Now, I get it, we all love a good bargain, but there are certain items where cutting corners on quality can leave you feeling like you got a raw deal. So, let’s talk about the things you should never, and I mean never, buy on the cheap.
For this, a Redditor asked, “What’s one thing you would never pay the “cheaper” option for?”
This received more than 10,000 answers, but we have listed the top 20 items here for you.
1. Work Boots
First up, let’s talk about shoes.
Ah, our precious feet deserve something better than flimsy, uncomfortable shoes that fall apart after a few wears. We’re talking about blisters, sore arches, and the never-ending quest for a shoe repair shop.
As one Redditor said, “Work boots. I spend 50+ hours a week in muddy, uneven terrain and must have dry, comfortable feet.”
Another one added, “Same here. Electrician working 50+ hours a week. Comfortable boots are so important.”
2. Desk Chair
Now, we know what you’re thinking: “But good chairs are so expensive!” And yes, we hear you. Quality chairs can come with a higher price tag, but here’s the thing: they’re worth every penny.
One user wrote, “Desk chair. Got a good ergonomic breathable one; it’s an absolute game changer. The cheap ones that try to be massive director chairs with all that padding that ends up flattening after a year are not worth it, and as it degrades progressively, you don’t really notice until you get a good one.”
Another one shared their personal experience: “I literally ruined my back with a cheap Amazon Basics office chair; I pretty much lived in it doing college online during Covid until one morning my back suddenly decided moving was agonizing, and I ended up basically bed bound for weeks. It’s still not the same, and I can now throw it out just from bending down, which was NOT the case before. I’m only 23, by the way… So yeah, at least get a chair with good lumbar support!”
3. Safety Equipment
When it comes to protecting ourselves, we all want to get the best bang for our buck. But trust us, when it comes to safety equipment, going cheap is like playing a dangerous game of Russian roulette!
Someone commented, “When buying a motorbike helmet. Ask yourself what is the value of your brain.”
Another user elaborates: “Eh, that can be a little nuanced. Safety glasses? Fine cheap. You see pictures all the time of exploded zip discs stuck in the glasses… but that should’ve never been in the rotating plane of that thing anyway.
Earplugs? If they plug the ear and meet the specs, what more can you ask for? Fall protection harness? Yeah, not ordering that on Alibaba.”
4. Trash Bags
One user said, “Trash bags. Once you have one rip on you, you’ll never want to cheap out again.”
Other Redditors seem to agree. They say, “Love them – you can fit at least 3 contractors into 1 bag” and “Yeah, they’re built DIFFERENT! Literally….”
Imagine this scenario: You’re on your way to take out the trash, feeling like a responsible adult, when suddenly, disaster strikes. The cheap trash bag gives out, leaving a trail of garbage behind you. Never buying cheap trash bags again, are you?
5. Toilet Paper
Now no one wants the agony of using cheap, scratchy toilet paper that feels like sandpaper!
Someone commented, “TP, for sure. You get the real cheap stuff, and you ask yourself, where in the world did they make this? The former Soviet Union? In the former Soviet Poland, the TP reminded me of crepe paper, that texture, and those wrinkles — except it was wider and gray.”
Another user shared their horrible experience with cheap toilet paper: “Oh lordy cheap toilet paper leaves horrid little lint balls on my c***h and b***, I hate when I have to use a gas station bathroom and make sure to triple check that there are no tp hitchhikers.
6. Computer Power Supply
One person shared their experience: “Had a friend who thought that he could build his first pc without any help, I wasn’t even allowed to give him any advice whatsoever. Ordered pretty much all of his parts online and didn’t even really check if they fit together.
After sending hardware back and forth, he finally managed something that could work, only for the PSU to blow up after 2 months, causing an electrical fire that burned down his whole room and left him with 2nd degree burns on his hands because he tried putting it out with a blanket. He learned his lesson, but it didn’t come cheap.”
I think we all learned a lesson here: NEVER buy power supplies or power cables for cheap!
7. Bed Mattresses
One user wrote, “A bed. You spend 1/3rd of your life sleeping, and without a good night’s rest, the day is pretty bad. The average mattress is good for around 10 years, so when you break down the cost over that length of time, it’s always worth spending more upfront.”
Another replied, “Even after 10 years, it works like a charm.”
So do yourself a favor and invest in a quality mattress. Your body will thank you, and you’ll wake up feeling refreshed and ready to conquer the world.
8. Car Parts
It’s high time we invest in brakes and tires; it’s a matter of life and death!
Someone said, “You wouldn’t believe the number of people that cheap out on safety items like brakes and tires. Or they mismatch tires and cause premature wear on their differentials and transfer case.”
Another one said, “I’ve never understood the brakes one. A good set of brakes will last around 5 years, and there’s not a huge difference in price.”
So, let’s leave the cheap parts on the shelf and give our cars the love they deserve.
9. Parachute
Parachutes are another matter of life and death where you should not even think of compromising for a cheap deal.
Someone used a sarcastic tone and commented, “Check Alibaba to see if you can get some cheaper knockoff brands for a fraction of the price. I know you’re talking about jumping out of airplanes and stuff, but a deal is a deal. Totally not serious BTW.”
Another user suggested, “So although the upfront costs can be considered significant, purchasing your own equipment can become a cost-effective investment over the long term, especially if you’re able to make money while doing it.”
10. Tattoos
Someone said, “Tattoos. They’re gonna be there forever, after all.”
Another user added, “Good tattoos aren’t cheap; cheap tattoos aren’t good.”
A Redditor replied, “Agreed 100%. Research your tattoo artist thoroughly, ensure they understand exactly what you want tattooed, pay a good price to get good work, and tip well (if you are able to). Tattoos can already be a potential source of regret, but a bad tattoo is guaranteed regret.”
11. Cheese!
Now when it comes to cheese, going cheap is like putting a slice of disappointment on your sandwich!
A user wrote, “A wise man once told me, “Never get cheap on cheese.” Some of the best advice I ever received.”
Another one agreed, “Yep. You end up using a lot less of the expensive cheese because it’s way more flavorful. So not only better taste but also healthier.”
12. Fire Extinguishers
Fire accidents can happen to anyone, anywhere and anytime, so when it comes to fire extinguishers, you don’t want to settle for cheap alternatives.
A Redditor wrote, “Add onto this, get the right extinguisher for the area. For most homes, a good general-purpose fire extinguisher should be in the kitchen. If you’re going to be working on a lot of electronics, then you also need one rated for that. General-purpose extinguishers might not cut it in this area. Not all fire extinguishers are equal.” And we couldn’t agree more!
When it comes to fire safety, you really don’t want to gamble with subpar equipment!
13. Backpack
Let’s face it, carrying a heavy backpack is never fun, but the right backpack can make it more bearable.
As one Redditor says, “Backpack. I’m an adult, and I carry a backpack with me all the time. One that is comfortable and durable is a must.”
Another replied with a personal experience: “My son is about to graduate high school, and I commented yesterday that he’d had the same backpack since 3rd grade. It was expensive for us when we bought it, but it has lasted and is still going strong 10 years later.”
14. Plunger
Someone commented, “Plunger. It’s the difference between $8 and $12-15 dollars. Used a cheap one once, and it was not a great experience.”
Another said, “My dad did this; we had a blockage, so he went down to the nearest store and bought a cheap plunger. The handle snapped off the moment he tried to use it. Now he had a blockage, INCLUDING half a plunger.”
Now, we know it can be tempting to save some cash by opting for a cheap plunger, but in the long run, it’s a decision that’ll cost you more!
15. Cotton Buds
One user wrote, “Q-tips. The name brand is way more fluffier and easier on your ears. The knock off brand just feels like sticks.”
Someone else commented, “The cotton also comes off in your ear. No thank you.”
Another agreed, “I agree! I buy a ton of generic products, but not qtips. They always seem so sharp & pointy if they’re not name brand.”
So, invest in cotton buds with sturdy sticks and reliable tips for a hassle-free experience!
16. Booking Hotels
Cheap hotels often cut corners when it comes to cleanliness. So, you might find stained sheets, musty odors, unkempt bathrooms, or even bugs in your bed!
A Redditor said, “Hotels. 100% not worth bringing bedbugs back to your place. Edit: guys, I know bedbugs can technically be at any hotel. But come on. We all know there’s a much higher likelihood of getting them at a dirt cheap hotel.”
17. Coats
We all love a good deal, but when it comes to coats, going cheap can be a decision that leaves you shivering. So, you might end up with a coat that lets the cold air in or fails to protect you from rain and snow.
Someone said, “A good quality coat is essential, especially if you live in an extremely cold climate.”
So, the next time you’re shopping for a coat, consider investing a little more for a high-quality one.
18. Vasectomy
Here’s a tip of a lifetime: Do not cut corners when it comes to medical procedures!
One user said, “Don’t trust the rabbi’s special 50% off.”
Another one wrote, “I think they are free in Australia. But you still don’t want someone doing it on the side of the road.”
So, whenever it comes to health, you should only ever trust professionals. Don’t fall for cheap deals when it’s vasectomies we are talking about!
19. Aluminum Foil
Imagine this: you’re preparing a delicious dish, and you grab a sheet of cheap aluminum foil to cover it. As soon as you try to wrap it, the foil tears apart, leaving you with a mess! We don’t want that to happen to you, so never opt for this cheap deal!
Someone commented, “Aluminum foil! First house bought some store band stuff. Pure crap.”
Another replied, “Same goes for plastic wrap…don’t buy the cheap stuff, buy Saran wrap”
Another Reddit user shared their experience: “Yes. The same thing happened to me! I’ll always try the store brand. And its foil and baggies that I will pay a premium for the name brand.”
20. Meat
Let’s talk about one of our favorite culinary delights: meat. We all love a good deal, but when it comes to meat, going cheap can be a decision that leaves you with a less-than-appetizing meal.
A Redditor said, “Meats in general. I can never go back to cheap steak after grilling filets that basically melt in your mouth.”
Someone else replied, “I used to get cheap turkey lunch meat with lots of nitrates and sodium. Switched to the same flavor in Boars Head, and it’s much better health-wise and ingredients-wise.”
There should really be no compromise on your health!
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This article was produced and syndicated by A Dime Saved.
