You’ve probably heard that quality always triumphs over quantity. Sometimes, however, a good deal is too hard to resist. That is, until the item stops working, falls apart, or shatters into tiny pieces. When you’re being frugal, it’s important to weigh the cost of your purchases against the value you get.
Stainless steel will beat out cheaper metals. A Rolex watch will keep its value even when the dial needs work. A freezer should, well, freeze things. When you’re shopping for new products, it’s important to find goods that are built to last.
Restaurant Equipment
Any restaurateur can testify that having a fryer break down during a lunch rush is a nightmare and a half. Kitchen accessories that break easily, dishwashers that don’t get up to temperature, and a refrigerator that doesn’t stay cool may make or break a business. When you’re buying commercial kitchen equipment, it might be best to skip an online auction. While online auctions can be great for finding quality products, you may want to visit a showroom instead.
Since many online auctions are conducted on a secondary market, it’s difficult to tell if you’re getting first-party or third-party equipment. Whether you need a grill, cooler, slicer, pans, or ice machine, the best way to ensure it doesn’t break is to buy merchandise from a trusted kitchen supply business. You can even see if a trusted brand sells used restaurant equipment to find solid deals.
Timepieces
Unless it’s your first wristwatch, you don’t want to skimp on the pricing. There’s a reason that Rolex watches remain so popular: the Rolex collection promises high-caliber timepieces that are built to last. It doesn’t matter if you’re a wristwatch collector or you simply really liked how Paul Newman looked in the old magazines. Even if it’s not a Rolex watch, it’s a great idea to invest in a solid wristwatch.
You don’t even have to look for expensive watches that are prized for their rarity. A new watch from a trusted brand can still look nice alongside your other accessories. It’s important to search for watches with robust dials and internal mechanisms. You also want to search for a watch that offers the perfect combination of style and prestige. Shopping on Craigslist, however? It might not be your best bet unless you know a solid technician who can handle repairs down the road.
Home Decor
From designing a New York penthouse to a Daytona bungalow, decor matters. When you’re purchasing home goods, you want pieces that will bring up the value of your house and not drag them down. A quality equipment stand will have more usage than one that falls into disrepair, after all. If you’re a thrift shop or antique explorer, you may be able to find robust pieces that have already withstood the test of time. While it may be tempting to order right out of a catalog, be wary. Big-box furniture and decor brands love to collect personal details, add you to their mailing list, and send unsolicited email after unsolicited email.
It’s a good idea to make a solid list of which features you do and don’t crave. Maybe you’re looking for a rose gold or yellow gold lamp base or a bezel sofa. You want to make sure each product you test out is well-crafted and durable. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself back at the furniture store before you know it.
Whether you’re browsing a broad selection of Rolex watches, or you’re getting to revest in an interior remodel, you always need to prioritize quality. While this may mean saying goodbye to what looks like a good deal, it can save you money, headaches, and heartbreaks down the road. Invest in solid purchases, and you’ll certainly save over time.
