4 ms·

> the only durable products made today are firearms I don't think that's quite true. You can seek out many "made in America" products at a higher price point a

> the only durable products made today are firearms I don't think that's quite true. You can seek out many "made in America" products at a higher price point and with a lifetime warranty. I recently ordered a Duluth Pack bag. It cost triple the walmart/target equivalent. But it will likely last the rest of my life, and if it doesn't it is guaranteed. I have had my two pairs of Allen Edmonds (made in America) shoes resoled a few times. They've lasted many years and will probably last another 10, perhaps even the rest of my life. Likewise my Red Wing boots are tanks. A lot of high quality, made to last stuff is available. It's just expensive and people are stupid cheap. And Americans are especially stupid cheap. Why buy a crap $250 suit that will disintegrate in a matter of years? Shell out for the fly made in America Hickey Freeman suit that will last forever, man.

SatvikBeri 14y ago
This is exactly my experience. You can spend $15 on kitchen knives that will last for 6 months, or $70 on knives with a lifetime guarantee. Etc. The only difference is that a cheaper, low-quality option exists today. There's nothing inherently bad about that.
SkyMarshal 14y ago
An interesting startup idea might be providing some kind of financing for higher quality goods. If the problem is that they don't sell well because the initial price is much higher than throwaway junk, then spread the initial price over a longer period, with the lifetime warranty as finance-cost-reducing collateral? It's easy to finance consumer purchases these days, but I don't know if there is any financing program specifically aimed at highly durable stuff (besides cars), like consumer goods with lifetime warranties.
- munificent 14y ago
  "An interesting startup idea might be providing some kind of financing for higher quality goods." That's basically what layaway was. Now, that's what credit cards do.
snowwrestler 14y ago
Much of the high-end outdoor gear industry values quality and durability. For example I bought my MSR backpacking stove in 1994 and it still works as well today as it did then. I've had to replace a few o-rings, which the product is designed to make pretty easy. It will most likely last me the rest of my life.

SatvikBeri 14y ago

This is exactly my experience. You can spend $15 on kitchen knives that will last for 6 months, or $70 on knives with a lifetime guarantee. Etc. The only difference is that a cheaper, low-quality option exists today. There's nothing inherently bad about that.

SkyMarshal 14y ago

An interesting startup idea might be providing some kind of financing for higher quality goods. If the problem is that they don't sell well because the initial price is much higher than throwaway junk, then spread the initial price over a longer period, with the lifetime warranty as finance-cost-reducing collateral? It's easy to finance consumer purchases these days, but I don't know if there is any financing program specifically aimed at highly durable stuff (besides cars), like consumer goods with lifetime warranties.

munificent 14y ago
"An interesting startup idea might be providing some kind of financing for higher quality goods." That's basically what layaway was. Now, that's what credit cards do.

snowwrestler 14y ago

Much of the high-end outdoor gear industry values quality and durability. For example I bought my MSR backpacking stove in 1994 and it still works as well today as it did then. I've had to replace a few o-rings, which the product is designed to make pretty easy. It will most likely last me the rest of my life.