BIFL hacks/tips/tricks

[u/Charlesinrichmond]

So after reading this morning's post, it occurs to me that a lot of people probably don't know the simple tricks for figuring out whether something is Buy it for life.

First of all, it's likely to be expensive. This isn't a conspiracy or planned obsolescence nonsense. It just costs more money to make something that is going to last forever, and there will be a correspondingly lower demand because it's pricier. There's nothing wrong with buying it for cheap, but buying cheap and expecting great takes a lot of optimism.

Second - buy the commercial version. If it's set up to take commercial use and abuse, it will last forever at home. Classic example is a coffee shop espresso machine, or mixer from a bakery.

Finally, is there a used market for it. If the thing is known for having a long useful life, people will buy used ones. The fact a lot of people are willing to pay real money for something that someone else has already used means they think it won't wear out.

And finally, is it easy to get repaired? Real buy-it-for-life stuff is repairable. And it's a corollary to the used market. People are willing to spend money on repairing it and stocking parts because they know it's going to be around for 40 years or such.

[u/__pde]

This might be an obvious one, but many companies have multiple tiers of manufacturing. It's usually worth it to shell out for the Made In... wherever the enterprise is based version, rather than their lower priced lines.

[u/splitsleeve → u/__pde]

I see this with housing material/tools a lot.

If you buy a Deere mower from home depot it's very likely a lower grade than if you get it from a farm equipment store. Like, the farm equipment store won't even carry the x100 models you see at HD. They have motors made from far cheaper components and a lot of sheet metal is replaced with plastic.

If you buy (insert name brand flooring here) from Lowe's it's going to be different than the same brand from a flooring store (probably thinner)

They run a separate product to compete with big box prices when they're next to each other on the shelf, the flooring store/farm equipment stuff is SO much better and always worth the premium (which usually isn't all that much difference, it's the convenience you're sacrificing).

Same with paint, do yourself a favor and just go to a dedicated paint store. Sherman williams super paint (their lowest tier minus contractor grade) is significantly better than most of the premium stuff at the big box stores.

[u/steves_account → u/__pde]

I know Wrangler jeans have a budget friendly reputation but they have a raw selvedge line that’s priced over $200

[u/NarrowDisaster5479]

the commercial version tip is so underrated. grabbed a used bakery mixer 6 years ago and it still runs quieter than anything new i've seen

also worth checking estate sales for this stuff. people will unload a 30 year old kitchenaid for $40 not knowing what they have

[u/Level-Historian6435]

Replacement parts availability is my quickest filter. If I can find an exploded diagram and order a seal or switch without begging customer support, it has a much better chance of lasting.

[u/fanatic574]

Yes it has to be repairable. For example a built in battery is a no-no.

[u/Borkydog]

It applies to laptops/computers as well.
If you plan to buy laptop/pc and use it for prolonged period of time - buy business series. It would have extended warranty and better buid quality. Some would even survive heavy and abusive usage.

[u/MattySiegs]

Don't always buy the expensive fancy version first, get the MVP and only replace it if it breaks or wears out. 

You don't need to drop mega bucks on most things. 

I.e. Get a general purpose household tool kit instead of going straight Milwaukee/snap on across the board. Then get what you ACTUALLY need 

[u/callmemerryss]

Reliability is huge one. Check whether replacement parts are still available before buying because even a tank can become disposable if one tiny broken part can't be replaced.