20 Times Buying the Cheapest Option Just Isn’t an Option

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It’s common advice to look for good deals when you buy things, and that’s also generally good advice.

However, there are times when buying the cheapest option available isn’t the best decision. Some things are worth spending more money on. Following are several examples.

Mattresses and Pillows

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Good mattresses are expensive, but cheap ones won’t last a long time, and you’re likely to start waking up with a sore back before long. The same applies to your neck with cheap pillows.

 

Clothes

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You don’t need to spend money on designer clothes, but you should avoid cheap clothes. They don’t look as good, they’re not as comfortable, and because of the low quality, they’ll wear out fast.

 

Shoes

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Your feet need to support the rest of your body when you’re on them. Quality shoes are more comfortable and last longer. If you buy cheap shoes, you may spend more in the end due to replacing them more often.

 

Plumbers

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Plumbing work can be expensive, so people appreciate bargains. However, a low rate quoted by a plumber may be masking something such as a lack of license or insurance, inexperience, or surprise fees that will come up later.

 

Helmets

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People wear helmets for all sorts of activities; bicycling, motorcycle riding, rock climbing, and whitewater rafting are some examples. You don’t want to risk a fractured skull, so get the best-quality helmet you can afford.

 

Paint

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Painting a house can be expensive, even if you do it yourself. Inexpensive paint brands can save money, but that paint will be of lesser quality and won’t last as long compared to premium brands.

 

Vacuum Cleaners

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Not buying a quality vacuum cleaner is something a lot of people come to regret. What they find is that less expensive vacuums are more likely to break and don’t do their jobs that well.

 

Tools

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If you only occasionally use tools, you might be able to get away with buying cheap ones. However, if you use them a lot or your job actually requires them, you’ll want quality tools that will last long and not break.

 

Undergarments

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What we wear beneath our clothes helps keep us clean and provides comfort and protection for sensitive parts. A cheap bra, for example, is likely to cause discomfort and may not offer the support that a woman needs.

 

Knives

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You don’t have to buy top-end knives that cost hundreds or thousands of dollars, but you should avoid really cheap ones. They don’t hold a sharp edge for long, they might break, and they don’t cut as well.

 

Restorative Dental Work

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Of course, you should only go to a dentist for any dental work beyond a cleaning, but not all dentists are the same. A dentist who charges a lot less than another for the same procedure may not specialize in it, and you could be in for pain and more procedures.

 

Food Storage Containers

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Better food containers last longer, but that’s not their only benefit. For instance, quality glass containers are versatile and can often go in microwaves and ovens. Cheap plastic containers can melt in microwaves, which also can be a health risk.

 

Toilet Paper

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That cheap generic brand on the shelf might be tempting, but you could regret it. You’ll soon understand why many people liken it to sandpaper. Plus, it’s not as absorbent and you’ll end up using twice as much most of the time, so you’ll go through it a lot faster than you will good toilet paper.

 

Tires

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All tires sold by reputable dealers are certified as safe, but there are big differences among brands. The more expensive tires usually handle better (especially in wet conditions), contribute to better gas mileage, are more resistant to damage, and last longer.

 

Work Chairs

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If you’re going to be spending several hours of the day seated in a chair, don’t skimp on this furniture. Pay for comfort; your back will thank you as well.

 

Car Batteries

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Inexpensive car batteries do their job fine, but they come with drawbacks. The main one is that they don’t last nearly as long, and another is that they may perform poorly in cold weather.

 

Electronics

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Beware of unfamiliar brands with really low prices. Like most other things on this list, cheap electronics don’t work as well and don’t last as long.

 

Pots and Pans

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Quality pots and pans heat and cook better. They also last a really long time, practically forever if you take care of them. Avoid cheap non-stick pans; the non-stick coating can wear away and release toxic chemicals.

 

Tattoos

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Unless you go through the pain and expense of removal, a tattoo is forever. A licensed tattoo artist who charges high prices is probably a lot more talented than that artist offering a cut rate.

 

Plastic Surgery

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Plastic surgery changes your appearance for several years and sometimes for the rest of your life. The last thing you want is a botched procedure. A top-rated surgeon may cost more, but they’re worth it.

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