Quality vs Quantity ?

**steelergal** · 03-20-2008, 02:52 PM

We have been trying to live frugally for a few years now and I still struggle with this issue. I know that we have saved a bit of money with me being frugal about things but this is one issue that I have been struggling with for a while that makes me feel super guilty. I.e. typically when we need new shoes we tend to go for the name brand since they usually last longer (I have had the same pair of shoes for 3 years now!)- I will get them while they are on sale but usually it costs more than I perfer.

In your frugal lifestyle do you also have issues with quality over quantity or is it a non issue? What things do you prefer to spend more on?

**FreesiaE** · 03-20-2008, 03:03 PM

I am quality over quanity in things that need to last. I'm more quanity over quanity in terms of what is disposable or unimportant edible like papertowels, elbow macaroni, and salt.

**EarthGirl517** · 03-20-2008, 03:05 PM

I completely agree with you on the shoe issue and you shouldn't feel guilty. I generally buy K-Swiss of Skechers shoes for me and my hubby. They are more than the Payless or Walmart shoes, but they last way longer. To me that is being frugal. Making smart choices that will cost less in the end, right? I tend to buy my kids cheaper shoes as they outgrow them quickly. I do buy their clothes at Kohl's, Sears, or Target as they last longer than Walmart or Kmart clothes. My son is pretty rough on jeans and I can't really find kid's jeans in thrift stores with intact knees.

**ravenmaniac** · 03-20-2008, 03:16 PM

I go for quality over quantity on some things. I think it is a personal decision. I too buy name brand shoes. I wait for a good sale. I also check Marshall's, and other name brand discount stores. I buy good quality bath, beach, kitchen towels, dish clothes, and bed sheets. On sale of course. I have a big weakenss. I love Williams-Sonoma and Pottery Barn. I often look to these places for ideas and buy my stuff from other places like Target, yard sales, thrift stores, and such.

**lukesmama** · 03-20-2008, 03:35 PM

I agree with quality over quantity with shoes, at least. I wear Birkenstocks, but am learning to ask for them for Christmas (my parents still ask what we want for Christmas, so I oblige).

I got my spring Birk sandals for Christmas last year and it feels so good to wear them, knowing that I didn't pay for them!

Oh, and my DH fixed last year's pair, which separated at the sole for some reason. I didn't want to pay to have them repaired by a shoe shop, since my mom got them for me for $3 from a yard sale, brand new. I was happy when he was able to fix them for free (using some glue he had in the shop).

**mmy2grls** · 03-20-2008, 03:57 PM

quality in my opinion is better

**happimommi** · 03-20-2008, 04:00 PM

I think when it comes to clothing, quality is more important. Walmart & Kmart clothing wear out quicker and they tend to shrink and stain.

**Ceashels** · 03-20-2008, 04:11 PM

I think quality is important in all things and the level of quality needs to match the level of cost. As someone already mentioned.... I'm not looking for paper towels to last, but the coffee maker better. Will I get my money's worth out of it if I take care of it always enters my mind when buying things.

I rarely buy icecream but Breyer's was on (half off) sale today, $2.69 for a half gallon. I enjoy the quality, was willing to pay the price .... but I don't expect it to last.

**M55FF** · 03-20-2008, 04:26 PM

When I had debt my first priority was to be debt free and I did not buy brand name anything.
Now I could buy brand name but don't... some brand name stuff is just junk, so it really depends on what it is.

but when I had debt, i didn't buy much of anything except things on sale or garage sales/ thrift stores.
Luckily all the wardrobe I needed was some work uniforms and sneakers

**mombottoo** · 03-20-2008, 04:56 PM

When it comes to my shoes I prefer quality...it doesn't make a lot of sense to me to spend $15 on a cheap pair of shoes only to have to turn around and spend another $15 six months later. I'd rather spend the $50 and have the shoes last 3 years...much more frugal if you ask me.

I also prefer quality when it comes to ground beef...I will not buy hamburger under any circumstances.

**stinkbug** · 03-20-2008, 05:05 PM

I'm a quality person on some things....like I will NOT eat fast/junk food. Ick. If I'm going to eat out (which is rare) I want a decent sit down meal that I can enjoy. But again...it's rare. I could really care less about eating out. Groceries....I don't buy loads and loads of pasta, beans, rice and cheap meat. I buy small amounts of good, lean meat and lots of fresh produce. We eat very little packaged food at all. Cost more? You bet.....Worth it. Yup.
I'll spend less on household and sundry stuff. Clothes from thrift stores, etc.

**peanut** · 03-20-2008, 07:45 PM

Where are you guys getting good shoes for $50?! here that's what the bad pairs cost! The last pair of shoes we bought for DH were $140cdn...on sale. I thoroughly expect them to last 3 years. I agree...shoes are one thing it doesn't pay to go cheap on. Not only are the cheap ones short lived, but they often don't have good support for your feet, and can wreck them...causing back problems etc. later in life.

I must admit, if it's for scumming around in, I often buy cheap. If it's for work or DH, I buy quality. He is hard on his clothes, takes forever to shop, and refuses to throw anything out. Means it's a lot less stressful to just buy quality to begin with. Now for me...I buy thrift store stuff.

Jean

**Ali Lee** · 03-20-2008, 07:51 PM

I have often thought about that.... Because if you are feeding a family, only have so much $$ for food. .. do you buy the 29c mac&cheese or spend boohoo bucks and make homemade,,and cheese ain't cheap. Also.. Jiffy pizza crust is 44c, making homemade would for me, 33c for yeast alone. So what is a frugal, on budget family to do? Just a struggle....

**Luv2BeFrugal** · 03-20-2008, 07:58 PM

Shoes are one thing I actually spend more on. Proper arch support, good tread, etc. are important. And in the long run it comes out close to just buying several pairs of junky shoes. I buy when they're buy one, get one 50% off...adidas tennis shoes, usually.

**Telephus44** · 03-20-2008, 07:59 PM

I tend to go for quality over quantity, but it does depend on the item. There are many food items I will go for quantity (pasta and canned goods being the big ones) and clothing for my son - since he needs a new wardrobe every 3-6 months, it makes more sense to get the biggest bang for my buck than purchasing stuff that "lasts."

OTOH - I go for quality with appliances (we bought a new washer and dryer last year), furniture (I will buy real wood over particle board), and clothing for myself. I will buy $50 sneakers because they last longer. I have shoe polish for my work shoes, and I find they last longer and look better if I take care of a $40 pair than buying 5 pairs of $10 Walmart cheapies. I spent $180 on my winter coat, and $100 on my raincoat, but I have had them over 10 years each and they are still in good condition.