What is Price of Quality?
What did Benjamin Franklin mean?
On top of being a founding father of our country, Ben Franklin was also an accomplished inventor. His inventions ranged from the bifocals to the lightning rod with many of his experiments still around today. However, he never copyrighted his inventions. “Why,” you may ask? Because he felt that everything could always be improved upon, and he encouraged others to build upon and better his work. He wanted the quality of his inventions to be the best it could possibly be. When thinking about his quote regarding “poor quality”, do you think that companies who promote their products as “cheaper options” abide by Ben’s thinking? There are many companies that feel the bottom-line price of their product is more important than the quality of the materials or workmanship that goes into them. They feel the success of a product is determined by how many they can sell and not by how long the products will last the customer. But what if this thinking pattern could be changed and everyone abided by Ben’s philosophy, understanding the importance of quality over bottom lines and profit margins? Do you think the world would be better off?
What’s wrong with poor quality at a low cost?
Ever heard of the cliche saying, “you get what you pay for”? When you think you are being “frugal” or “money cautious”, what you are really doing is lowering your quality standards in order to get what you want for a cheaper price. Those low-priced items are mass produced with lower grade materials and then sold at a lower price than their competitors who use higher grade materials. Products that seem the same are not always the same which is why the cheaper the product, the more research should be done to ensure it’s worth buying. If you choose to purchase a cheaper product and it falls apart or breaks in a few short weeks so that you are forced to buy a new one, is there really any benefit? Let’s say you’re shopping for a new couch. The first option is to buy a cheaper version similar to what you want, knowing it will only last a few years. The second option is to buy the one you want at a higher cost knowing it will last you ten or more years. Which of these two options sounds like the better deal? In our economy it’s easy to see a bargain priced item and justify you are getting what you want for a cheaper price. But if you do a little research, you will find buying for quality over price will save you money in the long run. Usually, the cheaper products are not made with the same materials or care as their more expensive counterparts. Quality should always be a major consideration in any purchase.
Why buy quality?
Not only do products in any industry, that are quality made, last longer but they also reduce our carbon footprint because there is less waste from thrown out broken or failed products which leads to less pollution of our earth and seas. Thinking green includes using products that last instead of “throw-a-way” products that are intended to be replenished repeatedly. Long lasting products have another advantage if you are in the market for collectibles. These types of quality products are intended to be kept for long periods of time so that they can appreciate in value and make a wonderful heirloom to someone you care about who will also benefit from the long-lasting quality item. If overall people truly thought buying based on price instead of quality was the best way to go, would you ever fly in an airplane again? Or travel on a cruise line? Or buy that new car to drive your family around in? I don’t think so. Anything that is exceptionally made has the potential to save you money in the long run, accrue more value as it ages, and even save your life or the life of someone dear to you. When looking at quality in this light it is easy to see why it is always the best choice to make.
Why do we at BJ’s Park & Recreation Products think quality is the right choice?
We want our clients to love the products they receive from us now and for a long time into the future. Our particular park industry thrives on ensuring communities can enjoy and utilize our products for generations to come. We strive to provide the best quality products for the specific needs of each project, ensuring each can stand the test of time. What Ben Franklin said back in the 1700s still rings true today in the 21st century, maybe even more so. When you think you are getting a better deal by being “frugal” or buying at the cheapest price, don’t forget to think about the time you might get that product for, what environmental impact it could have or the need to replace said product due to poor quality. Know that you really do “get what you pay for” and the better, smarter option is to always consider quality over price.
