How buying quality can cost you less in the long run

Its’ not always an easy choice to pay a little more for a higher quality product when you’re presented with attractive, limited time promotions to get you to purchase now, on brands you may not have heard of.

By doing a little homework, you may find that these cheap deals aren’t as cheap as they appear. Here are some things Kiwiown recommends you do to make sure that you are spending your hard earned money on something that will be around for more than six months or a year.

Check out Customer reviews

Before buying any appliance, check out customer reviews online. Products should have a reasonable number of reviews rather than one or two. If there is a negative comment, see if it is balanced out by more positive reviews so that you can get a realistic view of what people think of the product. You can also go to www.consumer.org.nz and subscribe to get up to date reviews on a wide range of products. You’ll be able to see which products are more likely to last the distance .

What warranty cover is included?

If you’re investing in a major appliance check to see how much warranty it has and what that covers. If anything goes wrong, you’ll be covered for all repairs right up until the end of your warranty period saving you money and stress.

Is the product supported if it breaks down?

If something goes wrong you need to have someone you can talk to. Choosing brands and buying off retailers that have a customer support line and a service and parts centre locally, can make all the difference to get you up and running sooner without having to buy a replacement.

Does the product have a good efficiency rating?

This is important to consider if you’re buying a large appliance like a washing machine, fridge or dryer. The higher the efficiency rating can mean it uses less power or water, costing you less on electricity water and detergent in the long term. It’s also better for the environment.

Are quality materials used?

If you’re looking for durability check out what materials are used in the manufacture of the products you are considering. Some companies may use cheaper materials that look good today but won’t last long, which means you’ll be paying for a new one earlier than expected.