The Current
When I purchase a non-consumable item I want it to last for as long as possible, whether that’s a kitchen knife, a cast iron skillet, an axe, a coffee kettle, a car, or whatever. I try to do thorough research by looking at whether the product has common parts, read unincentivised, objective, and independent reviews, and look around for competitive products in terms of cost and quality. I realized a while back that everything looks and sounds good when all the information you receive is from the company that makes the product, or from someone who’s “gifted” a product in exchange for a good review. I’ve also noticed a similar positive bias when I look for reviews hosted on the same platform ( e.g., multiple reviews on YouTube or Subreddits) although some of these opinions are from company shills. Modern digital advertising that uses data tracking to help inform marketing algorithms can also make a potential customer think that a product is insanely popular, and everyone is using it. A few things I’ve noticed to be recurring themes in modern marketing are to 1.) Promote “new” versions of extant products while simultaneously attempting to convince the consumer that the current product they use is obsolete. 2.) Convince the user to completely discard the old, “obsolete” item and purchase the new thing and 3.) Trust us as a brand, because we know what you, the consumer, like, and have your best interest in mind. I receive mail at a weekly minimum, like many of us probably do, soliciting me to “Sell us your house”, “Swap out your phone”, “Switch your insurance plan”, or “Trade in your car”. Furthermore, why do our smart phones, computers, and similar devices break or lose performance after three years? Profit. I recognize a grift when I see one; these companies are solely for-profit entities and truly don’t have our best interests in mind. It amazes me how my parents’ (and my own, to some degree) generation could order something from a mail-order magazine and have it arrive at their door in 6 weeks. The buyer, having never seen the item aside from a crude image and two-sentence description, could receive it at their door and literally have said item outlive the buyer with regular use and maintenance.
I don’t want to come across as viewing the past through rose-colored glasses; junk and counterfeit products have existed for eons, but a business that takes pride in its own reputation and appreciates its customers is important. I enjoy doing business where I feel that my input or patronage is appreciated, not just accepted or tolerated, and I can guarantee that I’m getting a premium product. I also appreciate when companies are transparent, even when the transparency may make me choose another option. I grew up, and still operate within a culture where one’s words and actions are in direct parity with one's reputation, and there’s a low tolerance for indecisiveness of one’s own principles. No one wants to feel like they’re getting jugged - we (the collective) must stop continuing to support places that don’t reciprocate that support by offering essential goods or services, or supporting our communities.
What are some quality products that you've had the chance to own or use?
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