Most of us who manage households on a monthly basis look for ways to cut corners and save cash wherever we can. Off-brand items can be a great and easy way to do that is not to pay the money for a brand name when you don’t have to.
How do you know when it’s ok to swap things out, though? Is it just trial and error?
Well, if you’re trying to decide, these 16 people have some advice as far as what brand names they will always pay more for – because they really do work that much better.
16. What about the lids?
In all honesty, tupperware.
My mom has some tupperware containers that are almost as old as me and they are still in good condition. It’s rare that I can find plastic containers that are even close in quality and durability.
15. For generations.
Zippo lighters
Amazing quality. Lifetime guarantee with a no questions asked repair or replacement policy. You can find a broken one randomly on the street, mail it to them and they will repair or replace it.
A zippo lighter will last generations.
For anyone interested but doesn’t like using lighter fluid. Zippo now makes inserts for both butane and electric arc lighters.
14. You don’t want to be more uncomfortable.
According to my wife, Feminine products that aren’t name brand either don’t function well or are extremely uncomfortable. Having a more comfortable time during that part of the month is far superior to using uncomfortable products to make it twice as bad. (Her words, not mine.)
To add: I’m 33 and been with my wife since we were in high school. I’ve purchased a lot of these products myself, even when I was first dating her. It’s either being a paper or cardboard insert that is rough/uncomfortable or the cotton is just not safe and doesn’t stay together as it should (as a few have stated here as well). This is mostly from store or off brands at Fred Meyer (Kroger) as that’s where we’ve always shopped, or the occasional Safeway trip. We don’t have any Walmart or Costcos near us so we have no idea how their brands are.
13. Truth in advertising.
Darn Tough socks….they really are.
12. Something to pass along.
I’m a chef. Kitchen knives, you never cheap out on. I suggest Wusthof. Or Shun. I mean look at this thing, it’s gorgeous.
Buy a good knife once and you’ll be giving it to your kids one day.
11. It’s not just you.
Q-tips.
I don’t know what all the other brands and generics are doing, but I swear their cotton to stick ratio is always off. Too pokey or too soft. Can’t be just me…
10. The cheapies just dry out.
As a teacher, Expo whiteboard markers.
9. Worth the splurge.
Knipex hand tools Milwaukee power tools.
Klein prices went insane during the oil boom. I bought a pair of Knipex linesman’s pliers and they were great.
I’ve got a Milwaukee power ratchet. I’ve never used a tool so much! I call it Frank, like the hot sauce. I use it for everything!
8. No bones about it.
KitchenAid. All other stand mixers suck in comparison.
7. They don’t last like they used to.
Don’t cheap out on appliances.
I got a Bosch set for my washer/dryer and so far they’ve outlasted 3 sets of my father-in-law’s LGs, Samsungs, and another one I don’t remember. People complain appliances don’t last as long as they used to, and while I don’t disagree, it’s often because they buy the cheap models.
6. Fork over the dough.
Kerrygold salted butter.
Honestly. KGold absolutely ruined regular conventional American butter for me, forever.
Can’t pay me to go back.
5. Take care of your feet.
Carhartt socks. I am super picky about my socks. If they’re too tight, my feet sweat and get cold. If too loose, they bunch up in my shoes as I walk. Too thin and they’re useless in winter. Too thick and they are too tight when I’m wearing shoes.
Carhartt produces several socks that are perfect, especially for winter. Loose enough to let my feet breathe, not too thick to feel uncomfortable in my shoes, and no bunching as I walk.
4. It won’t crack.
Pyrex glass cookware and food storage containers.
I’ve had cheaper things crack on me, lids break. But Pyrex lasts forever.
3. Worth every penny.
3M. Their products are worth every penny compared to other brands and third party sellers.
Their tape alone is a complete world apart from everything else in the market. Worth it!
I remember the first time I used 3M electrical tape instead of just getting the cheapest stuff the store had. The difference is absolutely unbelievable.
2. Like it’s brand new.
Vitamix blenders. I’ve had mine for years, and it still blends like it is brand new.
1. The perfect pen.
Pilot G2 Pens.
My dad actually orders his with a .38 tip. He loves the flow, doesn’t smudge as much.
I’m taking all of these to heart, y’all. It will save us money in the long run.
What about you? What brands do you think are always worth it? Let us know in the comments!
