why is it a crime to pay for good products

[wildchild]

So here is the question, brought on somewhat by the Northface question.
Why do so many people say they would never pay full price for product xxx. Even if it's a good product they find fault with it somehow. (not saying Northface is a good product, I have none of their stuff) Oh I wouldn't mind having it but I'd only pay the same as I paid for a Walmart special or whatever.
The other day some folks that I know were talking. They know I have a new vehicle. (50 miles one way every day into the hood, I prefer to lower my chance of breakdowns) They had to tell me how they have 150,000 miles on their car and they're going to drive it till it drops. One just dropped $2500 in repairs, and the other was waiting for the shop to call with his bill. From the list of repairs he was having done it was going to be a small college tuition.
The amount they spend on repairs for that one trip to the shop covers my payments for the year and I don't have to worry about breaking down. Screw it they can have their beaters. I drive old stuff now and then (my truck is 7 years old and still runs very well)but if it costs me 2 grand to get it running it's gone.
I have a jacket made by Reima for snowmobiling. Was pricey $300. I use it for sledding, on the bike (cold days), skiing, and whatever else. I've had it for 7 years and it is awesome, water proof, windproof very lightweight. I wouldn't trade it for anything. Yeah it was expensive but it sure is nice.
Is it just that people can't afford it so they cut on those who do or are they just too cheap to buy a good product and would rather try to get by with crap? I cheap out on some things now and then to but only after weighing out the options and if the need is there for a better product I'm getting it. Good money once or cheap money every other use.
Just a thought.

[marko138]

I'm with you on this. I like to save money just as much as the next guy, and I'm certainly not rich, in fact, my wages are laughable...but I will pay top dollar for good products.

My wife is the opposite...she won't pay full price for anything. She'll put off buying something for months just in hopes of finding it cheaper somewhere else.

If there is something I want...I buy it. I dont care if it'll be cheaper in a week or at another store.

[Rider]

In the North Face example, I know that there are other brands out there that are equivalent in quality but less money. If North Face is on sale, I wouldn't hesitate to buy their stuff, but I won't pay retail for it.

On the other hand, if there is a product brand that I know is shit quality, I don't care how cheap it is, I won't buy it.

[skiergirl]

Depends on the product for me...motorcycle gear I'm willing to pay top dollar for quality names becuase they are tried, tested and true. Clothing not a chance, you'll never see me paying $300 for a designer sweater at Nordstom's. I'm all about saving money but sometimes you get what you pay for and not all of the cheaper brands are always as good of quality.

[Rider]

Depends on the product for me...motorcycle gear I'm willing to pay top dollar for quality names becuase they are tried, tested and true. Clothing not a chance, you'll never see me paying $300 for a designer sweater at Nordstom's. I'm all about saving money but sometimes you get what you pay for and not all of the cheaper brands are always as good of quality.

Like the saying goes... Good shit ain't cheap and cheap shit ain't good.

[Corey]

I won't pay full price for most things. It's not that I don't respect the product being offered, but, from my experience at least, the products that people are claiming to be the good ones just happen to have a certain amount of name recognition, and it's that name that tends to garner a higher price. I'll pay more for more quality/features/etc, but if it's like vs like and the difference is a name brand and a chunk of money, the cheaper wins.

[azoomm]

I make entirely too little money to buy cheap crap.

[fasternyou929]

I understand you get what you pay for, and I spend my money accordingly.

My in-laws quite the opposite and will spend weeks shopping things into the ground, comparing values of cheaper items or looking for a sale. For big purchases, (think appliances) they'll also consider buying a cheap model "to get them through for a while", then they'll ditch it and buy the one they want at a later date.

[2up]

While price often does relate directly to quality, it doesn't ALWAYS relate in an equitable way. Often times its simply the name associated with Brand A that makes it to some, more desireable than Brand B. :shrug:

Personal taste also can play a role in what is "better" IMO. I got a $250.00 bottle of Cristal champagne as a wedding gift. Totally unimpressed. Not because I have an untrained palate or whatever some Snooty McSnooterson might claim, but because I don't like very dry champagne or wine. I'll take a bottle of cheap Asti Spumante (not exactly champagne, I know) over another bottle of that Cristal any day though.

[RCM78]

I like nice things. I also believe quality cost money. I'm not wealthy and never will be. But life is too short to buy cheap crap!!!

[Particle Man]

If it's a case where you get what you pay for, I'll drop the extra coin for a quality product.

[Lucky3623]

If it's a case where you get what you pay for, I'll drop the extra coin for a quality product.

Either that or find a place that sells the same product cheaper...:idk:

[Particle Man]

Either that or find a place that sells the same product cheaper...:idk:

that too. Unless it's Wal-Mart. Fuck Wal-Mart.

;)

[CrazyKell]

I'll shop around for a good price on what I want. But what I want is what I want and I usually want quality.

When it comes to apparel I will usually spend more money on big pieces that are going to last a while...and go cheaper where I can. :shrug:

2up....have you tried Veuve Clicquot champagne? That's my personal fave!

[Mr Lefty]

honestly... to me it depends on the product... if it's something that doesn't really matter... I'll by the generic shit... ie medicine, some food, some clothes, and a few electronics.

but for the things that matter, ie their failing could really fuck up my or someone elses schedule or life, I go with quality. these things are things like tires, gear, fluids, and most electronics.

above this... I'll pay more for good customer service. I detest shitty customer service, and having basicly worked in customer service for going on 11 years now... I'll pay 10-20% more just for a product if I know I'll be treated right if there are any issues.

[CrazyKell]

Ooh I'll pay more for customer service too!

[Mr Lefty]

Ooh I'll pay more for customer service too!

oh don't go copy'n me now just to be cool...

[Smittie61984]

One of my downfalls is I do love nice stuff. But I don't make nice money so I have to bargain shop. Right now I make $9.50 an hour doing hard manual labor to just spend a good portion of it at school (And I only worked 21hours last week). Crap pay but I can get off whenever I want for school. But for me to spend $300 on a jacket that doesn't function as well as a $100 Carhart is basically a week or so of work. Very hard work at that. I was mainly looking for a nice jacket I could wear out for say a date or just a night on the town that looks good. But when I see their basic typical college yuppie style pull over for $250 and their Mt Everest approved functional jacket for just a little bit more. It shows me that they are just milking their brand for what it's worth.

On mountain biking clothing. I spare no expense. If I can afford Pearl Izumi I'll spend the extra $30-$100 it takes to get Pearl Izumi. On my motorcycle I buy good quality parts and tires because my life can depend on it. I own some nice pair of pants for school/going out and some crappier $7 jeans for work (That looks just about as good and feels as good as my Levis).

But sometimes I just have to sit back and laugh at the trends that come around. What will come after North Face? Who knows. But I'm seeing girls walking around school now with big tall eskimo furry looking boots on. Despite it being 55+ degrees outside.

[CrazyKell]

oh don't go copy'n me now just to be cool...


:whatwhat: :wink: :lol:

[fnfalman]

I never buy anything at full price. Why should I? I know that the MSRPs are usually marked up pretty significantly, so I wanna negotiate. What's the best price you can give me for this product? What price can YOU afford to sell me for this product?

I'm not the type that NEED to have anything. I NEED food, water and air. I don't NEED anything else. I WANT a lot and I'm willing to spend beaucoupe bucks for it, but I won't pay retail. Give me a little something less for this doohickey and I'll come back at a later date and buy another doohickey from you.

[shmike]

Since I post on the internet, whatever price I pay is correct.

If you pay more than me, you are a foolish yuppie that follows the masses and pays too much to look like everyone else.

If you pay less than me, you are cheap. That or you don't understand the quality, refinement or requirements I demand from my purchases. Probably the former.

[Sixxxxer]

Ooh I'll pay more for customer service too!

I'll send you my bill :drool: :dthumb:

[Corey]

Since I post on the internet, whatever price I pay is correct.

If you pay more than me, you are a foolish yuppie that follows the masses and pays too much to look like everyone else.

If you pay less than me, you are cheap. That or you don't understand the quality, refinement or requirements I demand from my purchases. Probably the former.

You are obviously a connoisseur of fine products at spectacular prices. Your collection of Hummel figurines, Franklin Mint Collectors Plates, and unopened cans of Crystal Pepsi attest to your learned tastes and fine eye for potential investments. :lol:

[wildchild]

One of my downfalls is I do love nice stuff. But I don't make nice money so I have to bargain shop. Right now I make $9.50 an hour doing hard manual labor to just spend a good portion of it at school (And I only worked 21hours last week). Crap pay but I can get off whenever I want for school. But for me to spend $300 on a jacket that doesn't function as well as a $100 Carhart is basically a week or so of work. Very hard work at that. I was mainly looking for a nice jacket I could wear out for say a date or just a night on the town that looks good. But when I see their basic typical college yuppie style pull over for $250 and their Mt Everest approved functional jacket for just a little bit more. It shows me that they are just milking their brand for what it's worth.

On mountain biking clothing. I spare no expense. If I can afford Pearl Izumi I'll spend the extra $30-$100 it takes to get Pearl Izumi. On my motorcycle I buy good quality parts and tires because my life can depend on it. I own some nice pair of pants for school/going out and some crappier $7 jeans for work (That looks just about as good and feels as good as my Levis).

But sometimes I just have to sit back and laugh at the trends that come around. What will come after North Face? Who knows. But I'm seeing girls walking around school now with big tall eskimo furry looking boots on. Despite it being 55+ degrees outside.


Hey smittie sorry bout that, I didn't mean to reference as though you were the one I meant. Just that your post about NF got me thinking as others put in they wouldn't pay for it or what not. I totally agree with getting the best you can afford and have all too good of recollection what it was like to make it on spit and baling twine. 5/hr and family of 4 is not fun I can tell you that. it will motivate the hell out of you to do better though :)

Wow this has to be one of my livlier posts that I've started.

[OneSickPsycho]

Depends on the product, depends on how much use I'll get out of it. All my tools are cheap cause I don't really do a whole lot of wrenching... My Harbor freight drill press has done me no wrong... in the dozen times I've used it in the past 6 years. Plus I'm about to get all my dad's tools... Mac, Cornwell, Snap-on... the good shit.

I don't fuck around much with cheap electronics. My DVD home theater setup is bottom of the barrel Sony, but I'm no audiophile so doesn't bother me. I buy cheap decor and low-traffic furniture... but my matress was nearly $800. Clothes are middle of the road, but I shop the discount/closeout racks... unless I need something... Then I won't hesitate to pay full price.

[Homeslice]

I'll take a bottle of cheap Asti Spumante (not exactly champagne, I know) over another bottle of that Cristal any day though.

plusone

but then, i don't like champagne at all. whoever dreamed up the idea of carbonating wine was a fucking moron.

[OneSickPsycho]

What I will say... I will shop around. I think it's dumb if you don't. High ticket items, I will shop around for weeks or maybe a month. People who just go and buy something without checking a number of other places for price comparisons have more money than I do... Especially since 95% of my purchases are made online... if you don't shop around online, you're just fucking lazy.

[Homeslice]

The analogy I always like to make is the ghetto idiots who drive a Navigator but still rent, or even if they own a home it's only worth $40K cuz it's in Detroit or it's a trailer park. Get some priorities already.......jesus.

[the chi]

honestly... to me it depends on the product... if it's something that doesn't really matter... I'll by the generic shit... ie medicine, some food, some clothes, and a few electronics.

but for the things that matter, ie their failing could really fuck up my or someone elses schedule or life, I go with quality. these things are things like tires, gear, fluids, and most electronics.

above this... I'll pay more for good customer service. I detest shitty customer service, and having basicly worked in customer service for going on 11 years now... I'll pay 10-20% more just for a product if I know I'll be treated right if there are any issues.

What I will say... I will shop around. I think it's dumb if you don't. High ticket items, I will shop around for weeks or maybe a month. People who just go and buy something without checking a number of other places for price comparisons have more money than I do... Especially since 95% of my purchases are made online... if you don't shop around online, you're just fucking lazy.

Im with both these guys. I hate paying retail, because I know how high its marked up, but at the same time, if its something important, I wont take the cheap route. But I DO shop around first!

My dad always taught me, better to save and get the good stuff that'll last, than buy the cheap stuff 20 times!

And I will pay more if its someplace that remembers what customer service is! Like local bike shops, if I need something, I'll go to the place that treats me right, and as added bonus, ALWAYS remembers me!

[njchopper87]

My dad always taught me, better to save and get the good stuff that'll last, than buy the cheap stuff 20 times!

That's funny, because I learned that through my parents too.. only I learned by watching them do it. I can tell the same story over and over again just by changing what was bought. Of course, there were 5 of us so I guess you do what you can.

[BobTheBiker]

Depends on the product for me...motorcycle gear I'm willing to pay top dollar for quality names becuase they are tried, tested and true. Clothing not a chance, you'll never see me paying $300 for a designer sweater at Nordstom's. I'm all about saving money but sometimes you get what you pay for and not all of the cheaper brands are always as good of quality.

AMEN!

I wont wear no name gear, but no name clothes that are dirt cheap, why not? if I'm walking down the street, my chances of highsiding and getting my skin torn off are essentially -10 so no name clothes are fine, but I need to know my gear will withstand the crash.

I'm the same way about tools. I'm paying good money for my Craftsman and Snapon tools for a good reason. I make my $ with them, and I need quality, not junk that breaks.

[Smittie61984]

Hey smittie sorry bout that, I didn't mean to reference as though you were the one I meant. Just that your post about NF got me thinking as others put in they wouldn't pay for it or what not. I totally agree with getting the best you can afford and have all too good of recollection what it was like to make it on spit and baling twine. 5/hr and family of 4 is not fun I can tell you that. it will motivate the hell out of you to do better though :)

Wow this has to be one of my livlier posts that I've started.

No offense taken.

I think the main bash on "THE North Face" (Can't forget the THE or your coolness goes down 15.9%) is that it's the "Cool" trend now. And there will always be people who resist the "Norm". I'll admit I'm one of those people. For example I'll never own anything "Life is Good". Despite their shirts could be cheap and the guys who made the shirts are Geniuses and I respect the hell out of that.

I'd like to start a "Life is Okay" line and sell them for half hte price of "Life is Good" for the people who suck at life.

[Smittie61984]

Plus I'm about to get all my dad's tools... Mac, Cornwell, Snap-on... the good shit.


I worked at a Machine Shop that had the Snap On man come by once a week. And my buddy's dad always and I mean ALWAYS bought something. He has been for over 15 years.

He finally sold the shop and it sucked bad when I used my POS Craftsman tools. That'd be like riding a M1 and then for then getting stuck with a SecaII forever.

[OneSickPsycho]

I worked at a Machine Shop that had the Snap On man come by once a week. And my buddy's dad always and I mean ALWAYS bought something. He has been for over 15 years.

He finally sold the shop and it sucked bad when I used my POS Craftsman tools. That'd be like riding a M1 and then for then getting stuck with a SecaII forever.

My old man's been a mechanic for like 40 years... Used to sell Mac, Cornwell, and Snap-On tools on the side for a while.

Anybody got any use for a 3/4" swivel head driver with sockets ranging from 1 1/2 to 5"? The driver wrench is only like 3' long and weighs like 25lbs.

[Dnyce]

My old man's been a mechanic for like 40 years... Used to sell Mac, Cornwell, and Snap-On tools on the side for a while.

Anybody got any use for a 3/4" swivel head driver with sockets ranging from 1 1/2 to 5"? The driver wrench is only like 3' long and weighs like 25lbs.

free? then yes. depending on how much, maybe

[OneSickPsycho]

free? then yes. depending on how much, maybe

Free... no. It'll be a few months until I get them all the tools and I'm not sure what my dad's plan is for some of that stuff... I'd imagine he'd sell off all that bizzaro stuff I'd have no use for to his friends first... I'm pretty much just interested in most of the air tools and more standard tools. If there's anything he can't/doesn't get rid of that I don't want... I'll put it out here.

[Dnyce]

cool

[Dave]

meh, whats so bad about beaters? pure freedom if you ask me. costs a mere fraction of its original price, dont have to wash it, im not a slave to some warrantee, and people get the fuck out of my way when they see it coming for them. then again, im very good at keeping things running and do 99.9% of my own wrench turning. nothing like the look on someones face when a paint peeling bullet ridden mid ninties buick pass them with both fronts on fire and the supercharger wailing like a banshee. specially makes my day if they are in a prius :lol:

[Adeptus_Minor]

I evaluate it on a case by case basis.
Sometimes you're paying for name, sometimes there's something to it.
I can understand the sentiment that we make too little to buy cheap crap, but we also make too little to pay too much when that extra money doesn't buy greater tangible benefit.