It’s definitely summer here in Portland, Oregon. Last weekend was the hottest on record. The temperature hit 116. It was so hot in fact, that the multivitamins in my apartment melted. As a result of the heat, a ton of people are buying summer stuff – clothes, furniture, etc.
Last week I was at a Fred Meyer (which is a local Kroger chain) and outdoor furniture and camping gear were selling like hotcakes. Fred Meyer had these 10 dollar cheaply made lawn chairs on sale.
These chairs are a classic example of what economists call a “false economy”. If you’re not familiar with the term, per Websters, a false economy is basically something that costs less at first but results in more money being spent in the long run.
These lawn chairs look great for $10, but they’ll fall apart in a few months. I know because I’ve seen some junked on the side of the road and I’ve owned a couple myself. The joints break down pretty quickly and the cloth rips easily.
So, people, if you’re going to be buying summer camping gear, get stuff that won’t fall apart. Buying cheap junk means you’ll have wasted the money you spent in the first place and you’ll just have to buy it again later on. Instead, go with something that’s more durable and a better value. It may cost you more upfront, but in the long run, it’s better for your wallet.
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Buying junk is exactly that. Buying junk! Keep your cash and go too a reputable store and get quality.
Beau, I totally agree. Unfortunately, a large part of the country seems to love cheap crapola.