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The indicators used to appraise the quality of something have a big part to do with the overall successful application of Vimes theory. Consider a merchant has

The indicators used to appraise the quality of something have a big part to do with the overall successful application of Vimes theory. Consider a merchant has 2 classes of boots: TypeA that cost $100 and last 5 years, and TypeB that costs $60 and lasts 2 years. Both boots are made by the same merchant, and TypeA has better materials than TypeB, which is primarily why it lasts longer, not necessarily due to the merchant’s craftsmanship ability. In such case, if someone could afford the TypeA boots, we can make sense of Vimes theory because it comes out to be cheaper over the life of the item due to better quality of materials, since quality of craftsmanship is basically the same. Of course, this is pretty idealized. There’s many other factors that influence quality and how it’s perceived. OP could have paid a premium to a longstanding brand traditionally known for quality that has cut corners over time and now uses cheaper practices. I think there’s a lot of cases similar to OP now, where people pay a premium for a TypeA item expecting better quality construction and durability for the price, yet end up getting something not that different than a TypeB item. Marketing also has a lot to do with this. It’s particularly frustrating when buying from a brand that used to make good stuff, and now sells stuff way worse under the same name (I’m looking at you Pyrex). I also hear a bunch of watch fans calling out the formerly high-end watch brands for cheapening their construction quality while still keeping the price high because buyers pay for the label not the actual quantitatively measured useful quality of the item. Once brands get to that level, they know they can basically put out mass manufactured expensive garbage and people will still buy it because they associate the brand with former traditional quality construction (much like many fashion brands of today that are made in similar overseas factories with similar textile suppliers).

Fins 8y ago
Exactly. I remember when HP printers were built like tanks, too. The problem, too, is that apart from goods that are tested for durability, there aren't many signals a layperson can use to judge if say boots are well-built and made of quality materials. Then, of course, "quality" is multi-faceted, too. Type A boot could cost more because it is better-looking, light, flexible, comfortable, and made of thin, soft, supple leather as smooth as baby's bottom. But because of that, it will fall apart as quiclly as WalMart boot for $20; you'd just enjoy wearing it more.

Fins 8y ago

Exactly. I remember when HP printers were built like tanks, too. The problem, too, is that apart from goods that are tested for durability, there aren't many signals a layperson can use to judge if say boots are well-built and made of quality materials. Then, of course, "quality" is multi-faceted, too. Type A boot could cost more because it is better-looking, light, flexible, comfortable, and made of thin, soft, supple leather as smooth as baby's bottom. But because of that, it will fall apart as quiclly as WalMart boot for $20; you'd just enjoy wearing it more.