Is it really worth spending money for brand name items?

While name brand does not always make a difference often enough it does. Consumables I’m almost never getting name brand but other things name brand has a higher resale value. There is no formula for this, it really depends on what the item is.

As my dear old granny used to say, “you get what you pay for”
I mean, granted, she said this as she gifted me a bright green pvc jacket with pictures of skateboards on the back…but still.

@ARE_you_kidding_me @ARE_you_kidding_me does it all boils down to peoples ego? Do we spend extra money just so that other people can notice us with these new flashy items? If so, is that important? A guy can buy a sneakers that looks good, but the other guy would buy a flashy Jordan or Puma sneakers and we would feel to buy that item why?

@ucme That is understandable, but what if the features that come with this item that you payed extra money for is left dormant by you or is not used a lot, was it really worth paying that extra sum of cash?

@Eggie I’d ask grandma that very question, but you see…she is dead.

Sometimes yes ego is the only difference. Clothing is certainly this way. In other instances name brand is the best value or the best quality. It really, depends on the specific item.

I have learned over the years that brand name is not always better or worth the extra money and have probably suffered more disappointment once having made that extra investment to then realize it was not money well spent. Things I insist on spending more on are toilet paper, underware, paper towels, and coffee. I also found most generics are worth buying for the savings they provide. I also have found that Costco’s Kirkland brand to be good quality and a great value and have no problem shopping Goodwill for $4.00 Calvin Klein shirts.

A funny story…my 20 yr old son is everybit as thrifty as I am and even more so. His girlfriend though put her foot down and told him you will NOT buy the cheap toilet paper anymore! lol

The reason for this question is that I want to buy a car. Now I can afford a used car now that can run well, but I can save money for approximately three years and buy a showroom car from a top dealer (Kia motors). It would definitely feel good to buy that showroom car but is it worth it? Another senario is my phone that I bought. I love the S5 and feel really good using it but I have realized that cheaper phones such as the Blu can give me the features that make me comfortable such as the wifi,calling, text messaging and blutooth. As for the camera they both have flash as well. A lot of the features that come with the S5 I hardly use it such as heart rate monitor, camera graphics, infrared blaster and waterproof ( although this feature gives me some peace of mind, I don’t go into water with my phone and I generally keep it out of dusty places). I find myself now questioning my choice in spending when I bought this phone and if I would make the same choice in the future when buying a phone if ever this phone is destroyed or lost. I initially bought it to get notice from people but I realize even that too is a farse.

I guess start by listing what cars you are considering. I have never purchased a new car. I can spend the same amount or less and get a higher quality used car.

“Is it really worth spending money for brand name items?”

No.

This question gets down to being a smart shopper.

Some name brands are well worth the price, while others are merely flash for the unsuspecting.

I generally buy certain name brand clothes for myself, not because of fashion or ego, but because they are well constructed and last a long time. After years of searching for shoes that fit me well, I found two brands that fit my feet well enough that I will pay about 25% above average, knowing they will last me twice as long.

Funny thing about cars is that the “name brand quality” can ebb and flow from year to year. I had Volvo’s back in the eighties and nineties and loved them. But I have heard reports that for about 7 or 8 years the quality of Volvo was horrible. Kia, being a new badge was under much wariness for many, but they have built a quality car.

Also, you are making a choice between new or used. That is a much bigger question than just brand.

@Cruiser – toilet paper is a very sensitive thing to women.

I’m a Scott’s 1000 sheets/roll guy – I don’t have a sensitive butt and as long as it does the job, the cheap stuff is OK with me.

When my daughter was living here, the insisted on Charmin, or something softer. Of course, she uses it differently.

So it’s no surprise that your son’s girlfriend is that vehement. This is an example of a situation where paying a little more for better toilet paper may in fact pay off with other dividends.

Sometimes it is; sometimes it isn’t. You have to check ingredients and think about quality and durability.

What about a tv? Would you buy an ordinary flat tv or something more expensive like a Samsung Curve?

I think mid grade name brand is the way to go with electronics like that.

@Eggie

Brand names aside… Actually no. Let’s delve into this. What really is a Cadillac anymore?

Back when your great grandparents were considering a Cadillac the marque actually meant true innovation, in significant ways that modern car users cannot even conceive of today.

Cadillac was the first manufacturer to offer a steering wheel as we’ve know of it forever. Cadillac also provided electric start standard. Hardly minor improvements. Cadillac offered a V16 engine, at the time one of the best ways to overcome piss poor absolute output that wouldn’t be overcome by clever engineering for decades.

In time the French named, after the Duke that founded Detroit, marque was absorbed by the dread General Motors umbrella until Cadillac gradually was representative of less and less true innovation until all that was left was impractical size and a cowhide lined cabin.

Cadillac of today has a slight bit of cred in that is is old guard brand that has done the best job of generating appeal with new, not-exactly-going-to-die-tomorrow customers. Oldsmobile croaked, Buick and Lincoln might as well drop on their swords immediately.

If we look at all makes available wordwide, this isn’t saying much.

If you are concerned about crash avoidance and survivability generally the newer the car, the greater the suite of active and passive safety innovations and designs are available.

Choose accordingly.

Not always but often yes, national brands are better. Compare a name brand bathroom tissue to a store brand, or do the same with your favorite cream cheese, and you may well notice a difference in the feel of the former and taste of the latter. A few cents savings can make a big difference. But then, of course, what you’re accustomed to overrides all other considerations. In the examples above, you simply may prefer the cheaper brands.

I’m into Kirkland brand when I can get it because their quality is very good (as pointed out by @Cruiser). Toilet paper, paper towels, food items, clothing, health and beauty aides, household items like garbage bags, Kirkland is good and at a good price.

Cars, I get a mid range Honda and I’m happy. You’re talking about a used car. I’ve never purchased a show room used car (pre-owned certified as they call it). I feel that paying the higher percentage points for the used car loan may or may not negate the cheaper price of the car. It depends. I feel a decent car is worth while because I rather not worry about a car breaking down. I need a reliable car and so I’m willing to pay the price.

Handbags, I’m not into name brands. I know people like the status of a Michael Kors or whatever, but I’m more into getting something decent, department store quality but not necessarily brand name.