Malcolm Rands: Buying for a lifetime
Saturday Morning with Jack Tame · Newstalk ZB
July 10, 20219m 47s
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Show Notes
By Malcom Rands
Yes we do live in disposable times. I heard managers at big box stores saying they wanted the public to be able to buy anything they wanted out of one pay packet. So that meant a radical decrease in quality to make this possible. So things don’t last long, and hey, for the retailers and manufacturers it means you will be buying from them again, real soon. And the eco impact of manufacturing and transportation all these products that soon become waste is enormous. Back in the day we bought from a local store, often only one of each item, and the retailer wanted it to be the best, so they were looking after you, their valued and regular customer. When I was young I thought these cheap prices were amazing, bought some garden tools, some only lasted a few days before they bent. As an alternative, I still have some tools from my great grandfather, manufactured over 125 years ago, and still in great condition. And we call this progress. So what do we look out for in buying something that will last. And to be fair, you may have to save up for a few week to afford it, but in the long run it is much much less expensive. 1. What are the materials and workmanship that make this more durable than its competitors
2. Look into reviews from customers and independent commenters
3. Is it manufactured ethically and has sustainable materials
4. Is there an aftercare program, including spare parts
5. Is the design timeless, especially around items that are fashionable like clothing or interior design
6. Can you buy it second hand, maybe left over from somebodies else’s great grandparents
7. How long is the guarantee, some are lifetime.
Some examples
Kitchen: Cast iron cookware: I first went flatting with this awful aluminium cooking set. And I wondered why cooking was hard work and I keep burning things and hated the dishes. I love cooking on quality cast iron fry pans and casserole dishes. The heavy bottoms smooth out and retain the heat . As they hardly every burn I will just rinse them out in hot water then hang them in the kitchen for next time. And yes, definitely able to be passed on one day. We even have a new business, the Ironclad Pan Company, making the highest quality cast iron ware here in NZ. Knives: We recently bought top range Japanese cooking knives. It’s like a revolution, the blade just slipping through those tomatoes. Toasters, electric jugs, mixers: There are now brands that will replace parts and repair. Often stainless steel will be the go-to for many kitchen tools. Home:
Quality pens Linen Covers Leatherman or Swiss army multi tool Garden:
Strong and guaranteed Mens:
I don’t shave much now, just cheeks and lower neck, but when I’m finally finished with the refill pack I’m into an old fashioned razor and razor blade set. A good friend swears by it and he has a very thick beard when it grows.LISTEN ABOVE
Yes we do live in disposable times. I heard managers at big box stores saying they wanted the public to be able to buy anything they wanted out of one pay packet. So that meant a radical decrease in quality to make this possible. So things don’t last long, and hey, for the retailers and manufacturers it means you will be buying from them again, real soon. And the eco impact of manufacturing and transportation all these products that soon become waste is enormous. Back in the day we bought from a local store, often only one of each item, and the retailer wanted it to be the best, so they were looking after you, their valued and regular customer. When I was young I thought these cheap prices were amazing, bought some garden tools, some only lasted a few days before they bent. As an alternative, I still have some tools from my great grandfather, manufactured over 125 years ago, and still in great condition. And we call this progress. So what do we look out for in buying something that will last. And to be fair, you may have to save up for a few week to afford it, but in the long run it is much much less expensive. 1. What are the materials and workmanship that make this more durable than its competitors
2. Look into reviews from customers and independent commenters
3. Is it manufactured ethically and has sustainable materials
4. Is there an aftercare program, including spare parts
5. Is the design timeless, especially around items that are fashionable like clothing or interior design
6. Can you buy it second hand, maybe left over from somebodies else’s great grandparents
7. How long is the guarantee, some are lifetime.
Some examples
Kitchen: Cast iron cookware: I first went flatting with this awful aluminium cooking set. And I wondered why cooking was hard work and I keep burning things and hated the dishes. I love cooking on quality cast iron fry pans and casserole dishes. The heavy bottoms smooth out and retain the heat . As they hardly every burn I will just rinse them out in hot water then hang them in the kitchen for next time. And yes, definitely able to be passed on one day. We even have a new business, the Ironclad Pan Company, making the highest quality cast iron ware here in NZ. Knives: We recently bought top range Japanese cooking knives. It’s like a revolution, the blade just slipping through those tomatoes. Toasters, electric jugs, mixers: There are now brands that will replace parts and repair. Often stainless steel will be the go-to for many kitchen tools. Home:
Quality pens Linen Covers Leatherman or Swiss army multi tool Garden:
Strong and guaranteed Mens:
I don’t shave much now, just cheeks and lower neck, but when I’m finally finished with the refill pack I’m into an old fashioned razor and razor blade set. A good friend swears by it and he has a very thick beard when it grows.LISTEN ABOVE
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