Larry Cole believes in always buying the top of the line. He wants top quality and isn’t afraid to pay for it. Laura, his wife, thinks he wastes money most of the time.
When is it a good idea to buy the top of the line? When can a consumer logically buy a moderately priced or even refurbished item?
Some items should be purchased new. Some baby equipment, like car seats, should always be new. Safety standards have changed over the years and a used seat may not meet the newest standards. And, normal wear and tear from a couple of children can further compromise safety.
Antique cribs or a crib from Mom’s attic are another problem. Modern safety standards for side slat placement are smaller than thirty or forty years ago – so very small babies cannot get their heads stuck between slats and strangle.
Purchasing refurbished items is not as risky as it sounds. A refurbished piece has been returned to the manufacturer or any reason (including the wrong color) or has a missing piece or needs a minor repair. The manufacturer refurbishes or repairs the item and sells it at a discount, often with a full guarantee.
Before you purchase an item, ask yourself how often you will use the equipment. If you are a finish carpenter, buy the top of the line saw. If you cut a piece of lumber every three years, you can go with a smaller, cheaper model. Similarly, if you use a food processor everyday or love to sew, buy the best quality you can afford. You will be glad you did.
