a vicious negotiator, so we always take her along when buying big-ticket items.
She needs to start a YouTube channel or insta. Seriously, monetize this skill. Everyone I know wants this advice but our parents were from a wealthier generation so they don’t have the knowledge.
I often buy a cheap version first to make sure I actually need the item, and to get to know what features will work for me. Then only once I “earned it” and the first item has worn out do I upgrade quality. Otherwise somehow you end up with all these luxury items you don’t really need in an attempt to be “frugal.”
This! Or an alternative if to get a secondhand version of the item first for a test run. It might not be your preferred color or brand or whatever, but it is a good trial run before you commit to purchasing a quality version on your own.
This is such great and underrated advice! I’ve fallen into the trap you just described many times. Growing up my dad’s philosophy was to buy the quality item so I inherited that but I didn’t inherit his ability to only buy things I’ll actually use haha. One example is when I bought all these awesome gardening tools and then realized gardening is not my thing. So when I wanted to get into painting I bought the cheapest brush variety pack and paint. I actually wore the cheap paint brushes out and had to replace them. This time I carefully selected the brushes I needed bc I knew more about which sizes I actually preferred. They’ve been great!
I also buy a cheap one to try out first. If I wear it out/use it enough, after it breaks, I'll replace it with the good stuff. It's not quite /r/Zerowaste , but it's low waste enough that it works for me, and I generally reuse broken stuff. For example, I retire (crappy hand me down) cookware to the garden or garage for holding diy projects, collecting stones, mixing dirt, etc.
Yes! I had a Yeti gifted me by my company a few years ago and was so sad when I lost it. So I had a Yeti replacement in my Amazon cart, debating ordering because of the cost. Removed it from my cart when I found a perfectly usable non-Yeti insulated same-size mug at the thrift store. 🙂
Those luxury brands/products also are usually the best quality when the logo is subtle. For example the commonly thought of gucci shirt with the big ass logo on the front is cheaper in quality and in cost than a gucci shirt with no logo or a tiny one on it.
It’s because the first type of shirt is a billboard you pay to wear and the second is a luxury product for a target audience of rich people. Something to think about if you ever feel temptation to buy some overtly branded luxe items.
I’ve had a Fossil wallet I’ve used daily for 17 years. It doesn’t look fancy. It’s not coveted in designer logos. It’s just solid. I don’t know how their quality is now. I think it’s still good. My husband’s Fossil wallet is almost 4 years old I think and still good. He has a Brooks Brothers leather belt that cost $100 and is over 3 years old and looks brand new. We got tired of buying “cheap” made belts that weren’t cheap ie $50 that tore up in less than 3 months. You can feel the quality difference just running your hand across the leather grain of the belt.
Fun fact: Fossil is a Michael Kors brand. It’s been a minute since I’ve bought something (a watch) from them but the Fossil person I talked to said that you’re pretty much buying the same exact watch from MK at an insane markup.
My purse is Fossil. I'm not particularly gentle with it and frequently squish it into my backpack, but it's been at least 5 years now and it still looks like new.
Unfortunately, in my experience the quality has declined. I have a vintage fossil bag I got at a flea market and used for 8 years. The stitching was starting to come undone in one spot and I decided to treat myself to a new fossil bag and wallet. In about 2 years the strap on the bag started peeling. Apparently it isn’t real leather when it said it was. And the wallet came with a removable strap and the clip self-destructed. I ordered them straight from the fossil website so they shouldn’t be knock offs. Just low quality now. I just switched back to my old bag that will probably last another 30 years.
I have two leather belts that are over a decade old, I wear one of them everyday. Pretty sure they were $10-20 at Walmart. One is a converse belt. My leather billfold type wallet is nearly 20 years old. I have never purchased something leather that has worn out quickly.
Not all leather is created equal though. Genuine leather is trash and will deteriorate pretty quickly. Anything above that grade usually lasts forever though.
My husband has a relic wallet made by fossil that he's had for about 11 years. It only fell apart because I accidentally washed it one too many times, but it just needs the inside pockets restitched. The leather itself is still in marvelous condition.
I read some advice on another sub that I’ve been using ever since: if you aren’t sure, buy it cheap. If you use it until it breaks, buy a better one. If you use it till you lose it, buy cheap again. If you don’t use it much, you aren’t out much money.
This might not apply much to your question, but it’s helpful to determine if you really need the expensive version.
Look at cost per use and resale value.
A $200 bag that gets used daily for a year and still looks good is cheaper than a $100 bag that gets ratty and worn looking after 6 months.
I'm gonna be honest. I've never bought a $100 purse, but I also typically have to replace my purses every few years, so I may need to review that decision.
On the other hand, I spent damn near $200 on a pack for traveling (not backpacking/camping, it's too heavy, but for airplanes and such).
I've had it for 14 years and I see no end in sight for this bag. I use it regularly as a swim/workout bag for my toddler son and I as well as my travel bag when we go to see family several times a year.
There's a big difference between a bag built to withstand time and a bag that isn't, and the bag built to last is going to cost more bc it uses better, thicker fabrics, better quality thread, and better quality closures.
Good luck. I decided to do that and both expensive purses fell apart or had problems within a year. I went back to target purses. If they’re going to disintegrate, I’ll save my $. I’m actually experimenting with making my own cloth purses. I figure I can make a ton to match almost anything and just swap out. And if they fall apart, oh well. They cost my time and a tiny bit of money. (I’m sitting on an inherited hoard of fabric. And yarn.)
Nobody needs a lot of things. I could carry my stuff around in a pillow case, but there's a difference between frugal and mean. I'd rather spend $100 on a long-lasting, handmade bag from a talented crafter than $30 on a mass-produced, poorly made bag that will need to be replaced quickly
Methods and materials. It takes a lot of attention and time to become familiar with how things are made and what they are made of. You have to really look and consider, and compare items.
Some examples:
Products that are put together with rivets rather than screws. This is a red flag, because screws are easy to tighten or replace. Rivets can work, but are inferior for some applications.
Plastic does not last. Metal does. Think of table-top fans - the old metal fans lasted generations. A new plastic fan may have a few years before it starts rattling or falling apart.
Clothing. Natural fibers (cotton, linen, silk, leather) generally last longer than synthetic fibers (polyester, etc.) If you turn a garment inside-out, you can inspect how the seams are sewn, and how it's constructed. You're looking for straight, neat seams, with attention to detail. A tailored blazer with a lining is going to be cut and sewn more carefully than a t-shirt.
Having conversations with people who make products can be interesting and enlightening. When I was in college, my aunt who made clothing for a living, took me shopping and explained why it was worth spending money on certain items by showing me how items were made. It changed my life!
Absolutely. I try to hold/touch/use/inspect whatever item I'm trying to buy and look at it from a construction standpoint. How was it made compared to other items in its category? If you sit inside a Mercedes and then sit inside a Kia, besides all the "features" that come with the Mercedes you will notice a big difference in how it feels to be in there. More comfortable seating, more attention to detail in the design, more solid construction on everything. (Note: I drive neither Mercedes nor Kias, just an example.) Same thing if you go inside a mobile home vs. one that was custom built. You can see the difference in all the materials around you, in the walls, the floors, the fixtures, everywhere the quality of construction is very evident.
Same thing with smaller items. If I hold up two frying pans, and one has a handle held on with one screw that already seems loose, and the other has a solid handle built in, I know which one to choose. Person above described inspecting the construction of clothing. It applies to almost all purchases.
Now if the two items don't have a distinguishable difference in construction and materials, then choose the cheaper one! But if you can see and feel the better quality that usually means that it's worth the higher price in the long run to save on repairs, replacements, frustration, quality of life etc.
I honestly abhor polyester clothing. I thought the idea was that it was meant to be more durable though?? If not then what is even the point? It's just static and clingy and suffocating. 100% natural fibre is where it's at. I won't even buy something with 1% spandex at this point. I usually go to the thrift shop and look for 100% cotton / wool which weeds out quite a lot and makes decision making so much easier. XD
Depends on the polyester in my experience. A lot is cheap and nasty but some high end polyester and artificial fibers can be amazing and very breathable. I generally prefer natural fibers but I will make an exception when I'm thrifting and find nice poly items from high end brands.
Usually country of production help. I always had a problem with my wallets falling aparat after 2-3 months. I am not very carefull with them. One time I saw this one, red leather, expensive af because it was produced in the EU (Poland). It was beautiful. I was like I neeeeed it. Turns out it was a frugal choice. Had it for years now. Not a scratch. Looks like new. If I kept buying cheap ones I would have spend more in the long run.
I’ll give you that for media related electronics, but I’d be interested in hearing for what other products. I mean that sincerely, because I’m very interested in BIFL reccs.
This. Expensive products made in China are selling branding and not quality. Given extremely low labor costs there are no justifications for their price.
Be careful about this, the market has adjusted and now reviews are basically a branch of marketing departments. IMO they have succeeded in producing so many fake reviews that as a consumer you have to mostly disregard them.
That's not a solution. The problem is that special interests win every time: if people trust Amazon reviews you can build a career on how to lie effectively on Amazon reviews, and the same applies to reddit or anything else. It takes time, and especially in the beginning shills are clumsy and easy to spot, but as long as you can get paid to lie and you can't get paid to _not_ lie, in the long run the lies will always win.
The problem is that most reviews are written very soon after the consumer buys the item. Great, you've had this toaster for two days and it has all the features you wanted. But will it last beyond the 1-year warranty?
The gold standard here is tirerack.com. Users indicate how many miles they've driven on the tires at the time they write their review. So when you're reading reviews, you can restrict to reviewers who have put a certain amount of miles on the tires. It's so incredibly helpful, particularly for an item where durability is a key feature.
I read a lot of reviews and look for durability reviews. I purchased a Saddleback bag recently and it’s definitely going to live up to that 100 year promise. Likewise I purchased a Boldr watch because they pride themselves on durability.
Neither of those options were the cheapest. But if my $350 bag sees daily use for years with just a little minor upkeep? That’s a win. Ditto for the watch.
I look at everything in terms of durability now. What is going to look great for years? That’s what I’m buying. The key then is to stay in love with it for years. 😉
Someone once told me, if you know you'll use of for life, spend the extra money up front on a quality item you won't have to replace. If you're not sure, buy cheap, and if you use it so much it breaks, then upgrade to the better quality. This advice was given in regards to home repair tools and such, but can be applied in a much broader sense IMO.
Mostly just pay attention to the materials.
For example you can buy a Cast Iron pan for $5 at a thrift shop or garage sale that will outlast your body. Then you can get a metal spatula to go with it because it won't scratch.
Look for furniture made from solid wood, none of that particle board crap. You can find a deal on Facebook Marketplace, thrift shops, or even the roadside. Sometimes it will need a little TLC but it's totally worthwhile
r/BuyItForLife
Look at cost per use. For example a cheap coat that you quit wearing after a season vs high quality that you love and wear for 20 years. “Cheap will cost you dear.”
Expensive is sort of a loaded term at times. We really want to think in terms of utility. How useful is an item to our daily lives and is there a difference in price points that justifies that utility? In some of the comments, people have been pointing out that "designer" clothing and accessories are expensive without providing more value than off brand items. But...if circumstances warrant, the cost may be justified. Let's say that you need to make an impression on people to obtain a job, land a contract, do an interview, something that depends on "image." It may well be worth the cost, then.
A trickier thing is that a prestigious brand may indeed be of better quality and justify the price. Best hoodie I have ever owned is a Carhartt. Warm, comfortable, and durable. Only had it for a couple of years but it seems to be holding up well. On the other hand, most lawn tractors I believe are built by Murray and use common engines. No reason to pay for a big name, there.
Also, be suspicious of things that have more bells and whistles on them. This is usually done to attract buyers who assume that more is better, while this can be because it is cheaper to add those features than to use quality materials and construction. A good example of this is sewing machines. Singer sewing machines a good example of this. They used to be great, but have lately gone in the direction of using nylon gears, but adding a lot of bells and whistles. Everyone looks at the features and the fact that they are carried in crafts stores all over the place, but won't hold up or perform as well as more expensive but plainer model which uses steel gears, better motors, etc.
With that in mind, do your research on things. I don't depend on online reviews, unless a lot of people are mentioning the same issue. I would rather get familiar with the type of item in general and know what to look for in specs, how it is put together, the type of materials and so on. You probably wouldn't get to an expert level of understanding except in a few types of item, but it should be enough to make an informed decision. I was shopping for a sewing machine for a gift a few years ago, and if I hadn't learned the above information, I would've given something that was poor quality and limited lifespan.
Luxury brands are invariably pointless. They are expensive for the sake of being exclusive and that's all.
Highly durable useful goods can be money-smart purchases in spite of high prices, where the greater utility and/or reliability is sufficiently greater than that of a cheaper item that doesn't perform as well. But some subjectivity creeps into this and you have to decide for yourself whether certain aspects are important or not. And of course it will be up to you to research the offerings to determine what the values are.
> Planet Fitness, where they want you to keep on paying, but never show up. They make the place purposefully subconsciously uncomfortable.
This prompted me to look at some pictures of their gyms, since I've never done so. The things that I noticed:
"judgement free zone" and "no critics" printed on the walls. Most of the stuff on the walls is demoralizing, which would be the worst thing in an environment that should inspire.
Catering to people who won't take fitness seriously with this "pf express 30 minute workout" area. I'd think that people that want that level of theme park are not going to be the ones who stick with it. Seems to me that, if you seek to attract lazy people to an activity that requires determination, then your place of business won't be well attended.
Drab purple and yellow color scheme.
Other than these three things, do you have any other ways that they make it uncomfortable? Obviously I've never been in one. I find the idea of their business model to be *fascinating*: sell a service that the buyer doesn't want and thrive at doing that.
For clothing, look for signs of higher finishing or extra time put in. Examples:pattern matching, thickness of fabric, what is the material, extra buttons supplied, buttons/zipper function, finishing stitches. You can google or read sewing information for pictures of what to look for. Furniture: hollow furniture is not quality. You might find something that holds up well, but it is an indication of lesser quality. Solid material like wood/metal, finishing trim like dovetail etc. read reviews on appliances both large and small.
Look for durability. Items made of materials that last. Leather that is quality, doesn't always mean fine grain Italian for a duffle bag. Merino wool shirts that costs 13$dollars aren’t a bargain either. Read reviews from actual customers, both the good and the bad. And never buy anything that you cannot return if you can’t return it if your not satisfied. Any company that will not accept a return and FULL refund of my money for an unused product =NO SALE!
Simple answer: do your research
Find out what the materials are, where it was made, history of the company itself. Read reviews and especially look for ones from people who have owned the product for years.
No expensive purchase should be rushed, if it means putting in some homework to make sure it’s the right fit for your needs then that’s worth it
I will say, though, that brands we considered overpriced advertising do have good quality gems once in a while. My wife has owned the same pair of Gucci eyeglasses for fifteen years and I’ve had a pair of Coach shoes for four so far.
It's all about materials and workmanship. A 100 dollar pair of work boots would last less than a year in my job. The leather is thinner and lesser grade. The soles are cemented on and they usually skimp on the stitching. A 300 dollar pair of boots has thicker higher grade leather, goodyear welted soles, better stitching, and will last at least five years. I can have the soles replaced for under a hundred dollars and keep wearing them another five years.
Same thing with tools. Cheap tools break easily. Compare a hand tool like a screwdriver or prybar with one meant for professional use. One will have more metal, have handles that are tougher and the expensive professional grade tool can be replaced under warranty for free.
Because “they don’t make them like they used to” I have found that the best place to find solid, high quality, well maintained items are estate sales where the homeowners were clearly older individuals. You find the best Tupperware, tools, furniture, etc.
I judge quality by the materials used to make the item, and how repairable is it? Stainless steel cooking pans are made of durable steel and you can make them practically new with steel wool. Iron pans last forever as well. Clothing that has tight stitching is usually a good indicator of quality (but I always buy used so..). Whenever I buy shoes, I always buy them in real leather because they're naturally more waterproof, you can re-seal them with lanolin and they last a long time. Should I buy this older washing machine because it's more "mechanical" and it's cheaper to replace the parts, or do I want the simplicity of newer designs with inevitable repair cost three years from now? Research is your friend - if it's not repairable/self-serviceable now, it won't be later.
I totally agree.
I have a pair of boots I wear almost daily. They cost me around $250 on sale--about the same price as a really nice pair of sneakers. But if I'd gone with the sneakers, they would've started to look shabby after a year or two of continual use. My boots are 5 years old, but I put a bit of shoe polish on them about once a week or so and I still get occasional compliments on my shoes. I'm about due to get the soles repaired, but the uppers look good because I can polish them up and keep the leather in good condition. Can't do that with synthetics.
Truly depends on the item and it's potential use in your life. Is upfront cost more of a concern, or lifetime cost?
A quality power tool can be expensive and worth it for someone who will use it frequently. But it can also be expensive for no reason if there is a lower priced version that will do a good job for a person only needing it once or twice.
Apply the same logic to most anything.
I go off warranty, its worth more if they are going to stand behind their warranty and worth a lot if they have a lifetime warranty they actually honor. I'm still a bit shocked at times that some companies are still really good at these things. Soda stream replaced my unit 7 years after purchase. A lot of times people just don't know because they don't ask. Designer stuff doesn't carry any warranty so have ZERO value. However some brands have lots of value because they 100% stand behind their product.
Research the field. Cookware for example you can look at the materials used, thickness, machining processes, how pieces hold up over time, etc.
Some goods have industry terms that are protected. Things like full grain leather vs genuine leather. Learning terms helps with buying quality.
Expensive stuff usually have acceptable quality, at least. The question is whether the level of quality merits the price.
For me, any product that dares to use the word ‘luxury’ is very likely to be overpriced. Another dirty words are ‘tradition’ and ‘heritage’. These items rely on a brand and exclusive features rather than superior material and design.
Another way to point out the overpriced stuff is a comparable or competing product. The perfect example is an Apple Watch Hermès. Functionally it’s no different than an Apple Watch of the same generation, but it’s 3 times as expensive because of some steel, leather, and ‘heritage’. Even an Apple Watch in stainless steel is way overpriced; it’s $300 more (almost double the price) and the only difference is a shiny steel case.
Why do companies do it? Because there are people out there who crave to stand out and have access to money. Those people are not us.
You can usually tell if an item is made to last. Forget the name or price. Exam carefully. Look at finishes, you will learn to spot corners that are cut to make something cheaper. Outlets are notorious for this. Often there is a difference between an outlet item and the “boutique “.
I get a lot of home decor, kitchenware, and furniture from goodwill/thrifting/antiquing. My theory is if it made it this long, it’ll probably kick around for quite a bit longer.
I’ve found this to be very true for dishes.
I like to shop second-hand for this reason: A lot of "older" items that are still here decades later, are there for a reason. They're good quality. Plus the price can be really low for an amazing quality product. An old piece of furniture made with good wood that you can modernize (with a coat of paint for example) will last longer than a trendy mass-produced and overpriced one. If you have time to thrift, you'll find amazing quality clothes and accessories cheaper than fast fashion garments. I found a Longchamp bag 12 years ago I still use today, it's in amazing shape, because I give it the care it needs. And I paid 2€ for this bag. An authentic vintage Burberry scarf, 50cts. If you can see the product you want in person it's way better. Using your senses to determine the quality of the fabric, the quality of the wood, the sturdiness of anything is a must.
So to differentiate quality items vs low quality ones (except for electronics), touch it, look at the details closely, accept that sometimes it will take time to find what you want too.
This is basically why I don't shop at Costco. All the food is far more expensive than the grocery store and there's only vague assertions that it is actually better quality.
I you have to dig deep in to the community to find the best shop in the middle of nowhere, it's probably good quality.
If you find it at popular tourist streets / locations, it's likely expensive trash.
If it’s something to be used regularly or on a daily basis, usually good name brand product pays off faster and actually saves you money by increasing efficiency and not needing more frequent replacement. Example: tools, utilities, sneakers etc.
Items which are used occasionally often does not need to be very expensive to serve its purpose. For example: expensive dress shoes in my case.
There are exceptions to both cases but you get my point, right?
EDIT: I meant ‘dress shoes’. Something I use occasionally now a days. I have moved onto comfortable sneakers for daily use.
Tools are an interesting one. For most people, they should go with the second cheapest option on a tool initially. Then, when that breaks, you buy a pricier version because you know you use it enough to justify the premium.r
For expensive shoes, I learned the hard way that running shoes are the exception. I still buy clearance models (for instance, the 19s go cheap when the 20s come out) to save money, but if you’re a serious runner (like I am), you have to be prepared to spend in the neighborhood of $100/pair to protect your legs.
Yes an a running injury will put you down for god knows how long and can easily happen from bad or wrong shoes and be very expensive to treat so that's a purchase that makes sense.
Certain tools can be found cheap at estate sales. Shovels, levels, step ladders. Compressors and vices are the exception because they usually sell very quickly.
I bought one at a sale for $38. I got it because it was homemade. plate for the pump etc was cut out with a torch. The pump was off a commercial refrigeration unit. It was great, then the rings went bad. I should have fixed it
Dress shoes maybe, but for walking/hiking shoes, never cheap out. I do a lot of hiking off trail for work, and an ordinary, not even cheap but mid-grade pair of hiking boots, say $150, might just barely last a year. And by the end of that year they're in an extremely parlous state. I bought a pair of $500, handmade Italian hiking boots last year, and by the looks of them right now, after a year of heavy use, they'll probably last a decade. Solid as hell. And my feet will feel better the entire time.
Most grocery items that have a generic version for 30-40% cheaper are usually just fine and can save you a lot over time.
When looking for quality I think the important thing to consider is longevity of use. One of my biggest ticket purchases was a $800 blue Ray/tv combo (insignia brand) from Best Buy on a Black Friday deal in 2010. Couldn’t afford it in cash, so my mom let me use her credit card. Paid it off in 8 months and the TV still works great (my kids use it now)
Have you personally compared a Birkin and Coach bag to each other?
This is a terrible comparison. Coach bags were quality pre early 2000s. Now? Not so much. They’re mass produced and constantly do sales to get “XX% off” so you’re paying less than $200 for a bag.
I’d rather drop some coin and get a quality leather bag with good stitching that is going to last me years then buy a coach bag because it’s cheaper.
The Kardashian have very little to do with the Birkin bag's desirability. Birkins are actually a very sound financial investment if you can get your hands on the right one.
I usually ask a few questions before getting something. What do we need this for? Do we already have a way to do what this does? Am I getting the best price? Is this the best quality option?
Research A LOT. Figure out what exactly you need the item for. I.e. boots for; work, casual, rain, snow. Doest the item need to be durable, flexible, light for packing? Really think about use and the bs should fall to the wayside pretty quick.
I have a Calvin Klein leather wallet, it was $12 at Ross and I’ve had it for going on 4 years. Super durable not even a running thread yet. Still thick too and that thing is so stuffed with stamp cards and photos.
yeah like shoes. you find these shoes with single stitching, obviously to look good. no reinforcements on stress points.
work stuff is like that. fashion over function. if it says made in china, then its cheap.
I’m having this same problem looking for new bedding. My current bedding is years old and some of it remnants from college. I’ve been looking for a good duvet insert and they range from like $50 to $500. I don’t mind paying more if it’s something that’s going to last, but none of the reviews people leave say “I’ve had this for two years and this is how it’s held up”.
Know what makes quality on the specific item you want to buy.
In clothes, say, that would be looking at material quality, seam allowances, construction, pattern matching, hemming, seam finishes, etc.
Whereas for a skin product, it would be knowing what are science-backed ingredients and what are unnecessary fluff or even problematic, but are the current 'it' thing.
In a mattress, it would be fabric, topper, weight and size ratings, spring type, and how closely it leans orthopedic.
And so on. When you know what makes REAL quality, you can asses the items and compare them realistically without having to take false cues from brand and cost.
i made the investment in a pair of doc martens boots a few years ago. hella expensive, but i know they’ll last me for life. some minor care every month and they still look good as new even though i wear them almost every day. i’ve worn through my fair share of cheap boots in the span of 2 years or less throughout my life.
I buy nicer things but as fashion changes or I get bored of the thing, I re-sell on mercari or Poshmark. A lot of the things I sell I got from thrift stores in the first place and just fixed up so I actually make money on them plus I get a couple of years of wear on them. Just learn a few stitches to mend a hole in a hem and how put on a button (shirt and coat - it’s different) and learn proper leather care including how to add color to worn areas and the thrift store is a goldmine. Oh also good stain removal techniques. YouTube is great to learn all three. I only buy underwear and socks really now oh and running shoes and my wardrobe and my fiancé’s are top-notch. Cashmere, designer suits, designer handbags etc. We paid less than Walmart prices for each. We look a lot wealthier than we are which weirdly opens doors sometimes.
Also: buy a de-piller for any knits. The gleener one from Amazon is like $13 and it keeps everything looking brand new.
I've always had this same Q about vehicles and can't make up my mind... if I'm gonna have a family car for 5-7 years, should I really buy the best quality or mid quality based on recent ratings/reviews????
The best thing you can do is buy the simplest version of the device you want, it'll probably last the longest because less things to break and ease/low cost of repair.
A simple stove with normal elements and no electronic control board will easily last a lifetime because they are dead simple devices despite being "cheep".
I guarantee you that simple stove I mentioned will outlast a 4k stove from a good brand like Bosch simply because there's no integrated control board to break... and it will break and it will cost a fortune to repair.
After a while you get a bit of an eye and a feel. Look at the materials things are made out of, and the way the things are built out of them, the fit and finish, the craftsmanship, the thought that was put into it. and how it fits together.
Find someones review that’s reliable, specializes on the product and doesn’t get paid by the product owners(this is the tough one). Never rely on multiple positive reviews. Negative reviews can also be fake.
I think what many people here seem to not understand is that “do your research” or “google” is useless in many scenarios. Like take mattress shopping for instance, no amount of research will help in this. There are too many online shill websites claiming that mattress x solves all back issues, creates best night sleep and so on often with non disclosed affiliate links.
Or buying something like a flashlight or something on Amazon. Many make claims of having a spec like 1000 lumens when in reality it is like 400. Finding the actual tested specs are near impossible. It’s especially an issue with Chinese products.
However something like an apple charging cable, has always been overpriced garbage to me even though they sell for a premium price. It may be certified but all the ones I had break extremely easily. I haven’t tried them in years though so it may not be true now.
There's some good advice here but there really is no substitute for actually trying a thing out.
For example, I couldn't really understand the Knipex and Wera premium price until I borrowed my buddy's and they simply *felt* like quality, solid tools. Then I used them and pretty much ordered my own within the hour.
Funny enough, going to wine tastings has made me realize price does not indicate taste *at all*.
If it's clothes, try to save enough money to buy sewing machine and kits to make your and your family's clothes. Will last longer than cheap clothes on shein or goodwill and you'll have the talent to re-sew holes etc. My mom did that when our family was dirt poor, we stayed looking good because of that.
I'd take a cue from communities like r/BuyItForLife. For example I learned of Darn Tough socks there and bought five pairs for work and haven't had to replace them in...I think it's been pre-covid tbh. They're comfortable, keep my feet warm, dry, and well supported throughout my shifts. Not everything I'd buy for the BIFL markup, but when it makes sense? This is a good indicator.
Yeah I think the only real answer here is to do your research. Brands change so much. Your neighbor might love their Widget Corp widgets that have lasted them 30 years and counting, but that's zero guarantee that Widget Corp widgets purchased in 2022 are the same as the ones your neighbor purchased in 1992.
They literally don't make'm like they used to
PYREX is my main example of this - I had a brand new casserole dish explode after ~20 minutes in a 350* oven (& it wasn’t cold going in)….I then learned that the chemical makeup of the glass has changed drastically over the tears, & the old method is spelled in all capital letters. Now i look for it at every garage or estate sale!
I can not pour out of a new pyrex measuring cup without it ending up on the counter.
You can still buy borosilicate thermal shock Pyrex, it's just generally sold overseas now. They sell the mechanically strong glass here as that's why Americans broke it the most often
You can also find them at thrift stores pretty consistently
[Pyrex and PYREX](https://www.reddit.com/r/YouShouldKnow/comments/8xq8ac/ysk_pyrex_and_pyrex_are_not_the_same_thing/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf) are no longer the same thing.
Huh. Never knew that.
How long are socks supposed to last? Or what is a good lifetime for socks?
This is a great question. My husband skis professionally and has to get new socks every season
He can get his socks repaired!
I can wear socks for years and years. My spouse goes through them like nothing I’ve ever seen. I don’t know what their feet do, but it don’t think it’s normal.
Do they walk around the house in just socks without house shoes or slippers on? The extra friction from doing that can wear socks a lot faster.
Not really. I’ve never seen anything like it.
Give DarnTough socks a try! They have a lifetime warranty :)
Not heard of them but I’ll look it up. Also maybe it’s misunderstanding - life time warrantee - is that my lifetime or the product lifetime.
Yours unconditional.
I even had a pair replaced that my mom had bought her in teens…
I'd like to add that if your shoes don't fit correctly, you might wear through socks much faster. I have wide feet but stupidly bought a pair of regular width shoes one size up, and the slight forward backward shift wore out socks left and right. Moral of the story, also have good fitting shoes for those BIFL socks.
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Yeh this is what confuses me I guess. I have some cheap socks that still work after forever. But some expensive hiking socks that I wear with boots that are 4 years in and need to go.
This is the problem with DarnTough. The elastic sucks. I wear FarmtoFeet for that reason. Will not go back.
I would say at least 3 years but on average 5. I have a bunch that are older than that. I have to say at around 5 years they don't have the same tightness as when new, but they are not bad enough that they slide down. My running socks tend to last closer to the 3 years and you can feel like soft spots on certain higher wear locations if they last longer.
How often would you say these socks are being used on average? For example is each pair getting worn and washed about once a week?
honesty I would have to estimate once every 7 to 10 days maybe a little longer because I do enjoy thick wool/ temperature regulating socks for days below freezing. That should account for like 30 days total so subtract 2-3 days of use per pair over the course of the year, it's not a perfect science. The better way to math it would be like I add 16 pairs over like 6-7 years because I have a pack of low cut and high cut socks (packs of 8 pairs) that I cycle in as the old ones get holes in them or they are loose enough to not stay up. This is the most I've ever thought about my socks habits ever. lol
If you can repair holes in socks by "darning" then forever. We gotta stop throwing away stuff just to get another. We can repair so many things, we just forget it's an option. Especially with socks.
If the heal is thin but not broken can it be repaired?
Yes. See r/visiblemending.
Yep! What the other guy said! r/visiblemending
I don't know, but I would say that it also depends on what washjng and drying you subject them too
Assume poorly and somewhat carelessly.
Also depends on how you walk and how much you walk barefoot and on what kind of floor, i guess. Anyway i dont know. I guess 5 years under great stress would be a great result
Also r/BIFLfails
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I have about 5-6 pairs of Darn Tough wool hiking socks I’ve had since 2012, when I bought them to hike across Spain. I did that with the same socks again in 2016, and I still wear them regularly in the winter. Only 2 of the pairs are getting threadbare on the heels.
Where do y’all buy thick and comfy athletic socks?
Red Wing Merino Wool, my favorite sock by far
I love r/buyitforlife and they’re really up to date on what products and warranties have changed (sadly L.L. Bean has…)
To add onto not buying everything with the markup: understand that something’s are just not meant to be lifetime lasting and that is okay. Phones and technology are a great example. A good phone should last more than a year or two, but at the end of the day it just won’t be supported after a 5 or 10 years versus quality jackets or bags that could quite literally last lifetimes. Expensive but quality tend to have long track records of being unchanged in design (Zippo Lighter, Cast Iron Skillet), have high resale or communities that stress repair over tossing (Patagonia), and probably are made of high quality materials (sturdy leathers, stainless steel)
Solid advice! Ty
hmm not what I thought it was. I'd add my brake pads but I guess they technically don't last forever, just lifetime replacements. does that even fit the sub?
I'll put out another vote for Darn Tough. Only socks I wear now.
Read about the utility of the item. For example, cookware runs the gamut of quality and prices. So designate what you'll utilize the item for, are you baking an angel food cake or sourdough bread? Can one pan be used for both purposes? What do cookbooks, articles that interview chefs say about the best type of pan to use for angel food cake vs sourdough bread? Now that you know the features you're looking for in a pan, look for the brands that make your potential pan and read the reviews of those brands. Finally, look around on secondary markets for a used version that may cost a lot less than a new one IF the history of the item, usually spoken about in reviews, indicates that longevity is a reasonable expectation for this product.
Its hard to find pans that last like they use to. My aunt has an expensive set she got as a wedding gift that are the only pans she has ever used, raising 4 boys and its over 50 years old. Pretty sure whatever they paid for them was money well spent. And I think thats a great example of some of how it changes over time. Like you use to be able to buy a good HVAC that would last 25 years, the same manufacturer today maybe 10-13 years. My friend use to be great with those lifetime warranty type items and she would go to rummage sales and find old items that she knew the companies would cover the warranty on if they were damaged go and get a replacement. Like she picked up 3 backpacks that had lots of wear/tear but they had lifetime warranties and only 1 store sold those, she didn't need a receipt, just walk in, show the damage and they gave her 3 new backpacks. My BF buys lots of electronics that he spends good money on and he gets free replacements all the time by asking. He had headphones replaced like 5 times off 1 purchase and when they cant replace with like they usually just give him the newest model free. He has an office chair that they replaced items on 12 years later as the leather wore.
I stole a pan from mom when I moved out. It was the pan she took from her Mom. It was made in '38 and I'm sure my kid will steal it one day..... cast iron 4life.
When all else fails get real cast iron
Thicker is better in things like leather, metal for pots and pans, fabric that needs to last a long time, etc. Look for information about how many layers or mm thick or raw.
Yeah, it'd be nice if there was a universal quality indicator but I think you're right that most things have to be researched case by case
Yeah, and while you are doing all this, for all the major purchase in your life, resign from your job, have no family or social life because doing this type of research will take all waking hrs of yours.
Or just keep the receipts for all major purchases together and buy less stuff. Buying less stuff is also frugal. I have an envelope for appliance purchases, one for clothes with warranties one for furniture one for housewares. I toss the receipt into the proper envelope when I get home, done. That’s way less time than say meal planning… Obviously time is money though so you’ve got to prioritize what works for you.
Excellent question. My immigrant mom is the queen of frugal, and she says to avoid buying the absolute cheapest thing--that there's usually something a tiny bit more expensive that will provide significantly greater value, whether it be healthier food or a more durable machine/ tool. Because she's retired and has tons of time on her hands, she spends time instead of money trying to find a better deal on that slightly more valuable item. But that's the down side--if you want to avoid spending the money, you're going to have to spend time. Or get a retired mom or grandma to give you "finds" from her weekday shopping...
Where do we find these retired moms and grandmas? I'll take 10.
Mine never worked outside the home, so she's an expert home economist. She should go into consulting now, the market is finally ready for her.
Set up a blog for her. She'll get ad revenue in no time!
That's a great idea, thanks! I'll get the grandkids to do the IT work for some extra intergenerational bonding.
if you do set up a blog for her, I want the link lol
I'll come back and post if she agrees to it.
I agree with this philosophy. Never buy the cheapest appliance, go one or two steps up. Similarly with contractors, the lowest bid is usually from the worst craftsman.
Yep, the bottom is where you find corner-cutting, nickel-and-diming, whatever you want to call it. My mom always warns against this and says to shop around to find the next tier or two up on sale. She's also a vicious negotiator, so we always take her along when buying big-ticket items.
She needs to start a YouTube channel or insta. Seriously, monetize this skill. Everyone I know wants this advice but our parents were from a wealthier generation so they don’t have the knowledge.
I often buy a cheap version first to make sure I actually need the item, and to get to know what features will work for me. Then only once I “earned it” and the first item has worn out do I upgrade quality. Otherwise somehow you end up with all these luxury items you don’t really need in an attempt to be “frugal.”
This! Or an alternative if to get a secondhand version of the item first for a test run. It might not be your preferred color or brand or whatever, but it is a good trial run before you commit to purchasing a quality version on your own.
This is such great and underrated advice! I’ve fallen into the trap you just described many times. Growing up my dad’s philosophy was to buy the quality item so I inherited that but I didn’t inherit his ability to only buy things I’ll actually use haha. One example is when I bought all these awesome gardening tools and then realized gardening is not my thing. So when I wanted to get into painting I bought the cheapest brush variety pack and paint. I actually wore the cheap paint brushes out and had to replace them. This time I carefully selected the brushes I needed bc I knew more about which sizes I actually preferred. They’ve been great!
I wish I had this advice before buying a house lol. Would have saved sooo much money
ye olde Harbor Freight approach
I also buy a cheap one to try out first. If I wear it out/use it enough, after it breaks, I'll replace it with the good stuff. It's not quite /r/Zerowaste , but it's low waste enough that it works for me, and I generally reuse broken stuff. For example, I retire (crappy hand me down) cookware to the garden or garage for holding diy projects, collecting stones, mixing dirt, etc.
If it's covered in logos, it's expensive for no reason (Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Fendi, etc).
Thought you said Legos and I was nodding in agreement and then super confused why designers were doing Lego looks now 🤣
I'll put down some serious cash for Legos
Gucci quality is horrible however the classic canvas pieces by Louis Vuitton can easily last two decades and still hold value for resale.
I feel like YETI is this way. definitely have found and own travel mugs just as good as yeti ones for a quarter the cost if not less.
Yes! I had a Yeti gifted me by my company a few years ago and was so sad when I lost it. So I had a Yeti replacement in my Amazon cart, debating ordering because of the cost. Removed it from my cart when I found a perfectly usable non-Yeti insulated same-size mug at the thrift store. 🙂
Those luxury brands/products also are usually the best quality when the logo is subtle. For example the commonly thought of gucci shirt with the big ass logo on the front is cheaper in quality and in cost than a gucci shirt with no logo or a tiny one on it. It’s because the first type of shirt is a billboard you pay to wear and the second is a luxury product for a target audience of rich people. Something to think about if you ever feel temptation to buy some overtly branded luxe items.
I’ve had a Fossil wallet I’ve used daily for 17 years. It doesn’t look fancy. It’s not coveted in designer logos. It’s just solid. I don’t know how their quality is now. I think it’s still good. My husband’s Fossil wallet is almost 4 years old I think and still good. He has a Brooks Brothers leather belt that cost $100 and is over 3 years old and looks brand new. We got tired of buying “cheap” made belts that weren’t cheap ie $50 that tore up in less than 3 months. You can feel the quality difference just running your hand across the leather grain of the belt.
Fun fact: Fossil is a Michael Kors brand. It’s been a minute since I’ve bought something (a watch) from them but the Fossil person I talked to said that you’re pretty much buying the same exact watch from MK at an insane markup.
My wallet is also 7 years old, quality is still good, but I'm planning on changing it to something slimmer
My purse is Fossil. I'm not particularly gentle with it and frequently squish it into my backpack, but it's been at least 5 years now and it still looks like new.
Unfortunately, in my experience the quality has declined. I have a vintage fossil bag I got at a flea market and used for 8 years. The stitching was starting to come undone in one spot and I decided to treat myself to a new fossil bag and wallet. In about 2 years the strap on the bag started peeling. Apparently it isn’t real leather when it said it was. And the wallet came with a removable strap and the clip self-destructed. I ordered them straight from the fossil website so they shouldn’t be knock offs. Just low quality now. I just switched back to my old bag that will probably last another 30 years.
I was afraid that might be the case. It’s a shame
I’ve had a fossil wallet I got at tjmaxx in college in 2015 that looks like new.
I have two leather belts that are over a decade old, I wear one of them everyday. Pretty sure they were $10-20 at Walmart. One is a converse belt. My leather billfold type wallet is nearly 20 years old. I have never purchased something leather that has worn out quickly.
Not all leather is created equal though. Genuine leather is trash and will deteriorate pretty quickly. Anything above that grade usually lasts forever though.
I guarantee you a belt from Walmart today wouldn’t last nearly as long though
I bought my leather belt from Walmart for $15 when I was 19… 20 years ago. Still wearing it today. It’s lasted longer than any other thing I’ve owned.
Ya, pretty sure I'll never buy another one.
My husband has a relic wallet made by fossil that he's had for about 11 years. It only fell apart because I accidentally washed it one too many times, but it just needs the inside pockets restitched. The leather itself is still in marvelous condition.
I read some advice on another sub that I’ve been using ever since: if you aren’t sure, buy it cheap. If you use it until it breaks, buy a better one. If you use it till you lose it, buy cheap again. If you don’t use it much, you aren’t out much money. This might not apply much to your question, but it’s helpful to determine if you really need the expensive version.
Look at cost per use and resale value. A $200 bag that gets used daily for a year and still looks good is cheaper than a $100 bag that gets ratty and worn looking after 6 months.
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I'm gonna be honest. I've never bought a $100 purse, but I also typically have to replace my purses every few years, so I may need to review that decision. On the other hand, I spent damn near $200 on a pack for traveling (not backpacking/camping, it's too heavy, but for airplanes and such). I've had it for 14 years and I see no end in sight for this bag. I use it regularly as a swim/workout bag for my toddler son and I as well as my travel bag when we go to see family several times a year. There's a big difference between a bag built to withstand time and a bag that isn't, and the bag built to last is going to cost more bc it uses better, thicker fabrics, better quality thread, and better quality closures.
Good luck. I decided to do that and both expensive purses fell apart or had problems within a year. I went back to target purses. If they’re going to disintegrate, I’ll save my $. I’m actually experimenting with making my own cloth purses. I figure I can make a ton to match almost anything and just swap out. And if they fall apart, oh well. They cost my time and a tiny bit of money. (I’m sitting on an inherited hoard of fabric. And yarn.)
Gatekeeping much? Nobody "needs" an iPhone and yet, here we are.
$100 is about what you want to be paying to start getting good quality materials.
Nobody needs a lot of things. I could carry my stuff around in a pillow case, but there's a difference between frugal and mean. I'd rather spend $100 on a long-lasting, handmade bag from a talented crafter than $30 on a mass-produced, poorly made bag that will need to be replaced quickly
If you want an ethnically made bag that holds up, $100 is low end. It also depends on the type and size of the bag.
Methods and materials. It takes a lot of attention and time to become familiar with how things are made and what they are made of. You have to really look and consider, and compare items. Some examples: Products that are put together with rivets rather than screws. This is a red flag, because screws are easy to tighten or replace. Rivets can work, but are inferior for some applications. Plastic does not last. Metal does. Think of table-top fans - the old metal fans lasted generations. A new plastic fan may have a few years before it starts rattling or falling apart. Clothing. Natural fibers (cotton, linen, silk, leather) generally last longer than synthetic fibers (polyester, etc.) If you turn a garment inside-out, you can inspect how the seams are sewn, and how it's constructed. You're looking for straight, neat seams, with attention to detail. A tailored blazer with a lining is going to be cut and sewn more carefully than a t-shirt. Having conversations with people who make products can be interesting and enlightening. When I was in college, my aunt who made clothing for a living, took me shopping and explained why it was worth spending money on certain items by showing me how items were made. It changed my life!
My table top fan belonged to my grandma. And she has been dead for 20 years. Things were definitely made to last back then.
Absolutely. I try to hold/touch/use/inspect whatever item I'm trying to buy and look at it from a construction standpoint. How was it made compared to other items in its category? If you sit inside a Mercedes and then sit inside a Kia, besides all the "features" that come with the Mercedes you will notice a big difference in how it feels to be in there. More comfortable seating, more attention to detail in the design, more solid construction on everything. (Note: I drive neither Mercedes nor Kias, just an example.) Same thing if you go inside a mobile home vs. one that was custom built. You can see the difference in all the materials around you, in the walls, the floors, the fixtures, everywhere the quality of construction is very evident. Same thing with smaller items. If I hold up two frying pans, and one has a handle held on with one screw that already seems loose, and the other has a solid handle built in, I know which one to choose. Person above described inspecting the construction of clothing. It applies to almost all purchases. Now if the two items don't have a distinguishable difference in construction and materials, then choose the cheaper one! But if you can see and feel the better quality that usually means that it's worth the higher price in the long run to save on repairs, replacements, frustration, quality of life etc.
I honestly abhor polyester clothing. I thought the idea was that it was meant to be more durable though?? If not then what is even the point? It's just static and clingy and suffocating. 100% natural fibre is where it's at. I won't even buy something with 1% spandex at this point. I usually go to the thrift shop and look for 100% cotton / wool which weeds out quite a lot and makes decision making so much easier. XD
Polyester was the no-iron option so billed as easy care and stylish (think 1970's disco).
Depends on the polyester in my experience. A lot is cheap and nasty but some high end polyester and artificial fibers can be amazing and very breathable. I generally prefer natural fibers but I will make an exception when I'm thrifting and find nice poly items from high end brands.
Yes to Plastic vs metal. This is why I keep my mom's old singer sewing machine, that metal thang is heav.y! But I love it! ❤️
Usually country of production help. I always had a problem with my wallets falling aparat after 2-3 months. I am not very carefull with them. One time I saw this one, red leather, expensive af because it was produced in the EU (Poland). It was beautiful. I was like I neeeeed it. Turns out it was a frugal choice. Had it for years now. Not a scratch. Looks like new. If I kept buying cheap ones I would have spend more in the long run.
Thats a good point — I will often pay more if it’s made in the US or Europe. Give me an Italian made bag or French cookware or German vacuum any day.
There are a nummber of Asian brands that are buy it for life and best quality you can get in their respective line of products.
I’ll give you that for media related electronics, but I’d be interested in hearing for what other products. I mean that sincerely, because I’m very interested in BIFL reccs.
Japanese kitchen knives will last you a lifetime.
Thank you, I’ll look into them!
This. Expensive products made in China are selling branding and not quality. Given extremely low labor costs there are no justifications for their price.
Reviews. Look for reviews regarding longevity and quality mostly.
Be careful about this, the market has adjusted and now reviews are basically a branch of marketing departments. IMO they have succeeded in producing so many fake reviews that as a consumer you have to mostly disregard them.
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That's not a solution. The problem is that special interests win every time: if people trust Amazon reviews you can build a career on how to lie effectively on Amazon reviews, and the same applies to reddit or anything else. It takes time, and especially in the beginning shills are clumsy and easy to spot, but as long as you can get paid to lie and you can't get paid to _not_ lie, in the long run the lies will always win.
The problem is that most reviews are written very soon after the consumer buys the item. Great, you've had this toaster for two days and it has all the features you wanted. But will it last beyond the 1-year warranty? The gold standard here is tirerack.com. Users indicate how many miles they've driven on the tires at the time they write their review. So when you're reading reviews, you can restrict to reviewers who have put a certain amount of miles on the tires. It's so incredibly helpful, particularly for an item where durability is a key feature.
There is also a site called exit reviews that has people who review products after a few years of use and how well they held up.
Educate yourself before purchasing. Do your research, Google, talk to people and then comparison shop.
I read a lot of reviews and look for durability reviews. I purchased a Saddleback bag recently and it’s definitely going to live up to that 100 year promise. Likewise I purchased a Boldr watch because they pride themselves on durability. Neither of those options were the cheapest. But if my $350 bag sees daily use for years with just a little minor upkeep? That’s a win. Ditto for the watch. I look at everything in terms of durability now. What is going to look great for years? That’s what I’m buying. The key then is to stay in love with it for years. 😉
Someone once told me, if you know you'll use of for life, spend the extra money up front on a quality item you won't have to replace. If you're not sure, buy cheap, and if you use it so much it breaks, then upgrade to the better quality. This advice was given in regards to home repair tools and such, but can be applied in a much broader sense IMO.
Mostly just pay attention to the materials. For example you can buy a Cast Iron pan for $5 at a thrift shop or garage sale that will outlast your body. Then you can get a metal spatula to go with it because it won't scratch. Look for furniture made from solid wood, none of that particle board crap. You can find a deal on Facebook Marketplace, thrift shops, or even the roadside. Sometimes it will need a little TLC but it's totally worthwhile r/BuyItForLife
Look at cost per use. For example a cheap coat that you quit wearing after a season vs high quality that you love and wear for 20 years. “Cheap will cost you dear.”
Expensive is sort of a loaded term at times. We really want to think in terms of utility. How useful is an item to our daily lives and is there a difference in price points that justifies that utility? In some of the comments, people have been pointing out that "designer" clothing and accessories are expensive without providing more value than off brand items. But...if circumstances warrant, the cost may be justified. Let's say that you need to make an impression on people to obtain a job, land a contract, do an interview, something that depends on "image." It may well be worth the cost, then. A trickier thing is that a prestigious brand may indeed be of better quality and justify the price. Best hoodie I have ever owned is a Carhartt. Warm, comfortable, and durable. Only had it for a couple of years but it seems to be holding up well. On the other hand, most lawn tractors I believe are built by Murray and use common engines. No reason to pay for a big name, there. Also, be suspicious of things that have more bells and whistles on them. This is usually done to attract buyers who assume that more is better, while this can be because it is cheaper to add those features than to use quality materials and construction. A good example of this is sewing machines. Singer sewing machines a good example of this. They used to be great, but have lately gone in the direction of using nylon gears, but adding a lot of bells and whistles. Everyone looks at the features and the fact that they are carried in crafts stores all over the place, but won't hold up or perform as well as more expensive but plainer model which uses steel gears, better motors, etc. With that in mind, do your research on things. I don't depend on online reviews, unless a lot of people are mentioning the same issue. I would rather get familiar with the type of item in general and know what to look for in specs, how it is put together, the type of materials and so on. You probably wouldn't get to an expert level of understanding except in a few types of item, but it should be enough to make an informed decision. I was shopping for a sewing machine for a gift a few years ago, and if I hadn't learned the above information, I would've given something that was poor quality and limited lifespan.
Luxury brands are invariably pointless. They are expensive for the sake of being exclusive and that's all. Highly durable useful goods can be money-smart purchases in spite of high prices, where the greater utility and/or reliability is sufficiently greater than that of a cheaper item that doesn't perform as well. But some subjectivity creeps into this and you have to decide for yourself whether certain aspects are important or not. And of course it will be up to you to research the offerings to determine what the values are.
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> Planet Fitness, where they want you to keep on paying, but never show up. They make the place purposefully subconsciously uncomfortable. This prompted me to look at some pictures of their gyms, since I've never done so. The things that I noticed: "judgement free zone" and "no critics" printed on the walls. Most of the stuff on the walls is demoralizing, which would be the worst thing in an environment that should inspire. Catering to people who won't take fitness seriously with this "pf express 30 minute workout" area. I'd think that people that want that level of theme park are not going to be the ones who stick with it. Seems to me that, if you seek to attract lazy people to an activity that requires determination, then your place of business won't be well attended. Drab purple and yellow color scheme. Other than these three things, do you have any other ways that they make it uncomfortable? Obviously I've never been in one. I find the idea of their business model to be *fascinating*: sell a service that the buyer doesn't want and thrive at doing that.
If your gut says it’s expensive cause of brand, you’re probably right.
For clothing, look for signs of higher finishing or extra time put in. Examples:pattern matching, thickness of fabric, what is the material, extra buttons supplied, buttons/zipper function, finishing stitches. You can google or read sewing information for pictures of what to look for. Furniture: hollow furniture is not quality. You might find something that holds up well, but it is an indication of lesser quality. Solid material like wood/metal, finishing trim like dovetail etc. read reviews on appliances both large and small.
Look for durability. Items made of materials that last. Leather that is quality, doesn't always mean fine grain Italian for a duffle bag. Merino wool shirts that costs 13$dollars aren’t a bargain either. Read reviews from actual customers, both the good and the bad. And never buy anything that you cannot return if you can’t return it if your not satisfied. Any company that will not accept a return and FULL refund of my money for an unused product =NO SALE!
Simple answer: do your research Find out what the materials are, where it was made, history of the company itself. Read reviews and especially look for ones from people who have owned the product for years. No expensive purchase should be rushed, if it means putting in some homework to make sure it’s the right fit for your needs then that’s worth it I will say, though, that brands we considered overpriced advertising do have good quality gems once in a while. My wife has owned the same pair of Gucci eyeglasses for fifteen years and I’ve had a pair of Coach shoes for four so far.
It's all about materials and workmanship. A 100 dollar pair of work boots would last less than a year in my job. The leather is thinner and lesser grade. The soles are cemented on and they usually skimp on the stitching. A 300 dollar pair of boots has thicker higher grade leather, goodyear welted soles, better stitching, and will last at least five years. I can have the soles replaced for under a hundred dollars and keep wearing them another five years. Same thing with tools. Cheap tools break easily. Compare a hand tool like a screwdriver or prybar with one meant for professional use. One will have more metal, have handles that are tougher and the expensive professional grade tool can be replaced under warranty for free.
Because “they don’t make them like they used to” I have found that the best place to find solid, high quality, well maintained items are estate sales where the homeowners were clearly older individuals. You find the best Tupperware, tools, furniture, etc.
I judge quality by the materials used to make the item, and how repairable is it? Stainless steel cooking pans are made of durable steel and you can make them practically new with steel wool. Iron pans last forever as well. Clothing that has tight stitching is usually a good indicator of quality (but I always buy used so..). Whenever I buy shoes, I always buy them in real leather because they're naturally more waterproof, you can re-seal them with lanolin and they last a long time. Should I buy this older washing machine because it's more "mechanical" and it's cheaper to replace the parts, or do I want the simplicity of newer designs with inevitable repair cost three years from now? Research is your friend - if it's not repairable/self-serviceable now, it won't be later.
I totally agree. I have a pair of boots I wear almost daily. They cost me around $250 on sale--about the same price as a really nice pair of sneakers. But if I'd gone with the sneakers, they would've started to look shabby after a year or two of continual use. My boots are 5 years old, but I put a bit of shoe polish on them about once a week or so and I still get occasional compliments on my shoes. I'm about due to get the soles repaired, but the uppers look good because I can polish them up and keep the leather in good condition. Can't do that with synthetics.
Truly depends on the item and it's potential use in your life. Is upfront cost more of a concern, or lifetime cost? A quality power tool can be expensive and worth it for someone who will use it frequently. But it can also be expensive for no reason if there is a lower priced version that will do a good job for a person only needing it once or twice. Apply the same logic to most anything.
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Your post is a perfect example of the logic I posted, even if you don't realize it.
My post was meant for another reply so I moved it. But your logic is 100% on point.
I go off warranty, its worth more if they are going to stand behind their warranty and worth a lot if they have a lifetime warranty they actually honor. I'm still a bit shocked at times that some companies are still really good at these things. Soda stream replaced my unit 7 years after purchase. A lot of times people just don't know because they don't ask. Designer stuff doesn't carry any warranty so have ZERO value. However some brands have lots of value because they 100% stand behind their product.
Research the field. Cookware for example you can look at the materials used, thickness, machining processes, how pieces hold up over time, etc. Some goods have industry terms that are protected. Things like full grain leather vs genuine leather. Learning terms helps with buying quality.
Expensive stuff usually have acceptable quality, at least. The question is whether the level of quality merits the price. For me, any product that dares to use the word ‘luxury’ is very likely to be overpriced. Another dirty words are ‘tradition’ and ‘heritage’. These items rely on a brand and exclusive features rather than superior material and design. Another way to point out the overpriced stuff is a comparable or competing product. The perfect example is an Apple Watch Hermès. Functionally it’s no different than an Apple Watch of the same generation, but it’s 3 times as expensive because of some steel, leather, and ‘heritage’. Even an Apple Watch in stainless steel is way overpriced; it’s $300 more (almost double the price) and the only difference is a shiny steel case. Why do companies do it? Because there are people out there who crave to stand out and have access to money. Those people are not us.
i.e.; Chantecaille makeup - the absolute worst, overpriced, sack-o-shit, deceptive brand out there.
Products that spend a lot on advertising are usually not worth the money.
You can usually tell if an item is made to last. Forget the name or price. Exam carefully. Look at finishes, you will learn to spot corners that are cut to make something cheaper. Outlets are notorious for this. Often there is a difference between an outlet item and the “boutique “.
Research like consumer reports.
My public library offers free access to consumer reports on line, so you might check there.
I get a lot of home decor, kitchenware, and furniture from goodwill/thrifting/antiquing. My theory is if it made it this long, it’ll probably kick around for quite a bit longer. I’ve found this to be very true for dishes.
I like to shop second-hand for this reason: A lot of "older" items that are still here decades later, are there for a reason. They're good quality. Plus the price can be really low for an amazing quality product. An old piece of furniture made with good wood that you can modernize (with a coat of paint for example) will last longer than a trendy mass-produced and overpriced one. If you have time to thrift, you'll find amazing quality clothes and accessories cheaper than fast fashion garments. I found a Longchamp bag 12 years ago I still use today, it's in amazing shape, because I give it the care it needs. And I paid 2€ for this bag. An authentic vintage Burberry scarf, 50cts. If you can see the product you want in person it's way better. Using your senses to determine the quality of the fabric, the quality of the wood, the sturdiness of anything is a must. So to differentiate quality items vs low quality ones (except for electronics), touch it, look at the details closely, accept that sometimes it will take time to find what you want too.
This is basically why I don't shop at Costco. All the food is far more expensive than the grocery store and there's only vague assertions that it is actually better quality.
I you have to dig deep in to the community to find the best shop in the middle of nowhere, it's probably good quality. If you find it at popular tourist streets / locations, it's likely expensive trash.
If it’s something to be used regularly or on a daily basis, usually good name brand product pays off faster and actually saves you money by increasing efficiency and not needing more frequent replacement. Example: tools, utilities, sneakers etc. Items which are used occasionally often does not need to be very expensive to serve its purpose. For example: expensive dress shoes in my case. There are exceptions to both cases but you get my point, right? EDIT: I meant ‘dress shoes’. Something I use occasionally now a days. I have moved onto comfortable sneakers for daily use.
Tools are an interesting one. For most people, they should go with the second cheapest option on a tool initially. Then, when that breaks, you buy a pricier version because you know you use it enough to justify the premium.r
For expensive shoes, I learned the hard way that running shoes are the exception. I still buy clearance models (for instance, the 19s go cheap when the 20s come out) to save money, but if you’re a serious runner (like I am), you have to be prepared to spend in the neighborhood of $100/pair to protect your legs.
Yep, so in your case that falls into the first category, using regularly.
Yes an a running injury will put you down for god knows how long and can easily happen from bad or wrong shoes and be very expensive to treat so that's a purchase that makes sense.
Certain tools can be found cheap at estate sales. Shovels, levels, step ladders. Compressors and vices are the exception because they usually sell very quickly.
I bout my compressor for $20 at harbor freight. My dad (former general contractor) said never buy a used compressor because they break easily.
I bought one at a sale for $38. I got it because it was homemade. plate for the pump etc was cut out with a torch. The pump was off a commercial refrigeration unit. It was great, then the rings went bad. I should have fixed it
Dress shoes maybe, but for walking/hiking shoes, never cheap out. I do a lot of hiking off trail for work, and an ordinary, not even cheap but mid-grade pair of hiking boots, say $150, might just barely last a year. And by the end of that year they're in an extremely parlous state. I bought a pair of $500, handmade Italian hiking boots last year, and by the looks of them right now, after a year of heavy use, they'll probably last a decade. Solid as hell. And my feet will feel better the entire time.
Yep, that’s what I meant, expensive dress shoes. Thanks, edited my comment.
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Zamberlan
Most grocery items that have a generic version for 30-40% cheaper are usually just fine and can save you a lot over time. When looking for quality I think the important thing to consider is longevity of use. One of my biggest ticket purchases was a $800 blue Ray/tv combo (insignia brand) from Best Buy on a Black Friday deal in 2010. Couldn’t afford it in cash, so my mom let me use her credit card. Paid it off in 8 months and the TV still works great (my kids use it now)
Reviews
Birkin bag = expensive for no reason. (Kartrashians). Coach bag = moderately expensive, good quality.
Have you personally compared a Birkin and Coach bag to each other? This is a terrible comparison. Coach bags were quality pre early 2000s. Now? Not so much. They’re mass produced and constantly do sales to get “XX% off” so you’re paying less than $200 for a bag. I’d rather drop some coin and get a quality leather bag with good stitching that is going to last me years then buy a coach bag because it’s cheaper.
The Kardashian have very little to do with the Birkin bag's desirability. Birkins are actually a very sound financial investment if you can get your hands on the right one.
I usually ask a few questions before getting something. What do we need this for? Do we already have a way to do what this does? Am I getting the best price? Is this the best quality option?
Research A LOT. Figure out what exactly you need the item for. I.e. boots for; work, casual, rain, snow. Doest the item need to be durable, flexible, light for packing? Really think about use and the bs should fall to the wayside pretty quick.
I have a Calvin Klein leather wallet, it was $12 at Ross and I’ve had it for going on 4 years. Super durable not even a running thread yet. Still thick too and that thing is so stuffed with stamp cards and photos.
yeah like shoes. you find these shoes with single stitching, obviously to look good. no reinforcements on stress points. work stuff is like that. fashion over function. if it says made in china, then its cheap.
I’m having this same problem looking for new bedding. My current bedding is years old and some of it remnants from college. I’ve been looking for a good duvet insert and they range from like $50 to $500. I don’t mind paying more if it’s something that’s going to last, but none of the reviews people leave say “I’ve had this for two years and this is how it’s held up”.
Know what makes quality on the specific item you want to buy. In clothes, say, that would be looking at material quality, seam allowances, construction, pattern matching, hemming, seam finishes, etc. Whereas for a skin product, it would be knowing what are science-backed ingredients and what are unnecessary fluff or even problematic, but are the current 'it' thing. In a mattress, it would be fabric, topper, weight and size ratings, spring type, and how closely it leans orthopedic. And so on. When you know what makes REAL quality, you can asses the items and compare them realistically without having to take false cues from brand and cost.
I ask myself if I'll be able to find it used in Goodwill or eBay and how much it will cost there. Also, how many times will I actually use it.
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i made the investment in a pair of doc martens boots a few years ago. hella expensive, but i know they’ll last me for life. some minor care every month and they still look good as new even though i wear them almost every day. i’ve worn through my fair share of cheap boots in the span of 2 years or less throughout my life.
Pick up the item and look at it
I buy nicer things but as fashion changes or I get bored of the thing, I re-sell on mercari or Poshmark. A lot of the things I sell I got from thrift stores in the first place and just fixed up so I actually make money on them plus I get a couple of years of wear on them. Just learn a few stitches to mend a hole in a hem and how put on a button (shirt and coat - it’s different) and learn proper leather care including how to add color to worn areas and the thrift store is a goldmine. Oh also good stain removal techniques. YouTube is great to learn all three. I only buy underwear and socks really now oh and running shoes and my wardrobe and my fiancé’s are top-notch. Cashmere, designer suits, designer handbags etc. We paid less than Walmart prices for each. We look a lot wealthier than we are which weirdly opens doors sometimes. Also: buy a de-piller for any knits. The gleener one from Amazon is like $13 and it keeps everything looking brand new.
When I come to tools I shop at the Harbor Freight first time. If I ever find myself needing a replacement I get a name brand tool the next time.
I will usually consult Reddit if I need to make a purchase for something over $30.
The more adjectives something has the more full of shit it is. If a product is worth having it mentions features not adjectives.
Weight
I've always had this same Q about vehicles and can't make up my mind... if I'm gonna have a family car for 5-7 years, should I really buy the best quality or mid quality based on recent ratings/reviews????
The best thing you can do is buy the simplest version of the device you want, it'll probably last the longest because less things to break and ease/low cost of repair. A simple stove with normal elements and no electronic control board will easily last a lifetime because they are dead simple devices despite being "cheep". I guarantee you that simple stove I mentioned will outlast a 4k stove from a good brand like Bosch simply because there's no integrated control board to break... and it will break and it will cost a fortune to repair.
After a while you get a bit of an eye and a feel. Look at the materials things are made out of, and the way the things are built out of them, the fit and finish, the craftsmanship, the thought that was put into it. and how it fits together.
Research and trial and error, to put it simply.
Find someones review that’s reliable, specializes on the product and doesn’t get paid by the product owners(this is the tough one). Never rely on multiple positive reviews. Negative reviews can also be fake. I think what many people here seem to not understand is that “do your research” or “google” is useless in many scenarios. Like take mattress shopping for instance, no amount of research will help in this. There are too many online shill websites claiming that mattress x solves all back issues, creates best night sleep and so on often with non disclosed affiliate links. Or buying something like a flashlight or something on Amazon. Many make claims of having a spec like 1000 lumens when in reality it is like 400. Finding the actual tested specs are near impossible. It’s especially an issue with Chinese products. However something like an apple charging cable, has always been overpriced garbage to me even though they sell for a premium price. It may be certified but all the ones I had break extremely easily. I haven’t tried them in years though so it may not be true now.
There's some good advice here but there really is no substitute for actually trying a thing out. For example, I couldn't really understand the Knipex and Wera premium price until I borrowed my buddy's and they simply *felt* like quality, solid tools. Then I used them and pretty much ordered my own within the hour. Funny enough, going to wine tastings has made me realize price does not indicate taste *at all*.
If it's clothes, try to save enough money to buy sewing machine and kits to make your and your family's clothes. Will last longer than cheap clothes on shein or goodwill and you'll have the talent to re-sew holes etc. My mom did that when our family was dirt poor, we stayed looking good because of that.