Ever since mankind learned how to trade, price has always been the number one factor in our buying decisions. Always on the look out for good bargains, many consumers get blindsided by low prices that they would end up missing out on quality. Among other instances, here are 8 reasons why paying more is worth it.

 

1) Health and safety

When you grab that shower gel from a shelf at your local drugstore, have you ever thought to read the ingredients list? Many commercial products contain innumerable ingredients that are chemical-based and contain preservatives to extend the product shelf life. Some of these chemicals and preservatives even contain traces of heavy metals or skin irritants, that have been discovered to cause severe allergies and even cancer. If you don’t want to worry about harmful chemicals on your skin or body, it makes sense to stick to organic products. ‘Love Is’ purchases from small business owners to help upkeep their trade and ensures the ingredients are clean, pure and natural as they came directly from trusted sources. They also strictly practice listing every ingredient on their packaging so that customers with allergies are notified before making their purchases.

 

2) Reliability

While price does not necessarily correlate with quality or value, it is often an indicator of the level of quality you can expect. Commonly, cheaper goods tend to be of lower quality as they were likely made with lower quality materials and cost-efficient methods of construction. This means that they won’t last as long and will need to be replaced far quicker than well-made, artisanal goods.

Highly-trained and skilled artisans are involved in the process who often employing a high level of handwork, apart from the finest materials selected. They also employ traditional techniques so it is no wonder that these goods could be passed down through generations. The designs of these products are also evergreen and it explains why their style could stand the test of the time. While artisanal goods often take longer to make, the advantages of them are unmatched. This is when you wouldn’t mind splurging on tailor-made or bespoke clothing over ready-to-wear pieces because they are usually factory-made in standardised sizes and condition. When you choose to spend more for suits and shoes, make sure you buy them from a reliable source. Local menswear store WJ & Co. located in Bangsar Shopping Centre, offers “well-made, beautifully designed products with great value under one roof”. The store partners directly with artisans and craftspeople from around the world which translates into beautiful made-to-wear suits as well as sleek and eye-catching shoes and accessories.

 

3) Customisation

In essence, customisation is all about individuality. It provides an opportunity for you to tailor the details of the product you’re purchasing. Custom designed jewelry, for example, allows you to create a piece as unique as the person who will wear it. If you choose to customise, however, let it be something worth investing in, such as wedding jewellery. Since wedding jewellery is meant to be worn every day, take the time to create an exceptional ring that will act as a daily reminder of your love.

Allow yourself to create a symbol of your commitment and dedication by designing a spectacularly unique engagement ring, instead of buying a mass-produced piece that lacks a personal touch. What’s more, the process of designing it is not only a labour of love, it also becomes a precious story on your loved one’s most treasured possession. When you choose to spend more for accessories or specifically an engagement ring, opt for designs that would best symbolise your relationship or the person you’re intending to marry. If you are looking for customised jewellery, visit ‘The Jewellerists’ at Publika Shopping Gallery. Not only do they come up with unique designs, they are also careful and detail oriented, which means your satisfaction is guaranteed.

 

4) Minimalism

Minimalism is the way forward but if space management isn’t your strong suit, you don’t necessarily have to do a complete overhaul. Minimalist or modern homes are normally more expensive than traditional ones mainly due to the difference in demand. Minimalist architecture has lower demand hence the higher price. Nonetheless among the many points to substantiate the phrase ‘less is more’ include aesthetics, comfort, fresher space, calmness and sheer elegance. Why do minimalist designs tend to cost more? Among the reasons are: the detailing work requires a higher tolerance and meticulousness than traditional styles, the techniques involved require highly-skilled craftsmen and the materials used are of higher quality or pricier due to lower demand and availability. If you don’t know where to start, try renovating smaller spaces like your bathroom. Take a look at the award-winning ‘Geberit Monolith Puro’ available at Bina Warehouse, which is an ideal renovation solution. It is simple yet refined, slim yet fully functional. No major structural changes are necessary for your bathroom as the installation uses existing connections.

 

5) Durability

If home is really where the heart is, then you shouldn’t be skimping on furniture. Unless you really need to, why give cheap furniture a second thought when it would just either fall apart or cost you more money to repair them? All things considered, your furniture purchases should be based on how frequently you are going to use a piece and how long you are planning to stay at a specific place. If you want quality sleep then skimping on a mattress is a no-no. The only time when it is okay to skimp on furniture is if you move frequently. Even then, it makes more sense to buy sturdy and timeless pieces so you won’t have to re-purchase each time you move or each time your couch falls apart. If you’re buying outdoor furniture, then spending more will definitely be a better bargain. An all-weather piece such as the 356 Lounge Chair by Gandia Blasco would make a neat addition to your patio or large balcony. Made from 100% recyclable rotation-moulded polyethylene, multiple pieces of this durable chair can be arranged in various ways to enhance alfresco seating areas.

 

6) Lower maintenance cost

You are rolling the dice if you choose a poor quality paint for the exterior of your biggest investment – your home. You would think that buying cheap paint is a good bargain but the coverage could be a lot better so you had to do more coats. A low-grade paint can “flake, peel, expose home to the elements and results in costly structural damage”. So it is actually more cost-effective to invest in a good quality paint that could give better protection for you home. The Paint Quality Institute, US, established that 100% acrylic paint that could last at least a decade whole lower quality paints would last only about four years. Labour is often the biggest part of a job’s cost so long-lasting materials won’t add a lot to a contractor’s quote. You would end up getting more years out of a paint job and lesser maintenance costs.

 

7) Slower depreciation, better investment

Buying a more expensive but more energy-efficient home appliance like a refrigerator could not only spare you from pesky maintenance costs but would also be more valuable than cheaper ones should you choose to re-sell. It’s more sensible to bear a higher cost if the product is power efficient as it means you could own it longer and have to pay cheaper electricity bills. Re-selling the item in the future would be easier as by then, you’ll be able to make your investment back. It would help you decide, however, to do a little math before buying an appliance. Take into consideration the operating costs and how long you plan to use the household or kitchen appliance. Even when people choose to buy a second-hand home appliance, they would choose the ones with better quality so even if you don’t plan to use, for example, an electric kettle for long, it makes more economical sense to buy a safe and slightly pricier one. If bigger appliances are too costly for you to invest in, then start with smaller stuff like power strips and energy efficient light bulbs. It’s definitely more cost efficient to buy LED bulbs than fluorescent ones as an LED bulb could last for 50,000 hours, which is about 10 times longer than a typical fluorescent one.