What Purchases Do You Never Skimp out on?

Kewok on 08/01/2016 - 01:41
Last edited 08/01/2016 - 11:06

We all love a bargain.
However, there are certain purchases in life that we must never skimp out on.

Here are my 2 personal favourites:

(1) Car tyres: It was time to replace the old tyres of my first car. Little did I know at the time, I opted for the cheapest I could get. Oh boy.. The regret. Ended up skidding on wet road causing a car accident that (really) could've easily been avoided.

(2) Low end PC PSU: Shortly after purchase, it began to play up, after having it turn itself on and off, it corrupted all my hard drives 😑.

What are some of your purchases that you will always abide by quality>alternative-bargains? Would love to hear all your stories & experiences.

General Discussion

Comments

  • [Deactivated] on 09/01/2016 - 21:28
    +3

    sparky by trade and I don't skimp out on tools especially test equipment… fluke all the way imo, I have seen cheap test equipment fail in spectacular fashion and yeh not a good sign when you need to trust it.

    • ChickenTalon on 09/01/2016 - 21:48
      +1

      Agree with you there. With the exception of the ozito -> dispose for single or very infrequent tasks that's cheaper then hiring a tool.

      You should spend some money on quality tools if you'll be using them regularly. Cheap tools are generally just that, cheap.

  • nexus4 on 09/01/2016 - 21:48

    Tissues. I only buy Kleenex because it's the only brand that doesn't give me a chapped nose after heavy use.

    • Lr2785 on 09/01/2016 - 22:08

      Same, heavy use of cheap tissues can leave me with sore skin in areas.

    • Donaldhump on 09/01/2016 - 23:43
      +6

      bush hanky requires no tissues

  • T1OOO on 09/01/2016 - 22:01

    Seafood
    Cheese
    Bread
    Pizza
    Sporting seats
    Alcohol
    Speakers

  • ajs900 on 09/01/2016 - 22:18
    +3

    Don't skimp on headphones

    • Skinnerr on 09/01/2016 - 22:47
      +3

      Yeh, I bought my ATH-AD900 3 years ago from a dwi deal and use them almost everyday. Best headphone purchase ive made.

    • Praeto on 10/01/2016 - 01:55
      +2

      Bought the best pair of Senns I could get 15 years ago, and they're still going strong.

    • [Deactivated] on 10/01/2016 - 18:50

      or a carry case, had me some broken headphones over the years .

  • noshopping on 09/01/2016 - 22:33
    +1

    Everything except white bread. You only live life once.

    • ChickenTalon on 10/01/2016 - 00:55
      +1

      Yeah. But it's still too short to eat Coles/Woolies $1 white sliced bread.

  • kangaroo on 09/01/2016 - 23:12
    +5

    Child seats

    • [Deactivated] on 11/01/2016 - 13:37

      The latest SNS platinum pro, also most expensive, has bamboo material.

      I think that's BS… Child can't differentiate bamboo or cotton. And cotton is breathable enough…

      The price difference with non-cotton is $50-60.

      The childcarseats.com.au used to test these seats, but not anymore…

  • Praeto on 10/01/2016 - 01:54
    +5

    Camera Lenses.. Good lenses make all the difference, and will still be going strong half a dozen bodies from now.

    • johnno07 on 10/01/2016 - 09:15
      +8

      Crime scene photography is tough on you gear, hey?

    • Janko on 10/01/2016 - 13:38
      +1

      Correct - still using lenses from a purchase in 2002, 5th body now.

  • [Deactivated] on 10/01/2016 - 02:07
    +1

    Toilet paper

  • Vieira4 on 10/01/2016 - 08:51
    +2

    Football shin guards. Got my leg snapped in two with cheapo $15 ones. After that I got some proper ones with real protection.

  • johnno07 on 10/01/2016 - 09:20

    Don't really skimp on anything. Any item over about $10-$15 is researched and I always buy the highest quality I require/can afford - but at the best available price. I call myself a frugal high-roller (thanks, cwongtech).

    • [Deactivated] on 10/01/2016 - 18:23
      +1

      So it could be said you skimp out on time, by spending lots of it doing research? :P

      • fusion17 on 12/01/2016 - 18:59

        This. Me too.

        I imagine if I had a family and a long hours job with minimal free internet time..well, somethings gotta give.

  • KenDiaMoi on 10/01/2016 - 11:15
    +2

    Phone chargers.
    Have had really cheap ones fry different usb xharged devices.

  • triple675 on 10/01/2016 - 12:09
    +5

    The old saying - Never skimp on anything that separates you from the ground. Shoes, mattress, tyres, couch, etc.

  • freakatronic on 10/01/2016 - 14:04
    +3

    Camera stuff - it doesn't always have to be L lenses but you generally get what you pay for.

    Shoes - $50 extra so my feet don't hurt all day is nothing. Timberland are an extremely reliable manufacturer. Both pairs that I've owned lasted 3+ years of everyday wear.

    Things the wife wants - You know what they say; happy wife, something something. I can't remember.

    • [Deactivated] on 11/01/2016 - 13:38
      -2

      Happy life

      • [Deactivated] on 11/01/2016 - 23:07
        +1

        Why neg? Was I wrong?

  • rodinthink on 10/01/2016 - 17:14
    +3

    Hard drive, once it goes off it can never comeback even though you desperately singing " baby come back" with really passionately despair tone.

    • murkywater on 10/03/2016 - 18:57

      Better to have a couple of cheapies (1 for backup) than one expensive one.

  • aussieprepper on 10/01/2016 - 17:25
    +3

    I think because of this website we do not need to skimp on much. Most things on here are top brands some times it just means buying the product when you may not need it? or waiting a little longer to buy it?

    A few times i was going to buy an inferior product before i checked here. thanks to ozbargain i end up getting a better product at the same price.

    Thank you all!

  • rogsamsy on 10/01/2016 - 18:08

    Food

  • FatBlanket on 10/01/2016 - 18:11

    I don't skimp on anything. If I can't afford decent quality then I go without. Of course if I had to skimp on the essentials then I would, but it hasn't come to that.

  • [Deactivated] on 10/01/2016 - 18:16
    +3

    Frozen Durian. I skimp out on a lot of food purchases by buying the bare minimum for my meals, but i make an exception by visiting the local asian grocer to buy this expensive delicacy

  • Zelic on 10/01/2016 - 20:12
    +1

    USB Hub - Tried saving $10 once and bought a cheap one, it fried my computer and everything attached to the hub (thousands of dollars worth of music equipment).

    Phone Chargers - Again cheap one blew up my wall socket and phone

    Hard Drives/USB Drives - A lot have fake space for instance they'll say 64gb in explorer when you read them, but they really have 32gb or less and rewrite over the data.

  • Sheez on 10/01/2016 - 22:05

    I don't skimp on much, but I always try to wait for a sale.

    In particular I don't skimp on
    1) Mattress
    2) Computer Chair
    3) Shoes

    People spend way to little on these 3 items that you spend so much time on/in. It pays to have something of quality that won't mess your back/body up.

  • CryssieJade on 11/01/2016 - 08:59

    I never skimp out on my photography kit, but I do wait for a sale every time!!

    I love to spend money on food.
    All the foods.

    But sushi is my 'shut up and take my money' food, I don't even think twice to splash all the cash in my wallet on it (mind you, I only ever carry $20 cash at any one time lol)

    • mmd on 11/01/2016 - 21:38
      +1

      +1 on Japanese/sushi, provided Idont pay more than $20 for chicken terriyaki

  • PVA on 11/01/2016 - 11:45
    +1

    Clothing. The 1972 Safari Suit I bought is still in great condition.

    (my point is not everything needs to be top of the line)

  • [Deactivated] on 11/01/2016 - 13:42

    Phone battery.

    I actually research well on my Galaxy Note 3. The best ones are found in Amazon.
    They are ZeroLemon, Hyperion and Anker.

    For case battery, it's Mophie.
    But do use extended battery instead of case battery, if at all possible.

    Don't buy anything that has Chinese words, sorry. Anything off ebay too except those brands.

  • [Deactivated] on 11/01/2016 - 13:43

    Pocket knife.

    Nothing beats Swiss Army. It's almost like a lightsaber.
    Had one from 2007, still great.

    Years ago there was a deal posted here for $5 pocket knife. It broke way too easy.

  • [Deactivated] on 11/01/2016 - 13:49
    +1

    People said beds, but I would add to make it furniture, including white appliances.

    These things can be around your life for 10-20 years.

    A solid wood dining table can last for 30 years, can even past through your next generations.
    A good leather lounge (real leather), can last 10 years or more if treated well. Bonded leather doesn't last that long.
    If you can't afford real leather, get fabric instead of bonded leather.

    Fridge, washing machine, microwave, if they are broken, you'll have headache…

  • konazz on 11/01/2016 - 14:41
    +1

    A few categories:

    Camping:
    bedding and tent. Nothing worse than a leaky tent cutting a holiday short; love my blackwolf 10cm thick self inflating mattresses, not the crappy 4WD mattresses which end up splitting.

    Shoes:
    Been said before. I used to go through a pair of hush puppies every 9-12 months. Bought a pair of R&M William Comfort Craftsman for $400 about 3 years ago, and only need to occassional polish. No issues. Got lucky while in Alice Springs, and they had an RMW clearance, got another black pair for $220.

    Office chair: I sit in it for 10 hours a day, it better be comfy.

    Computer mouse: every job I've had, i byo my own. I use it for 10 ours a day, it needs to be comfy (I have big hands, so at home and both offices I have Logitech Performance MX mice)

    Bed mattress and frame. Bought a $1200 mattress and it was ok. Then bought a solid timber frame from Gumtree… and suddenly the bed became more comfortable.

    Free Range meat: this is more to do with personal ethics. I don't always (e.g. money tight, or away on holidays), but where practical i buy FR meat. Won't ever buy caged eggs.

  • tomleonhart on 11/01/2016 - 16:27
    +3

    Prostitue and hooker..

    • diddy50 on 11/01/2016 - 19:18

      I see you have a bit of both…

  • tdw on 11/01/2016 - 17:27

    car parts/insurance. my cars are pretty important to me, so never any regular unleaded, good tyres, best engine oil i can find and OEM parts unless there's an aftermarket alternative that is better quality/performance. insurance is always comprehensive, always insured with a reputable insurance company. cheap premiums mean SFA if it's a bitch to deal with them when making a claim.

    vacuum cleaners. recently hopped on the dyson bandwagon. never buying a vacuum cleaner with crap ergonomics, suction and is a hassle to set up ever again. vacuuming is enough of a chore without making it tortuous as well.

    i don't cheap out on memory cards either, mostly cos tightarse gives us such great deals :)

  • berger on 11/01/2016 - 17:44
    +4

    Cling wrap. I hate wrap that doesn't cling. What's the point!

    • moo on 12/01/2016 - 20:02

      Use sticky tape. It will grip alright.

  • twister292 on 11/01/2016 - 21:12

    Car tyres… The Aurion overpowers its front paws in the wet way too easily. I only put the best tyres I can afford. Currently running potenza adrenalin re003s, and grip in the wet is night and day better than the older Michelin energy savers.

    Shoes. I do a lot of walking and standing around at work, and comfy shoes are absolute must. I also make sure the sole is not too thick, i like to feel precisely how much pressure im applying to the accelerator or brake when driving.

    Pens. I hate scratchy, skippy pens which peter out when you need to scribble that one important phone number or reference. UniBall Jetstream (which I bought a whole pile of using an Ozbargain deal on 8-packs) all the way. Or even better, Lamy Swift. But those refills don't last very long and are expensive.

    Anything electrical. I only buy genuine/OEM chargers and power supplies. Cables I'm not that fussy on.

  • [Deactivated] on 12/01/2016 - 10:33
    +1

    For jobs you hate doing but do them regularly enough it's worth paying up for things. E.g. Don't get a cheap underpowered mower, it just makes the job that much more shit.

  • Kapinny on 12/01/2016 - 10:59

    Mechanical Keyboards

  • kywst on 12/01/2016 - 11:06
    +1

    Anyone mentioned parachutes? Climbing rope also.

  • strikerzebra on 12/01/2016 - 11:14

    Soft drinks, don't buy home brand coles cola!!

    Also don't skimp out on a blender unless you want to choke on the ingredients

  • StonedWizard on 12/01/2016 - 14:04

    I learnt a long time ago it's always best to shop around for the best price and buy quality you can afford, that way you can find out if you're paying for the product or the brand.

  • RocketSwitch on 12/01/2016 - 15:56

    Hiking shoes
    Couch
    Bed
    Computer chair

  • Twocupteabag on 12/01/2016 - 20:49

    Sauce
    Masking tape
    Screws

  • Lapse on 12/01/2016 - 20:50

    To add some that haven't been mentioned already:

    Dog poop bags. The cheap ones seem to tear every second bag when you seperate them. best case scenario, you go through twice as many bags. Worst case scenario, you don't notice the tear.

    Sunblock

    Fishing lures - the cheap ones are made to look like the expensive ones, but never swim the same.

    Pedestal fan - the $15 kmart job will never suffice now I have a kambrook 46cm supercharged pedestal fan.

    Aluminium Foil

  • iSamurai on 12/01/2016 - 20:59
    +1

    I feel like I'm late to the party but here's my list:

    • Sunscreen. I can't use most sunscreen in the supermarkets (whether it's the supermarket brands, Cancer Council or Banana Boat). They have all changed the formulation from physical UV blockers to chemical UV absorbers. While it's better than no sunscreen, these sunscreen burn my skin especially my face and upper arm. I have mates who said their kids can't stand the burning feeling from sunscreen. Technically this is a "chemical burn"! Only sunscreen with active ingredients zinc oxide or titanium dioxide do not burn. They're not available in supermarkets apart from Nivea (TiO2) and Invisible Zinc (ZnO) in small quantities at outrageous prices. I've since found that at Chemist Warehouse they stock a brand called Ego Sunsense, which sell TiO2 based sunscreen in 500 ml pump bottles. It's quite runny though, but it's the best there is in terms of price and effectiveness.

    • Bicycle and car tyres. For bikes my go to clincher tyre is the Continental GP4000s II. They are really good. Good grip, feel, puncture resistance (though I've gone through three punctures this Christmas break). I train and race on these. I wouldn't skimp on tyres especially if they don't have adequate puncture protection or don't have enough grip in the wet. I've tried the supposedly equivalent Michelin Pro 4 SC but I just don't like them. A bit hard and not as grippy. Car tyres on the other hand I would probably go for Continentals as well. We just changed our tyres last year and have found a pair of Pirellis which are supposedly better than the Contis we saw but at a better price. I wouldn't trust cheap tyres that I've never heard of.

    • Bicycle clothing. Cheap clothing doesn't fit well, not comfortable, doesn't last and doesn't look good. I can't stand flappy and loose jerseys. Get some decent kits when they are on sale. I guess this goes with normal clothes, cycling shoes, cycling shoes cleats (generic ones don't "click in" as noticeably) as well. Get good quality stuff but don't buy any more than you need.

    • Computer/Phone. Some may disagree but I prefer to use Apple products. It all started 12 years ago when I had a normal PC. Then things happened and it crashed and burned. One of my mates had a MacBook. He showed it to me and I thought I should give it a try… and I've never looked back. Mac works well and I just can't deal with windows if I have to use this piece of equipment every single days for 9 hours. I have two iMacs and a MacBook Air that are between 5 and 6 years old and they are running very smoothly. Can't get a PC to last that long IMO. I feel that the iPhone is quite limited in terms of customisation compared with Android but since I use the Apple ecosystem I'm okay to deal with it.

    • Cars. we have a reasonably priced car (Mitsubishi). I don't think I will buy a car that is not 5 star EuroNCAP/ANCAP rated.

    • Appliances/electronics. I won't buy cheap white goods/electronics once I have factored in its brand, lifespan, power/water consumption, servicing and maintenance costs etc.

    • Food. One thing my parents have taught me is not to skimp on food. You can eat healthily without breaking the bank. Buy fresh food and lots of fruit and veg to have a balanced diet. Only buy enough to last you a week so you don't throw away spoilt food. Having said that we usually go for the cheapest supermarket brands, if any. e.g. wheat biscuits vs Weetbix, coles milk vs dairy farmers, coles tuna vs john west etc.

    • Nonstick cooking pans, rice cooker and other kitchen stuff like dishwashing liquid, dishwasher powder, as well as laundry powder. I really hate cheap and nasty stuff that comes in really big quantities and you need to use lots to get things going or have to clean again. There's gotta be a cutoff between saving money and wasting time.

    • Toilet paper. My undercarriage says three ply. And Aldi's Confidence TP ($8.49/24 rolls) is the best. They're so much better than Coles' "so soft" brand.

    • International flights. This is more from a safety and reputation's perspective. I wouldn't trust some dodgy airline even if the fares are cheap. For domestic flights Tiger/Jetstar at least comply with Australia's standards which IMO is considered very good.

    • Vacuum cleaner. Seriously. Just get a Dyson or something similar. No one likes vacuuming so a good equipment that minimises the frustration is worth it. We tried to fix our el-cheapo $55 vacuum and it's just headaches after headaches…

    Summary: I wouldn't skimp on anything to do with health and safety. I wouldn't use a product that will drive me insane nor significantly wastes my time.

    • mmd on 14/01/2016 - 21:32

      So wat do you skimp on?

      • iSamurai on 14/01/2016 - 22:09

        haha. good question.

        I guess it's more like what do I save money on:

        • cafe and takeaway. I don't go for coffee or lunch at cafes. even if I go with friends after a ride I mostly sit down and chat without ordering anything… although they say it's "investing in the quality of life". I make my own coffee/tea at work and lunch/dinner at home.
        • domestic flights. Tigerair or Jetstar price beat and I only travel during off peak season.
        • hotels. I use trivago to compare and cash back sites. as long as the hotel isn't run down and disgusting I'm fine.
        • buy things that are available in supermarket brands, unless they drive me insane or waste my time.
        • fruit and veg. not by eating less but by comparing coles and ww catalogues and visit both stores as well as the local asian grocer each week.
        • eating less meat. I don't eat processed meat, rarely eat red meat but I do like some protein in each meal (e.g. fish, chicken, egg). it's better for your health and the planet.
        • credit cards. I think the best credit cards to get are the ANZ QF Black/CBA Diamond (~1.7 giftcard return) and the Coles MC (1% coles shop return) without international tx fees. call them and cancel fees annually.
        • banking. I use ING Direct as my transaction account, and my home loan is with CBA so they waive the CC fees. They also waived my package fees for two years now.
        • furniture. we have the cheapest or used furniture at home. they seem to last if you look after them.
        • insurance, utility companies and international flights I compare a million times before I hit 'buy' (make sure you use incognito mode).
        • bicycles. I buy second hand bikes and parts that people sell after riding for about a year.
        • buy things I can find on the internet for the cheapest possible price. I compare multiple sites to get my bike stuff and most electronics. I also use cash back sites. If using ebay sort the items by price + lowest postage and worldwide location. having said that some bike shops do price match overseas prices and it's good to build a relationship with your LBS.
        • haircut. either I cut my own hair or I ask my mum sometimes. yes that's right ;)
        • station access charges. I would rather spend an extra 1/2 hr catching alternate transport when going to/from the airport e.g. Brisbane - DFO, Sydney - Mascot station, Melbourne - Broadmeadows station.
        • transport. I rarely drive. I don't use toll roads. I ride my push bike to and from work and around town. On the occasions I need to use public transport, I will consider using the citycycle as quite often it's quicker to rent a bike and ride home than to wait for a bus/citycat.
  • deanylev on 12/01/2016 - 23:23

    Computer parts and peripherals (and electronics in general I guess). I try to budget on everything else, but I spend so much time on my PC, there just isn't much point on buying cheap stuff. All top-notch (to an extent) stuff.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join