"Andy Hall" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 27 Sep 2004 09:13:27 +0100, ":::Jerry::::"
wrote:


"Andy Hall" wrote in message
.. .
On Sun, 26 Sep 2004 22:40:55 +0100, ":::Jerry::::"
wrote:


"Andy Hall" wrote in message
.. .
snip

John Ruskin, the philosopher (1819-1900) had words of wisdom on
this.

"There is scarcely anything in the world that some man cannot make a
little worse, and sell a little more cheaply. The person who buys on
price alone is this man's lawful prey. "

'It is unwise to pay too much, but it is worse to pay too little.
When
you pay too much, you lose a little money ... that is all. When you
pay too little, you sometimes lose everything, because the thing you
bought was incapable of doing the things it was bought to do. The
common law of business balance prohibits paying a little and getting
a
lot... it cannot be done. If you deal with the lowest bidder, it is
well to add something for the risk you run. And if you do that, you
will have enough to pay for the something better!"


I wonder if M Thatcher ever read his wise words ?....



Probably. I think everybody should when buying something.


But buying the cheapest solution / product, is not what the good man
advises...

Of course - which was my point....

That was written in the last 1800s. We now have computerised mass
production, so he is way off mark to many products of today. It is at times
cheaper to buy lower to mid range mass produced products, that are
expendable. Domestic fridges come to mind. If a compressor goes it is not
worth replacing the compressor, as it would cost more than a new fridge. A
new fridge can come with a 2 or 3 years guarantee too. You can pay silly
money for a fridge and have the compressor replaced when duff, but is it
worth it? Is it cost effective? Usually not.

The same applies to washing machines. Condensing tumble dryers have to be
decent quality as the seals have to prevent moisture from entering the room.
About the only case I can see of buying top range white goods.

In other goods it is worth going for the highest quality, but it not always
the case that paying more means better or it being cost effective.