𝐂.𝐆. 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐠 ... 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐬

 

𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐩 𝐈𝐬 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞?

Cheap Is Expensive?

Simply put, when you buy cheap it can be expensive. 

Down the road. On account of cheap stuff doesn't hold up over time. Maybe, even right away. And, even worse, when something cheap is part of an assemblage of other stuff, a larger whole, the cheap thing will bring the entire thing down. 

Weakest link kind of thing. Either right away, like a plastic flower on a prom dress; or, down the road, like a flimsy prom dress that comes off in the back seat, but the zipper is stuck and the frock doesn't get back on quite right. Gotta sneak upstairs so the folks don't see. 

Or, like painting a house with cheap paint. If you've ever had to scrap paint off wood shingles or siding, you know what a pain and expense that is. Cheap paint don't last long. 

Be forewarned. 

In our experience things like you buy for the home, or the wardrobe, tend to stay around for a long time. Again, buy the best; in your budget, of course. You'll appreciate this advice down the road. Unless, of course, you're living on up the hill, and tossing out even new things that are not wanted is not an issue.

There's truth in "You get what you pay for". Generally, that's a good axiom to hold to. Generally, that is. Sometimes you get something good at a bargain. Other times bargains are indeed only worth the price; or, not even. That's where education comes in. It's called discrimination, discernment. Quality shows. Now, let me ask you, Pilgrim, how do you discern quality? Based on what? Do you know what you like, or have you been instructed — shaped — like just another brick in the wall to like what someone says you should? And, not just being told what to like to your face; beware the "hidden persuaders". Of course, when it comes to politics, that certainly doesn't apply. You can take what you're being told to the bank. Especially if it confirms your already set bias.

We always need to give some purchases proper attention. Once you buy that kitchen knife, for example, it's gonna stay with you a long time. So, select with care. Or, shoes. Or, belts. Or, pots and pans.

What's popular too, is a good basic way to base a choice. But, basic. What most people think and/or like may not be any friggin' good at all; or, to your liking. Satisfy yourself. In a bar when I go for a glass of beer, I always ask for the favorite what's on tap. Can't go wrong on that score.

Have I made the point? 

Just how do you make an informed choice anyway?

The Internet is full of advice, and differing points of view. Check around. Don't just always go with what Oprah recommends. Or, Martha Stewart. Amazon sells most everything. We check the reviews; pretty good take on what's what, and what's not what. 

And, here's a big tip. Envision your use down the road. Just think about how you're gonna use whatsit. And, what is the incremental value in relation to cost. In a separate writing I spoke on Coffee paraphernalia. We discussed Coffee grinders. As like with just about anything now with worldwide access to everything, with grinders for Coffee the world is your Oyster. My own take, I'll stick with my $20 blade electric grinder, thank you. I just don't get that "entry level" starting at $200 USD is gonna get me that much better a cuppa.

That's about it, folks. Now, go in peace. The world is indeed as you see it. Be sure your seeing in 20/20. With the eyes in your head, and the inner eye too.  

Then there's "Made In China". Some may recall when "Made in Japan" was synonymous with "junk". Now we all know that Nippon has an age-old tradition of high craftsmanship. After the WWII what was exported from Japan was mostly flimsy stuff. Tin toy, cheap bric a brac . "Made in China" can be a crap shoot. Not that the Chinese can't make first rate stuff; they can, and do. But, since a lot of manufacturing has been outsourced to China, said marketers sometimes either don't spec the quality, or don't care. Case in point: A well known "Made In the USA" can opener is now manufactured in China. Not quite the same level of quality. On the strength of the brand name and, having had a bulletproof one in the past, we purchased one of their vegetable peelers. Broke right away, first time peeling Potatoes. Got a replacement. Same result. The customer service at the seller company seems to care less on the issue. Just sent the replacements. Looking at the metal parts of the lousy unit compared to the original USA-made item, the failing was in the tinny metal construction. Someone along the way failed to specify the proper spec. And/or, neglected to inspect the Chinese made batch. Be forewarned. Interesting, now "Made in Japan" is the mark of excellence. China is catching up.