Marketing specialists have a saying — price reflects the value of a product. A product is like an investment, and it's normal to invest money into expensive things that are worth it. But an expensive thing is not always a good thing. Most of us begin to juggle the cons and pros before buying expensive stuff, and it usually boils down to two things — money and value.
Some products, like real estate, are long-term investments. They might cost a lot at first, but when some time passes, every invested penny is repaid and overpaid. Sure, a product can cost an arm and a leg, but if it can last you years and maybe even decades — is the price really a problem? But don't go around paying for products with arms and legs.
Every product has some kind of value attached to it. Value arises from the quality of the product. The more expensive the thing, the greater its value is. At least, that is the philosophy we all tend to follow, but not everyone thinks of product quality the same way. Some people believe reliable products are of higher quality than luxurious ones — to each their own.
We can buy and sell things whenever we want, as long as we have the cash to do it. For this reason, you should do some research before buying expensive things. To the rescue comes AskReddit. Take a look at some of the best answers below and upvote the ones you agree with. If you have your own version of the most valuable thing in the world and would like to share it — do so in the comments below!
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"Car seats. My children and I were in a devastating car accident last year. I was seriously injured, but they walked away with bruises."
"An IT system with full staff for a park filled with live dinosaurs."
"Inspection of a home you’re buying. A single missed issue can easily wind up costing tens of thousands of dollars. It’s worth a few hundred extra for the really experienced, thorough inspector."
Not always fool-proof. We just bought a house and paid $1,500 for a thorough 'deluxe' inspection. They missed tons of wood rot because they would not and could not pull up carpet. No worries, they had a hydroscope thing. "This house is dry" but then the flooring contractor comes in and says "This house was really wet and has tons of rot. You need a new roof ($18,000) and carpentry ($10,000) before we touch a thing.".
"Mattress, a good night's sleep is worth it every penny of it."
I still don't buy this one. Some of those beds they sell that can solve all your problems, screw your wife, and answer the meaning of life, are $5k+. They're made with the same materials as $500 mattresses you find everywhere. Hell, they're probably also made in the same sweat shop lol.
"Anything meant to protect you. Helmets, work boots, sporting equipment, ect. If the purpose of the item is to reduce or prevent injury, then don't cheap out on it."
Agree 10000% with this! I have family members and friends who have lost body parts because their employers cheaped on safety equipment and my other half lost a friend who transferred to another high school due to the football coach/school cheaping on the helmets. Quality costs, don't scimp on safety!
"Toilet paper. You don’t want your finger poking through that single ply and accidentally fingerblasting your own cornhole."
"If you live in an area of the world where it snows often in winter then buy winter tires."
This holds true, but only if you desire to get anywhere in your car during winter.
"Trash bags. They're one of those items where you can tell the quality difference. Trust me, you don't want the regret of lugging a bag full of rotten produce and cat litter to the dumpster, trying to swing it over the edge, and feel it tear apart in your hands on the upswing. It's a horror you will never forget. Buy better trash bags."
No. Just get smaller trash cans. I've never once had a problem with my 1000/$8 amazon trash bags breaking on me.
"If you're a hiker/camper/backpacker... your actual backpack."
I could not agree more. I really good, light backpack is worth so much more than you bought it for. Do not skimp on it. It's an investment, not a cost.
"Brakes."
"Tattoos! I don’t really care how good of a deal you got on your new monstrosity."
"Underwear especially the bra. Makes a whole lot of difference. Nothing worse than a cheap bad quality bra."
I never believed this until I splurged on an expensive bra. Never, ever going back to the cheap ones!
"A set of tools or power tools. If you buy a great set once, you’ll have them for a long time and they will (almost) never fail you. Plus, using a quality tool is so much better than a cheap alternative."
I follow the rule of buying cheap the first time and seeing what I use the most/breaks the easiest then replace with a more reputable brand if need be. Some cheap tools can last forever if a) The general purposes are less labor intensive i.e. small home repair screwdriver and b) you don't end up using said tool very often. No reason to buy a $100 screwdriver to put batteries in your child's toy and no reason to spend a large amount on something that you barely use and would ultimately work just as well if the tool was cheaper. Just use your own discretion.
"Photography. Pros know what they are doing, have great reaction time, and own a ton of equipment to get exactly what you need. Your cousin on her iPhone is not an acceptable substitute."
Oh yes, that! The times that people asked if I could do a photoshoot for free, because I had my own studio when I still did shoots are countless. Yes, I did free shoots when I asked strangers I met on the streets or wherever, as that was for my fun. Being asked by someone more often then not needed explaining why I charged a certain amount of money. The equipment, the years of study to learn all about your camera and techniques, poses, originality, photoshop courses. It cost thousands. And then the time it takes from photoshoot to the ready product... So sure I'll do your photoshoot for free because you ask and think I can pay myself with buttons 😜
"Since I have a large hurricane coming directly at me right now. As a homeowner... insurance."
Absolutely! And even if you are renting, get tenant insurance. You never know what can happen. Also get vehicle insurance if only for the liability portion of it.
"I know this is so late in the game that no one will see it but motorcycle helmets. Get yourself a full-faced DOT-approved helmet. Replace every three-ish years or if dropped from three feet or higher. That is the only thing protecting your brain from the grown or a multi-ton car while traveling at high speeds."
"Running shoes, I'm suffering from years of cheap runners."
but you must go through tons! having six legs and all.
Load More Replies... It's not only about the shoes though, it's also about how you run... If your offstep is wrong, your knees and back will pay for it (I'm not sure if offstep is there correct term, English is not my n langue. What I meant is you land on your heels and roll your foot of to your toe).
Could not disagree more. Running shoes (even the best ones) get worn out quickly and unevenly. The repetitiveness of running distance with your joints not properly aligned is what is going to cause injury. It is far better to buy cheap shoes and replace them often. Unless you are rich and can buy 120$ shoes after the same number of miles.
Never buy running shoes from a drug dealer.... I don't know what he laced them with but I kept tripping..
"If you are going to a festival/camping or whatever, seriously, pay the extra to get a decent tent. Being cold, uncomfortable, wet, and all cramped is miserable. Enough to ruin your trip."
"A haircut. I can’t tell you how much a bad haircut hurts self-confidence."
"Eyeglasses. Not many other things in your life will you wear every day from the time you get up to the time you go to bed."
And please have a backup, if they break you might as well get a cane and a dog. And if you wear only contacts, have glasses as a back up. That corneal abrasion will take a couple weeks to heal and you need to see. (source: work in Ophthalmology)
"A bike! I think a lot of people don't enjoy biking as much as they could because they've never had a chance to ride a really nice bike. The difference between a cheaper bike to something with real-quality components on it is astounding."
"Maple syrup. You only want the real deal Vermont/Quebec tree jizz. None of that amalgamated melted corn goop for me or you. No, no. We all deserve better for our pancakes, bacon or waffles. You'll never go back. $1/oz? Worth every penny."
"Coffee. Nothing is worse than bad coffee in the morning."
I personally recommend (and prefer) Death Wish brand coffee: using the same amount as any other brand, it's twice as strong; it comes in a bewildering array of flavors, in both preground and whole bean; but sadly costs $20US per pound (Walmart might be cheaper than that, at about $10US per pound, but I'm not sure). It's well worth the price, if you like your coffee strong, and it's not Starbucks, so added bonus there.
"Anything that's a minor annoyance on the regular. When I moved into my new flat, I bought two spatulas just cheap, plastic things that cost about 50p each. They're ok for flipping eggs but other than that, they're pretty much pointless. You can't move anything with any weight with them, because they're too flimsy. Every time I cooked, I was reminded of and irritated by just how useless they are. On the other hand, a solid, decent spatula would have been at most £4. If you'd asked me at the time if I would have paid an extra £3.50 to avoid feeling vaguely pissed off every time I went to fry some food, I would have said yes in a heartbeat but because I'd already bought them, and because they still technically worked even if they didn't work well, I stuck with them for far too long. £3.50 to remove that minor irritation from my day was well worth it. If you can afford it, it's worth looking at the stuff you did cheap out on and buying new ones. All the little annoyances soon add up."
I heard that cheap spatulas was the REAL reason for the downfall of Rome, but you won't find this fact in any text book.
"Medicine, by which I mean shop by and only by the active ingredient. I suppose that goes for food, too."
You mean " generics ", basically has the exact same active ingredient of a much more expencive drug, but its 1/3 of the price, i allready do that.
"As a female, I would have to say female hygiene products. Because it’s all fun and games to try and save money until it’s so uncomfortable and bulky that you can barely sit, or walk, or live for that matter."
Menstrual cups. Made of medical grade silicone and lasts for years if you take care of it. I've saved loads
"Most things in the kitchen are rarely used and the cheap version works great. When starting out on your own, buy everything cheap first, and then whatever you use regularly that isn't up to the task, throw it out and buy the high quality one."
We have a mismatched grouping of cheap pots and pants that people have just given us over the years, our plan is to get rid of almost everything and invest slowly in good pieces that we actually use. I don't need ten different sizes of cheap aluminum saucepans.
"Condoms."
"Work shoes/insoles for said shoes. I'm on my feet anywhere from 5-8 hours on concrete floors 5 days a week. I can tell when my shoes start to wear, and can definitely tell when my feet aren't supported. My original shoes I spent about $20 on, and they were ok but were down quickly. My feet and back ached day in and out. I finally bucked up and got some New Balance (about $80-$100 normally but I waited for a good sale and got mine for $50) and holy cow what a difference they made."
I'm in the same situation, but I'll add one caveat. While you definitely want to stay away from the $20 shoe warehouse type shoes, I have found that some of the higher end name brands costing upwards of $100 break down just as quickly (usually 6-9 months, based on how much I wear them) as the mid-range brands costing around $60, without providing anything better in terms of comfort/support. I prefer the Dr. Scholl's, when I can find the style I like, but regardless of brand, I ALWAYS add a pair of high impact fell insoles specifically design for a work environment. They not oy provide extra cushioning but will help extend the life of your shoes.
"Q-tips... you can get a 6 month supply of the finest q-tips known to man for $3. Why do generics even exist?"
Qtips have a lot of great uses around the home, but should not be used in the ear canal. If you are having problems with earwax/swimmer's ear you can purchase an otc ear flushing kit (the simple bulb syringe kind) for not very much at all, or have your ears cleaned in a clinic. Impacted wax can lead to pain and strep throat, and the insides of your ears are incredibly delicate instruments
"Kitchen knives. Dull and cheap knives are dangerous because they can often slip, cause worse cuts in your hand, and add to fatigue while cooking."
So very true! My son was always scared to use sharp knives, then cut himself while using a blunt knife. I sharpened the knife for him and had him try it again... Then he found out that sharper knives are much safer. When he was living on his own, he was sure to have a sharpener 😁
"Surgery. If you’re getting a discount, run."
"Any kind of mechanic or contractor."
Disagree completely. Dealerships are among the most expensive mechanics, and usually the least effective. ServiceMaster, etc cost far more than a standalone contractor and will inevitably be late, low quality and over budget. Any sort of skilled or professional type your best bet is word of mouth. Unfortunately the best ones are usually booked solid for this reason.
"Appliances that you use almost every day. I'm talking dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, stove tops/ovens, vacuums, etc."
"Desk chair."
"Parachutes."
"VPN Services Trust me, it's absolutely worth it."
"Anything you sleep on so bedding/pillows. People will often go cheap out on these things not thinking about the time spent sleeping."
"Baked beans & bread! My teacher used to say that if you're wasting all your money on alcohol & drugs then the least you can do is eat decent beans on toast."
The teacher should watch the campfire scene in Blazing Saddles. We need to stop destroying the Ozone layer 😆
"Dish soap, it's not economical to buy the cheapest you can find. You use less if you buy the good stuff."
On this one, I will swear by Dawn Ultra Power Wash. The first day we had it in the house, my cats left a gift in my other half's freshly laundered bedspread in the form of half of a jumbo marshmallow that we didn't discover until he was getting ready to go to sleep. The Dawn Ultra Power Wash and a slightly damp paper towel annihilated the marshmallow with only a very small wet spot on the blanket so that he was able to get to sleep without having to wait several hours to launder the blanket again. It's also amazing on dishes (no more soaking a dish with stuck on food for hours just to have to repeat the process after trying to get it off afterwards; 15-30 minutes with this stuff and even the most stuck on food wipes off with ease)
"Pet food. A lot of people just buy whatever food they pick up on the shelf, but so many of these foods are just full of filler products and aren't healthy for your pets. We fed our dog Beneful for years, only to find out the hard way it has killed and almost killed loads of dogs. Spending the extra few dollars on a higher-end and healthier pet food can save you thousands of dollars in vet bills later, and keep your pet healthier and happier for way longer."
Quick research shows that the suit was found baseless - there was absolutely NO proof Beneful was killing dogs. We fed ours that brand for years (it was what they liked). But when we got a new puppy we chose a higher brand food to start, (as we did prefer that).
"Floss. Bad quality floss is dreadful."
I'm very attached to my floss and it's been discontinued. It can be found on eBay for about $50/roll, and I miss it so much that I often contemplate buying it (but that's just putting off the inevitable, I'm better off just finding a replacement I like)
"Razor Blades. Cheap ones just shred your face and leave a really bad shaving rash. Pay for decent ones."
I fully endorse this recommendation. I am just a stranger that bought a 12 pack of razors for $1.99. I almost didn't come out of that experience alive.
"A good rule I've come to use when buying tools, kitchenware, gardening equipment etc. Is buy the cheaper set/item first up, then if you break it buy the most expensive one you can afford as you obviously use it a lot."
"Lasik. They are supposed to do tests beforehand to screen for people who are susceptible to catastrophic complications (like a corneal tear). If you are going someplace that is suspiciously cheap (less than $1000 per eye in 2005), they're probably skipping those tests."
I have heard when complications happen, they can be so painful that the sufferer considers sùiçìde.
"Modems/routers. A lot of times the cheap ones can't keep up with your internet speed, so you lose so much."
"As I just had to find out - (white) wall paint. The cheap stuff is gray and translucent."
"PC/Laptop, you would want to keep the consistency of your productivity high, which is not great with a mediocre one."
Really depends what you're using it for. Someone only using it for wordprocessing doesn't need an expensive gaming rig. Equally, paying for an expensive brand name doesn't necessarily equate to quality or value for money ... It really does depend on requirements, budget and, if you're a brand fan, personal preference.
"A circumcision. Otherwise it’s a total ripoff."
If they do a really good job it's appropriate to leave them a tip.
"Hiring a professional moving company. The hourly guys don't pay damages so they will throw your things in the truck and don't care if it breaks."
Pizza and beer for burly friends with a van or pickup truck is no substitute for professional movers. Instead of taken a whole day and then some and not to mention all the dings and scratches you'll collect with friends, professional movers will be in and out in lickety split time smoothly and efficiently. Another important point to consider... get their estimate in writing and make the agreed upon cost firm before they touch your stuff.
"Your Roof. It protects everything you own under it, and by the time you figure out if it has problems, it's already cost you a small fortune."
"Vasectomy."
"Anything that goes inside your body or touches skin next to a body opening. KY Jelly, suppositories for some examples."
"Car repair. Yeah, you can get your local shade tree to fix it, and he may be fairly competent, but at the end of the day you got no warranty, and, if it goes bad, you have no legal recourse."
"Socks."
Hardly wear them, even in winter. I call those things feet-prisons 😁
"Tampons or other feminine hygiene products. You can really tell the difference in those things."
A silicone menstrual cup like the Diva Cup is best. Can be worn for 12 hours and no risk of toxic shock syndrome. The cost upfront seems high, but you save gobs of money in the long run. Once over the ick factor, it's a breeze to use. It's comfortable, there's no smell, and no worries about leaks.
"A men’s suit. I’m a suit salesman and people come in expecting to pay 100-200 dollars. The only stuff that you can get for that price does not look good. Which ruins the point of wearing a suit. Pay good money for a suit."
"Health insurance."
"Wedding photographer."
"Face creams/products. As someone with sensitive skin, it took me about 10 solid years of embarrassment before I realized that money gives clear skin."
"Car audio, if you're into that."
I don't know...I've never ridden in a car that presented a listening environment worthy of audiophile-grade equipment.
"Laundry detergent. The generic stuff never seems to get your clothes clean and smelling good."
I've never had an issue with using cheaper detergents. Also, clean is smelling good. If you want a fake scent spray some on.
"Barbells and power cages. A power cage is safety gear, and you never ever cheap out on that."
"Your hair, anything involving bleach specifically. Have fun paying $500 to have a stylist fix the bad job done by someone who was willing to do it for $70."
That's a ridiculous amount of money for a hair stylist... Happy to live in Spain where color, cut and blow-dry is at the very affordable price of about € 48 I love living in Spain ☺️👍
"Whatever you don't care much about. My #1 is hotels while traveling."
I basically live in Motel 6's. As long as it's clean and has a comfy bed don't care. Free coffee is a nice perk though.
"Computer hardware and software."
Hardware I completely agree. Software? Not so much. *with rare but vital exceptions*
"Card Sleeve for TCGs. You never know when your gonna pull that next Black Lotus."
"Oil changes."
PLASTIC SURGERY!!!!! Please. for the love of God, save your money and go to a board certified p.s. ... don't go to Costa Rica or any questionable place..yes, it's expensive in the U.S. but sooooo worth it...
"Mayonnaise!"
You can make it yourself for pennies. And probably already have the ingredients on hand.
"Apartments. I initially thought I could cheap out for my first place after college and I literally have PTSD/am still in therapy years later from dealing with the horror show that was that cheap apartment — cockroach-infested, black mold that gave me bronchitis, crime-ridden neighborhood."
"Ramen. Skip that Maruchan trash, you can get much much much better stuff and it's still under a buck per. I usually grab cases of Sapporo Ichiban (miso), Samyang (something spicy), and Nongshim Chapagetti (jajangmyeon to mix things up). Also, crack an egg into the pot and cover it with noodles while cooking. Knocks it into twelfth gear."
If I'm eating ramen, then I don't give a damn how it tastes. I've already compromised so much just to put something vaguely edible in my stomach.
"Roof racks. Those cheap eBay special roof racks will break up under load while driving on the highway and create a dangerous hazard. Save the money and buy the name-brand racks like Thule, Yakima and Rhino."
Any Camping Equipment In General. Cheap stuff doesn't last and can completely ruin your trip.
Food. Some of the generic label stuff is ok, but for certain food items you always want to buy name brand. I've learned this the hard way with mac n cheese, yogurt, bread, etc.
I disagree slightly but you got the upvote for your profile pic
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Any Camping Equipment In General. Cheap stuff doesn't last and can completely ruin your trip.
Food. Some of the generic label stuff is ok, but for certain food items you always want to buy name brand. I've learned this the hard way with mac n cheese, yogurt, bread, etc.
I disagree slightly but you got the upvote for your profile pic
Load More Replies... 