A Shift in Shopping Habits: From Cheap to Quality
For a long time, our home was filled with inexpensive clothing, bags, and accessories. These items appeared to be great deals at first, but over time, they ended up costing us more than we anticipated. The initial satisfaction of finding a bargain often gave way to frustration and disappointment.
My wife was known among her friends for being an expert shopper. She would always be the first to jump on sales, whether it was for clothes, shoes, or household items. The excitement of getting a good deal brought her genuine joy. However, this happiness didn’t last for long.
The clothes she bought started to fade or lose their shape after just a few washes. The sandals she purchased snapped within weeks. Electronics would stop working within months. Fixing them wasn’t worth the effort, especially since they were “cheap.” As a result, she simply bought new ones, continuing the cycle of buying cheap, breaking fast, and replacing often.
Every time I tried to bring up the issue, she would respond with, “If it breaks, I won’t feel bad, I didn’t spend much on it.” But I did feel bad. I regretted the time she spent hunting for these deals, the energy she put into ordering, and the clutter that filled our home.
One day, I sat down and did the math. In the first six months of the year, she had spent nearly VND15 million (US$600) on discounted items. Yet, she still complained, “I have nothing to wear,” because the quality didn’t match the glossy advertisements.
I asked her to try a different approach: buy less, but buy better. At first, she resisted. But when I showed her my genuine leather bag, still looking new after years of use, next to her peeling faux-leather one, she started to consider the idea.
I’m not someone obsessed with brands. But I do believe in value and durability. I told her, “Try investing in fewer, better-quality items. Things that last, make you feel confident, and don’t need constant replacing.”
Gradually, she stopped browsing discount pages. She began choosing items with care. She bought fewer things, but better ones.
Saving money doesn’t mean cutting all spending. It means knowing what’s worth spending on. Reasonably priced branded goods aren’t about showing off; they help you avoid the frustration of cheap, disposable purchases. They save time, reduce waste, and bring more satisfaction.
We often hesitate to buy a single expensive item, yet easily spend much more on many cheap ones. In the long run, smart consumers are those who invest in quality.
And when more people become discerning buyers, the whole market benefits. Sellers will be forced to improve. Poor-quality goods and knockoffs will have less room to thrive.
