3 purchases where affordable doesn't have to mean cheap

With the world the way it is today, so many things are made cheaply so that people will buy them. It’s far too easy for someone to buy a cheap item of clothing with the intention of throwing it away and buying a new one after just a few wears.

On the other hand, though, we are told that some items, such as high-quality smartphones, are worth their high price tag due to the level of work and materials that have gone into making them.

With these two industry views, there seems to be a belief that something that is affordable is seen as cheap and disposable, while something with a higher cost is automatically seen as more valuable and can provide you with a better experience.

This isn’t always the case, though, as some products on the market can be both affordable and high quality. Here are just a few.

Technology

While much of the technological world is transfixed by this idea that paying more for something means it will be better, there are so many companies that create powerful devices while keeping the price low.

Products like Lenovo 14” laptops can meet all your computer needs without breaking the bank. In fact, many of the companies that charge a higher price are also the ones with a high marketing budget. In this instance, it’s likely that you’re paying for the name rather than the product itself.

Home décor

Few industries hold more overpriced items than the world of home décor and design. Something as simple as a coffee table can be several times the price you would expect to pay just because it comes from a certain store or company.

Cheaper stores are often joked about but, when you think about it, many of the items in your home aren’t at risk of breaking easily. Therefore, if you do opt for the cheaper option, you’re safe in the knowledge that it can still last you just as long as the pricier alternative.

You may notice that you can find a very similar design of the piece you want for much cheaper and can spend those savings on other things around your house if you wish.

Dried Food

While you may want to avoid going cheap with certain food items, dried food such as beans, peas, rice, and pasta are not only often made in the same factory as more expensive versions but are rarely the star of a meal.

When most of your flavor is coming from a sauce or something similar – great tomatoes, for example – it’s perfectly fine to go for the cheaper version for many other ingredients. You will most likely not notice the difference, while your wallet certainly will.

Opting for a cheaper version of something is seen as inferior too often. Expensive doesn’t mean better, and affordable doesn’t mean worse. Many of the things that you buy can be found cheaper elsewhere without having to sacrifice quality.