# Things it ISN'T OK to go cheap on: **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [May 10, 2007, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-it-isnt-ok-to-go-cheap-on/403565 "2007-05-10T17:34:39Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Mirror\_Image\_egamI\_rorriM](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e56c9b/32.png) [@Mirror\_Image\_egamI\_rorriM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mirror_Image_egamI_rorriM)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2007, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-it-isnt-ok-to-go-cheap-on/403565/41 "2007-05-10T21:42:04Z")
Tattoos. My coworker has a tatto on her hand that she paid $30 for. Some scratcher with a homemade machine might be cheap, but it’s there forever. Needless to say, she is no longer pleased with the tattoo, but she also refuses to pay $80 to get it fixed or covered up (although she did mention something about getting it lasered off for $99, but I have my doubts about that). ---
**Author:** ![OneCentStamp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/13edae/32.png) [@OneCentStamp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OneCentStamp)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2007, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-it-isnt-ok-to-go-cheap-on/403565/42 "2007-05-10T21:44:29Z")
[QUOTE=Kalhoun] Steaks Shoes Pens [/QUOTE] I agree 100% on the shoes and pens. Steaks…you do get what you pay for, I know, but you can make delicious dishes out of $3.79/lb skirt steak as well as $9.69/lb ribeye. Pens, on the other hand…no, never. Can’t cheap out on those. ---
**Author:** ![LavenderBlue](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e95f7d/32.png) [@LavenderBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LavenderBlue)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2007, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-it-isnt-ok-to-go-cheap-on/403565/43 "2007-05-10T21:59:30Z")
Sheets Vet care Glasses ---
**Author:** ![Zabali\_Clawbane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/ecd19e/32.png) [@Zabali\_Clawbane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zabali_Clawbane)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2007, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-it-isnt-ok-to-go-cheap-on/403565/44 "2007-05-10T22:00:19Z")
Building materials. Seconding laundry detergent. Also flea drop treatment for pets. The cheap Wal-Mart ones _do not_ work. ---
**Author:** ![Kalhoun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3bc359/32.png) [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2007, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-it-isnt-ok-to-go-cheap-on/403565/45 "2007-05-10T22:07:12Z")
[QUOTE=LavenderBlue] Sheets Vet care Glasses [/QUOTE] Definitely sheets. Signed, Kalhoun (who unknowingly submitted herself to a whole body exfoliation simply by purchasing 150 tc sheets) ---
**Author:** ![Kalhoun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3bc359/32.png) [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2007, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-it-isnt-ok-to-go-cheap-on/403565/46 "2007-05-10T22:09:02Z")
[QUOTE=OneCentStamp] I agree 100% on the shoes and pens. Steaks…you do get what you pay for, I know, but you can make delicious dishes out of $3.79/lb skirt steak as well as $9.69/lb ribeye. Pens, on the other hand…no, never. Can’t cheap out on those. [/QUOTE] Dude/Chick…I’m talkin’ a freekin’ steak. Just meat-on-the-grill steak. My motto: Go filet or go away. 😉 Don’t you hate those shitty pens that the WWII vets send you when they’re asking for a donation? ---
**Author:** ![Cicero](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cicero/32/3594_2.png) [@Cicero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cicero)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2007, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-it-isnt-ok-to-go-cheap-on/403565/47 "2007-05-10T22:42:35Z")
[QUOTE=Cervaise] No, not at all. I’m not sure I can put the distinction into words, though. Cheap is just… cheap. Adding to the list: Don’t cheap out on fresh seafood. 'Specially shellfish. I don’t know how many of you have had the wonderful experience of straining to shit out your own skull, but it isn’t fun. [/QUOTE] Last week-end. It wasn’t cheap though- must have been badly stored. I didn’t realise food poisoning could be so bad. ---
**Author:** ![essell](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/34f0e0/32.png) [@essell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/essell)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2007, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-it-isnt-ok-to-go-cheap-on/403565/48 "2007-05-10T22:52:09Z")
With a lot of the stuff people are listing you can find the quality stuff a differant prices but I say with experience and vigour: Bin Bags. The Black plastic sacks that we load rubbish into. With the cheap ones you’re gonna end up scooping your rubbish off the floor and into another one if you fill it more than half way. Just buy the decent thick black ones and be done with it. ---
**Author:** ![LavenderBlue](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e95f7d/32.png) [@LavenderBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LavenderBlue)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2007, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-it-isnt-ok-to-go-cheap-on/403565/49 "2007-05-10T23:29:00Z")
[QUOTE=Kalhoun] Definitely sheets. Signed, Kalhoun (who unknowingly submitted herself to a whole body exfoliation simply by purchasing 150 tc sheets) [/QUOTE] I hear you. I’m a complete flannel and jersey person myself. The lesser quality stuff makes me break out. The rest of the bed is feather bed and down comforter topped by a nice snug overhead romantic canopy. Bed is one place where I think you shouldn’t skimp on comfort. ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2007, 12:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-it-isnt-ok-to-go-cheap-on/403565/50 "2007-05-11T00:38:13Z")
-Jeans -Bras -Kleenex (well, tissues, I guess. I prefer Puffs-when I’m sick, the kind with lotion are the ONLY ones that don’t make my nose feel like it’s been rubbed with sandpaper) ---
**Author:** ![River\_Hippie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/river_hippie/32/26_2.png) [@River\_Hippie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/River_Hippie)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2007, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-it-isnt-ok-to-go-cheap-on/403565/51 "2007-05-11T00:49:36Z")
Garden hose. ---
**Author:** ![Rhiannon8404](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rhiannon8404/32/17929_2.png) [@Rhiannon8404](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhiannon8404)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2007, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-it-isnt-ok-to-go-cheap-on/403565/52 "2007-05-11T00:53:22Z")
Sports gear, especially running shoes. ---
**Author:** ![Plan\_B](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3ec8ea/32.png) [@Plan\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Plan_B)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2007, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-it-isnt-ok-to-go-cheap-on/403565/53 "2007-05-11T01:03:43Z")
Dental care Most food, but especially fish ---
**Author:** ![smhanse751](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f4b2a3/32.png) [@smhanse751](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smhanse751)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2007, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-it-isnt-ok-to-go-cheap-on/403565/54 "2007-05-11T01:35:03Z")
I’ve had a 40cal in the past and absolutley loved it, but lately ive been hearing a lot of great things about the 357 models. What are your opinions ---
**Author:** ![Bobotheoptimist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/919ad9/32.png) [@Bobotheoptimist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bobotheoptimist)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2007, 1:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-it-isnt-ok-to-go-cheap-on/403565/55 "2007-05-11T01:44:26Z")
[QUOTE=smhanse751] I’ve had a 40cal in the past and absolutley loved it, but lately ive been hearing a lot of great things about the 357 models. What are your opinions [/QUOTE] Don’t get a cheap one ---
**Author:** ![Rick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9f8e36/32.png) [@Rick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2007, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-it-isnt-ok-to-go-cheap-on/403565/56 "2007-05-11T02:12:30Z")
Tools (Particularly if you make your living with them) Scotch Safety equipment (helmets, fire suits, seat belts for the race car etc) Tequila (if we are drinking shots, for frozen 'ritas then no) Bicycles (Ride a $100 dollar bike and then try a real bike.) Shoes that fit. (Not always price dependent, but it is a good indicator.) Mixers (Kitchen Aid baby) My wife would like to add: Sewing machines ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2007, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-it-isnt-ok-to-go-cheap-on/403565/57 "2007-05-11T02:22:40Z")
Aircraft ---
**Author:** ![It\_s\_Not\_Rocket\_Surgery](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/it_s_not_rocket_surgery/32/312_2.png) [@It\_s\_Not\_Rocket\_Surgery](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/It_s_Not_Rocket_Surgery)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2007, 4:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-it-isnt-ok-to-go-cheap-on/403565/58 "2007-05-11T04:14:43Z")
Deli meats. Boar’s Head is about 2-3x the price of the store brands, but so very worth it! ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Excellent](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f19dbf/32.png) [@Mr.Excellent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Excellent)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2007, 4:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-it-isnt-ok-to-go-cheap-on/403565/59 "2007-05-11T04:26:04Z")
Education - college and grad/professional school. There are some exceptions, but they’re almost always context-specific - “Yah, it’s a really cheap law school, but all the people working in ‘X’ public-interest field recommended it, and I’ll be working for peanuts, so money’s important.” But in general, the best thing you can do is simply accept that school will toss you far, far into debt for most of your career, and regard your monthly loan payments as the “membership fee” in a job you actually like. The alternative is to “save” money by not going to school, or going to cheap schools, and then ending up bitching and moaning about how little you’re doing with your life. I’m probably going to be well over $100,000 in debt by the time I get my JD - but with a bit of luck, it’s going to be worth it. ---
**Author:** ![Freudian\_Push\_Up\_Bra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/edb3f5/32.png) [@Freudian\_Push\_Up\_Bra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freudian_Push_Up_Bra)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2007, 4:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-it-isnt-ok-to-go-cheap-on/403565/60 "2007-05-11T04:33:33Z")
Agreeing with: Sheets: Washed them before using them and they still lost their colour ☹ Tattoos Pens Bin Bags; the cheap ones will break every time. They will explode when filled with particularly noxious trash. Jeans: $60 for four years in comfort and style. Ooh yeah. Bras: Cheap bras hurt/damage sensitive tissues, lack real support and can seriously hurt your back. Sneakers: $99 sneakers lasted me four years before I gave in and bought new ones. General health: My parents always said go with private health cover. It’s the best way to know you’ll be safe. Also General technology: I had a Medion laptop for a while, much cheaper than a Dell but that was because they don’t test it as extensively. When it got too hot, the keyboard stopped working. Now I have a Dell and it’s my baby. Same for printers. Makeup brushes: I recently made the mistake of buying a set of 20 brushes off eBay for $22 or something including P&H. They’re terrible because they don’t distribute powder evenly, they’re too firm to use as blenders, it’s terrible! Hair stuff: $4 shampoo is just that; crap. It doesn’t lather properly and leaves hair feeling slimy and weird. TreSemme is $10 for a huge bottle and it is fantastic. Fetta cheese: the cheap stuff tastes and smells very strange. Sweets: The homebrand stuff is always too chewy and weird Photography: Especially social pics - I don’t mind paying $500 for a digital camera because I know it’s shockproof, waterproof and will take a good photo everytime. There is nothing worse than photographing your cousins’ faces when they’re on a ferry for the first time and having the photo come out too dark or pixellated. Bug spray: the cheap stuff will make you feel sick. Candles: the cheap ones will not burn correctly, no matter how hard you try to train them. (To maximise burning efficiency and avoiding leftover wax, burn it until the wax is melted right to the edges of the candle itself. Doing that everytime means that it will melt evenly). [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-it-isnt-ok-to-go-cheap-on/403565.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-it-isnt-ok-to-go-cheap-on/403565.md?page=4)