Nearly every time you buy a product, you have one primary decision. Buy a product that costs a little more but is better quality, or buy the product that is cheaper but probably won’t be quite as well made.
Usually there’s a reason why one product costs more than the other. Sometimes the brand name alone can bump up the price, but often a number of factors are at play. The exercise apparel and equipment industry is a perfect example of this. People may buy a piece of exercise gear because it’s made by a specific company but only because the company has proven their value.
Nearly every time you buy a product, you have one primary decision. Buy a product that costs a little more but is better quality, or buy the product that is cheaper but probably won’t be quite as well made.
Usually there’s a reason why one product costs more than the other. Sometimes the brand name alone can bump up the price, but often a number of factors are at play. The exercise apparel and equipment industry is a perfect example of this. People may buy a piece of exercise gear because it’s made by a specific company but only because the company has proven their value.
Typically higher quality means a higher price tag, but usually it’s worth the cost. Here’s why.
Overall Quality and Reliability
Brands like Nike aren’t in demand simply because of their logo. People love to show their brands off, but the reason they’re so sought after is because they have earned a good reputation. For example, Air Jordan is one of the world’s most popular shoe lines, inspiring multiple lines of matching apparel, including matching Jordan tees. Their high quality and reliability make them a popular choice. In other words, they deliver on their promises.
This is important in the world of athletics and exercise where safety is a top priority. When it comes to exercise apparel higher quality brands tend to have a better fit, which makes them more comfortable. When you aren’t distracted by an uncomfortable or ill-fitting piece of clothing you can focus on what you’re doing, which lowers the risk for injury.
Innovation
High quality brands invest heavily in research and development (R&D). As a result they are the innovators that come out with new technology, construction and materials. For people that want the latest technology that typically means you’ll be buying from a high quality company.
Athletic shoes are a great example of this. Several years ago the top shoemakers began using wearable technology to test their new designs. They outfitted the shoes with sensors then gauged how people performed and moved while wearing them. It allowed companies to fine-tune designs and find new ways to make them even better.
This R&D also led Nike and other top brands to incorporate the technology itself into their products. Today you can purchase the Nike+ Sensor, which fits into shoes to track running statistics. It’s one of the many wearables that have become a market all on their own.
Performance
The investment in R&D helps higher quality products perform better. This is another priority in sports and exercise where performance can mean the difference between winning and losing. It can also make a difference in how much benefit you get from the time you’ve put into exercising and training.
This applies even to workout apparel. Clothing that fits better, helps wick away sweat, moves better, etc. will help improve your performance. The better something works the more valuable it is, and that value often translates into a higher price. But again, the price is usually in line with what you gain from owning it.
Longevity
Products that are higher quality may be more expensive up front, but they usually last longer. The increased longevity helps the price balance out because you won’t have to pay for a replacement as soon as you would if you used a lesser quality product.
The more expensive the piece of apparel or equipment is the more important this factor becomes. Take for example a treadmill. This piece of gym equipment can easily cost $1,000. Most people want to get as much use out of their treadmill as possible since it’s a big-ticket item. If one treadmill costs $1,100 and lasts 6 years on average it’s a better buy than a treadmill that costs $800 but lasts just 4 years.
Resell Value
Today eBay and Craigslist, along will a host of other websites, make it possible to earn extra money by selling things you already own. When your things are high quality name brand products it’s easier to sell them, and you’ll be able to get a higher price. It’s just one more way high quality products provide value.
Quality and cost go hand-in-hand. Every purchase is an investment, and you have to decide what matters most. Budget is always important, but quality should always be considered. For athletes, it can make a huge difference in performance and safety, two things you can’t put a price tag on.
