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Making a product "too good". Has this ever been a problem with a product?
Posted on 2/20/17 at 11:45 am
Posted on 2/20/17 at 11:45 am
Had a discussion with a friend about this. If a company makes a product that lasts a very long time, they will sell very few "replacements". But on the upside, everyone will want to buy it because it's the best.
This discussion was started because he said that US auto makers purposely made cars that would wear out so you would buy a new one. I disagreed.
I used the Toyota Land Cruiser as an example.
This discussion was started because he said that US auto makers purposely made cars that would wear out so you would buy a new one. I disagreed.
I used the Toyota Land Cruiser as an example.
29
Posted on 2/20/17 at 11:46 am to bhtigerfan
Western Electric phones
Posted on 2/20/17 at 11:47 am to bhtigerfan
Yes, planned obsolescence is a thing.
Posted on 2/20/17 at 11:47 am to bhtigerfan
I have doubts that we can't make a washing machine that would last for all of your adult years. We can send a damn robot car to mars for pete's sake. 
Posted on 2/20/17 at 11:47 am to bhtigerfan
I once read a pretty interesting thesis that argued one of the causes of the Great Depression was many goods were made too well, reducing the need to replace, thus reducing demand.
Posted on 2/20/17 at 11:48 am to bhtigerfan
It's basically true. Many modern appliances last "too long." So the makers come up with bullshite filters and maintenance procedures to make up for lost revenue. See annual water filters on refrigerators.
Posted on 2/20/17 at 11:49 am to bhtigerfan
there's definitely an equilibrium to things or diminishing returns
by the time we're ready for the iPhone 12, what's the selling point going to be?
by the time we're ready for the iPhone 12, what's the selling point going to be?
Posted on 2/20/17 at 11:50 am to The Spleen
planned obsolesence , like stated above. thats what everyone does. most phone charging cables are good for about a year.
America used to make products you could keep in your home a long time. Refrigerators dont last for 30 plus years anymore like they used to.
America used to make products you could keep in your home a long time. Refrigerators dont last for 30 plus years anymore like they used to.
Posted on 2/20/17 at 11:51 am to bhtigerfan
An off shoot from your subject would be product advertising. Examples:
During the OPEC oil boycott (long lines and flags saying 'we have no gas today' there were huge numbers of TV ads from Texaco, Shell, Exxon, etc encouraging you to buy their gas. Why? They didn't have any gas to sell. I never see gas station ads now.
During the early 90s there were tons of Chain Saw commercials on TV. But a chain saw is a product you tend to buy once. The majority of people never buy a chain saw in their life. Since the 90s I haven't seen a single chain saw commercial on TV.
During the OPEC oil boycott (long lines and flags saying 'we have no gas today' there were huge numbers of TV ads from Texaco, Shell, Exxon, etc encouraging you to buy their gas. Why? They didn't have any gas to sell. I never see gas station ads now.
During the early 90s there were tons of Chain Saw commercials on TV. But a chain saw is a product you tend to buy once. The majority of people never buy a chain saw in their life. Since the 90s I haven't seen a single chain saw commercial on TV.
This post was edited on 2/20/17 at 11:52 am
Posted on 2/20/17 at 11:51 am to roadGator
All of my mom's appliances from the 70s lasted at least 20 years. I still have a 40 year old microwave that I use.
Posted on 2/20/17 at 11:52 am to Pax Regis
quote:
Many modern appliances last "too long."
I got an '85 side by side Kenmore that's still chugging away. Had to replace the ice maker about 10 years ago and that's it.
Posted on 2/20/17 at 11:52 am to bhtigerfan
Having thay problem right now.
Posted on 2/20/17 at 11:53 am to Brosef Stalin
quote:
I still have a 40 year old microwave that I use.
That's impressive. The longest regular use product I ever had was a Norelco triple head shaver. I used it daily and it lasted 30 years.
Posted on 2/20/17 at 11:57 am to The Spleen
quote:Interdasting.
I once read a pretty interesting thesis that argued one of the causes of the Great Depression was many goods were made too well, reducing the need to replace, thus reducing demand.
Posted on 2/20/17 at 12:02 pm to Zach
I was in a woodworking shop the other day and the guy had a Dewalt radial arm saw that was over 50 years old and still going strong.
Posted on 2/20/17 at 12:05 pm to Brosef Stalin
quote:I didn't think microwaves have been around that long.
I still have a 40 year old microwave that I use.
What brand is it?
Posted on 2/20/17 at 12:05 pm to bhtigerfan
Windows XP was so good that Microsoft had difficulty getting customers to upgrade to their new operating systems.
Posted on 2/20/17 at 12:07 pm to bhtigerfan
quote:
I didn't think microwaves have been around that long.
Yeah, they've been around for about 50 years. But the first ones were really big and heavy. Restaurants bought them before they became cheap enough and practical enough for home use.
Posted on 2/20/17 at 12:07 pm to bhtigerfan
See LED light bulbs.
Companies will make better products that last longer if they can sell them for a higher price.
Companies will make better products that last longer if they can sell them for a higher price.
Posted on 2/20/17 at 12:10 pm to bhtigerfan
My dad is 65 and still uses the craftsman tools that belonged to his dad. He uses them on a pretty much daily basis. Im gonna guess they are at least 50 years old if not older.
This post was edited on 2/20/17 at 12:11 pm
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