What are some items that really aren't worth paying the expensive version for?

3 years ago by Keith to c/asklemmy

I saw this post and wanted to ask the opposite. What are some items that really aren't worth paying the expensive version for? Preferably more extreme or unexpected examples.

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bluyonder 64 points 3 years ago

My rule of thumb: Buy the cheap one. If it wears out or breaks, buy the good one.

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OmgItBurns 38 points 3 years ago

Note: this advice should not be applied to condoms.

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pineapplelover 10 points 3 years ago

If you're a climber, you shouldn't follow this rule also.

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MrAlpharius 15 points 3 years ago

For me actually the other way Around. There is a saying in Spain that says "el pobre siempre paga dos veces" that translates as "the poor always pays twice".

It refers to the fact that you buy something cheap that barely covers the need and after it breaks you are forced to buy the good one. This is specially important for hand tools or similar.

In my opinion, for using it a couple times is better renting/asking someone to let you use theirs. For several uses it is almost always better paying more for a better use and higher resell value.

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hawgietonight 7 points 3 years ago

On the other hand, if you are buying cheap it's usually because you aren't familiar with the product and it's characteristics. So you can take it as the price for learning about said product and what you really want from it.

For example, I got a cheap electric scooter for my wife on her birthday. We are new to these things, and didn't even know if we would use it at all. Fast forward a year and we have used the crap out of it, even the kids can't stop taking it out for a spin, and we now know what to look for and what sort of power and features we want when it comes time to replace it.

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emergencyfood 5 points 3 years ago

There is a saying in Spain that says "el pobre siempre paga dos veces" that translates as "the poor always pays twice".

Ah, the boots theory of socioeconomic unfairness.

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HerbalGamer 1 point 3 years ago

Very much depends on what kind of things you're speaking of.

For example, the rule works very well with most tools; if you end up barely using it, it's not worth paying more. If it breaks, it's because you've used it enough or to warrant an expensive one, or because your needs exceed its use.

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kerrigan778 12 points 3 years ago

The landfill thanks you.

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aniki 16 points 3 years ago

the amount of trash generated by food production, the medical industry, and the construction industry trump personal waste by so many orders of magnitude I no longer give a shit about the waste I generate, especially if it's in the pursuit of BIFL.

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mub 15 points 3 years ago

That "if" can apply to the high price brand as well. If you know you won't use the item a lot, going for off brand is a reasonable approach.

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bluyonder 1 point 3 years ago

Good point, I Wasn't thinking about waste. I have several cheap tools from Harbor Freight that I've had for years. I've also had good name brand tools break down in the middle of their first job.

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Showroom7561 5 points 3 years ago

That's one way to never get the best experience out of something, though.

Buy cheap shoes to go running, and you'll probably quit after a few weeks.

Buy cheap tools, and you'll end up rounding off nuts and stripping screws.

Buy a cheap bike and you'll end up hating cycling.

Etc.

Better would be to buy the best quality for your budget, assuming it's something you'll be using more than once or is something that isn't critical to have as decent quality.

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