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Buy well, buy once

fellow.ventures

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Re: Buy well, buy once

#201

Post by markus_zhang »

Although the idea sounds intriguing, it doesn't really make a lot of sense in modern world.

To "buy well", one has to understand every merchandise he is to make a purchase, but who has the capacity to do the research? And how do you do the research?

For example, how do you know that two fridges, one $800 and one $2000, which one will last longer? Modern capitalism distorts price-quality equation so you cannot simply pick the more expensive ones.

It really makes sense to just pick a brand you heard of, take a middle priced model, or what ever fits your need and go with it. And never places too much hope on it. Expect that home appliance will break in 5-7 years.

Our fathers and grandfathers had the luxury of living in a different world. We don't. I guess the only saying that makes sense is: don't buy screwdrivers from dollar shops.

Re: Buy well, buy once

#202

Post by diffeomorphism »

cactusplant7374 wrote: post #53
s5300 wrote: post #11

Things I have bought well and once: Vitamix 5300 - going strong after 13 years of near daily usage, 4 family blenders from department stores failed/poor quality blending before this Zojirushi Rice Cooker - also close to 13 years, usage of a few times a week Breville Burr Grinder - decade or a bit older, frequently used Sonicare Toothbrush - $150ish or so model, probably 8 years of near twice daily usage. Presume I’ll…

I was disappointed to learn Vitamix and Instant Pot aren’t dual voltage compatible. Can’t use them in Europe. So basically only low wattage stuff is 120 and 220 volts.

You can get both in 220V versions though.

Re: Buy well, buy once

#203

Post by [deleted] »

wellanyway wrote: post #183
mattmanser wrote: post #174

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I personally don't favour cheap over longevity, and I don't really believe most consumer do either. The problem is that it has become increasingly difficult to discern if something will last. An expensive product, from what was a trusted brand, can be just as short lived as a cheap one these days. Cost does not always reflect quality. And brands that build long-lived products struggle as they don't have the repeat cu…

Exactly. Marshall Major headphones I bought some tears ago looked and were priced in a way I thought would guarantee decade of service at least. They fell apart in half a year revealing multiple fundamental design flaws.

[deleted]

Re: Buy well, buy once

#204

Post by mberning »

notatoad wrote: post #61
mberning wrote: post #52

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Therein is the kernel of every hoarder pathology, which is ironic. “This is too to get rid of!” Wrong. Throw it away and don’t replace it.

or if throwing it away makes you feel bad, give it away. either it finds its way to somebody who will value it, or somebody will throw it out for you. either way is a win.

I disagree. It’s another pathological behavior. In many of these cases you are taking your problem, something you have no use for, and turning it into someone else's problem. My wife and sister in law are terrible about this. Rather than just getting rid of things they go to a relative to sit around for years or decades, out of sight, before finally making their way to the trash. I absolutely hate it when the sister in law shows up with a new box of “priceless treasures” for us to deal with.

Re: Buy well, buy once

#206

Post by nicbou »

emodendroket wrote: post #95
nicbou wrote: post #64

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I used to be interested in minimalism, but I realised that they just obsess over objects in a different way. I wanted to save money, avoid maintenance and reduce my mental load. I found people who keep spreadsheets of their stuff and debate whether it's okay to own tools or multiple coffee cups.

It sounds kind of woo, but I tried the Konmari method and it really was helpful without being overly prescriptive. It definitely felt good to get rid of a lot of that stuff. Though there are a couple that I'd probably take back if I could do it over.

It's a great technique, but I'd rather focus on reducing purchases instead of getting rid of purchased stuff. The environmental damage is already done, unless it finds a second user.

I like that Konmari can also apply to obligations and how you allocate your time. Thats the premise of a book: the life-changing magic of not giving a f**.

Re: Buy well, buy once

#207

Post by edpichler »

pwpw wrote: post #141

An observation I have made of my grandparents, who certainly had a bit of money, is everything they own is high quality and has lasted them years. My grandfather still has his Hickey Freeman suits and sports coats tailored and repaired by a local menswear shop. Their Dualit toaster still works while I have personally gone through many Cuisinart toasters. Their technics AV components still work with their high quality…

We all feel the same. The reason is the https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planned_obsolescence

Re: Buy well, buy once

#208

Post by justusthane »

Thorrez wrote: post #134
0xr0kk3r wrote: post #123

Earlier quoted context omitted.

"rather than getting the $70 replacement part" Appliance repair usually starts at a $100 house-call fee and goes up from there. It is cheaper to buy a new dishwasher than get it repaired.

When I moved into my apartment, the racks in the dishwasher were badly rusted. I told the management. They replaced the entire dishwasher. They said they couldn't get a replacement rack.

We bought a house recently and the racks in the (old) dishwasher are rusted. I thought it would be cheap to replace them. $400 for new top and bottom racks. $425 for a new dishwasher. I am gobsmacked.

Re: Buy well, buy once

#209

Post by seydor »

Nice, now please do the same thing about your phone.

Oh you can't? Right because tech is actively trying to make you ditch your old phone. My last phone was great but can't fix the screen and the new model is worse, because they now want you to buy their earphones, and their watch, and soon their goggles.

Re: Buy well, buy once

#210

Post by [deleted] »

duxup wrote: post #45
nonethewiser wrote: post #29

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I think its a bit different. When you can buy whatever you want, you realize stuff doesn’t really improve your life.

You also can discard things easier… knowing they can be had at will later.

[deleted]
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