Comments on: Buying the best from the outset

By: kas!

kas! — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 20:09:51 +0000

Where do you recommend finding “the best” of products. I find it especially difficult in the clothing department: just because a jacket is $300, it doesn’t necessarily mean it will last you. I’m not really familiar with brands/items that have stood the test of time.
I’m also unsure how to use consumer reports, except for when I come across a magazine issue randomly.

By: Monevator

Monevator — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 13:20:44 +0000

Almost nothing seems to be worth the money you pay for it, except good food and at the right time a taxi (extravagant I know, but getting airlifted out of some scenarios is reliably priceless – I take maybe 5 a year).

If you’re buying stuff, buy good stuff I agree. Better to be stuck for something over-priced but quality, then something both pricey and rubbish.

By: Weekend reading: England’s dreaming

Weekend reading: England’s dreaming — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 11:59:00 +0000

[...] Buying the best from the outset – Early Retirement Extreme [...]

By: btwb2380

btwb2380 — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 20:42:25 +0000

I don’t think it’s at all about spending the money to “buy the best” but rather it’s determining where the best value point exists given a lot of factors. I think the comments here are essentially saying that.

By: Photoguy

Photoguy — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 19:12:34 +0000

Another thing to consider is what is the resale value of the item once you are done with it several years down the line. For example, I’ve purchased photo equipment, used it for several years and then sold it for very close to my initial purchase price (and in a few cases even more than I paid).

Obviously some things depreciate faster than others, but even with things like laptops, I’ve gotten a significant chunk of money back after multiple years of use.

By: Insurance Izzy

Insurance Izzy — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 16:57:35 +0000

I think there are definitely some things you want to buy that are going to be expensive and of good quality. To bring it down a notch from $1000 dollar bikes, for women, good makeup and other beauty items are important. High quality makeup stays on longer and leaves your skin in good condition. A good quality hair straightener will do less damage to your hair, maintains its heat levels, and works for longer.
However, at the same time, there are definitely some things you can feel confident buying at cheap prices on eBay. Like computer cords.
Thanks for the thought provoking post!

By: Jacob

Jacob — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 15:11:47 +0000

@Concojones – If you do both, that is, “the best” in a used condition, the total cost of ownership is usually close to zero. You can even make money on the stuff from time to time (e.g. things that are so good they become collectibles).

By: Concojones

Concojones — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 12:57:28 +0000

Another route, if you don’t know yet if you need it, is to buy something second hand. Later you can sell it for about the same price.

By: Kevin M

Kevin M — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 12:52:12 +0000

@schuchong – I’ve had good luck with Doc Martens. They are available everywhere and online. I had one pair of brown casuals that I wore to work (office) for 10 years and just replaced them this summer. I think I paid $125 originally, the latest pair was under $100.

By: mjukr

mjukr — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 16:21:43 +0000

I can vouch for Florsheim; they are my work shoes of choice (comfortable but classy, and durable).

For casual wear, I like New Balance. Most comfortable sneakers I’ve ever had (particularly the M574 Classic models), and last me a few years at least.

By: Jo

Jo — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 18:09:08 +0000

Great post. I completely agree with this philosophy – only I would add that of course supplement with free or basically free stuff regardless of quality as long as you can get some use of it.

By: MM

MM — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:37:27 +0000

Too often did I take the cheap route and have recently converted to the Buying the Best mentality and haven’t been happier. I have comfortable footwear, a car that doesn’t break down and a computer that won’t quit.

I would say buying quality is saving money…especially in the car department!

By: Double

Double — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:56:30 +0000

There have been instances where I have bought something inexpensive because I am tight with my money but then realize that the higer priced item would have been better VALUE as it would have lasted longer and worked better.

By: Jacob

Jacob — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 03:07:32 +0000

@shuchong – I got a pair of Hanwag boots and the shoes are from LLoyd. For shoe manufacturers, try Church (if you’re in Europe, Hanwag is also European) and AllenEdmonds.com if you’re in the US. I also heard good things about Florsheim. For boots in the US: Danner. Try to find a sewn welt also called a Norwegian welt. And try to stay away from glued welts. I usually go for full piece leather. The more pieces a boot has been constructed off, the cheaper it is and the less water resistant it is. I would avoid leather soles for the shoes (unless you’re ONLY using them indoors, ever) and go with rubber. For the boots get a skywalk sole – most cobblers, or should I say bad cobblers will put some cheaper rubber on that only lasts a year with regular use. Skywalk is good for 6 years or so.

By: shuchong

shuchong — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 01:59:05 +0000

I know this is kind of a tangential to the actual topic at hand, but what kind of shoes do you have? I’m in need of a replacement pair of shoes, and a ten year lifespan sounds pretty good to me right about now.