Finding a bargain always feels nice. But cheap isn’t always the smartest choice. Budget products can even end up costing more in the long term. They can break or be dysfunctional, leaving you to wonder why you spent the money in the first place. While there are many products you can buy without spending a fortune, quite a few of these are not worth it. Here is a look at seven budget products that are not worth your attention or money!
1. Your everyday shoes
Good quality shoes can be expensive. Markets are full of cheaper options but cutting corners with your everyday shoes is not worth it. Low-quality shoes can lead to several problems from immediate issues, such as blistering, to the more serious concerns like bad posture. Walking for years in low-quality shoes could be the cause for your back pain or hip problems. You shouldn't take a chance with your shoes. Instead, spend money on quality!
Don’t buy from a street stall or a cheap high street brand if you can afford to pay for a better pair of shoes. Go to a good shoe store where experts can help you pick the right model and size. Even having your walking shoes custom made can be worth it in the end. A quality pair will last a long time, too, if you look after your shoes well!
Cheap shoes can often be a false economy; you'll need to replace them so often you'd have been better off with a more expensive pair in the first place.
2. Toilet roll
Toiler paper is something you are flushing down the toilet anyway so it can seem like an excellent opportunity to opt for a cheaper alternative. But less expensive versions are not usually as good as the more premium brands.
It’s not all about the softness either! Cheaper loo roll tends to be thinner, and you can end up using a lot more of it compared to a more expensive version. This could get you through loo rolls much quicker, as well as be bad news for your plumbing. You don’t have to opt for scented or padded versions, but it’s best to leave the cheapest options on the shelves.
3. Bin bags
Similarly to toilet paper, cheap bin bags are not worth buying. The most inexpensive versions tend to be extremely thin, which results in them tearing easily. There is nothing worse than having your bin bag fall apart as you’re taking it out! This happens a lot with cheaper bin bags. The leading supermarkets' online shopping platforms feature loads of negative reviews when it comes to these cheaper versions.
Tearing results in you using multiple bags at once, which again defeats the purpose of buying cheap in the first place. The good news is that you can find reliable versions without having to pay a fortune. Many higher-priced bin bags are sturdier, more reliable, and will help you ensure your trash gets out of the house for good.
4. Mattress
A good night’s sleep is essential for our health. Quality mattresses are not cheap, which leads many to consider opting for a less expensive option. However, you'll be spending a lot of time lying on that mattress, and that means you should look at it as a long term investment. Quality mattresses can guarantee a better night’s sleep and ensure you don’t end up with chronic back or hip pain. It’s a good idea to test the mattress before you buy it. If you’re shopping online, make sure to pick a mattress that comes with a returns guarantee. These are fairly standard these days and allow you to trial the mattress free of cost. It’s also worth noting that a good quality mattress tends to stay good for a lot longer. While cheap mattresses can start breaking apart within a few years, a good mattress will last for at least five years, with the best lasting between seven and ten years!
5. Car maintenance
Having a car is expensive, and according to a Vantage Leasing report, the cost of owning one is rising. While it's a great idea to compare different car models and car insurance policies to find an affordable option, you don’t want to go cheap with maintenance work. Having your mate across the road tinker with your car for a cheap fix could be dangerous and costly.
You might assume a car dealership will be the costliest option, but this isn’t always the case. Competition has meant that most dealerships will have to offer competitive prices. As a customer, your concern should always be on using a qualified service.
6. Wine
We've all done it at some point. When it comes to having a bottle of wine, we reach out to the cheaper options in the supermarket. But the difference between a £5 bottle and even the £20 bottle is vast. It comes down to quality once again. When you buy a cheap bottle, the cost comes almost entirely from VAT and other excise duties. This means the actual wine is super cheap and low quality. The more expensive the bottle, the better the wine because the cost goes to the producers and not the taxman.
7. Cookware
Cheap saucepans can be a nightmare. They tend to wear out quickly, and you'll end up spending a lot of money replacing them regularly. The cheaper versions are especially bad when it comes to non-stick pans. You will notice the coating flaking off soon, or you end up with a saucepan that doesn't prevent the food from sticking.
Unless you only cook once a month, you should invest in good quality cookware. You will notice that a good saucepan will last longer than a few months and result in a much more stress-free cooking and washing up experience!
Quality is often worth paying for
There is a saying that ‘buy cheap, pay twice’ and it is right in the case of many of the above products. You could be left with a bigger bill and be buying downright dangerous products if you try cutting too many corners. Paying for quality is often the right option.
It’s not to say that you should always pay extra or that you even have the option. But in some situations paying just a bit more can give you a better and safer experience. If you can’t afford something, it might be worth to skip buying the product altogether. Instead, spend your hard-earned money on something different.
