It has long been proven that planned obsolescence is very difficult or impossible to prove. What do you have to pay attention to so that your electronic products live longer? The following tips should help.
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Buy simple devices
Products are often equipped with functions that are not required for the actual purpose. Such extra features are intended to simulate an innovation and differentiate the product from the competition as a unique selling point. If the additional function is defective (e.g., a display on a toaster), the device’s primary function can also be affected. Think about which functions you personally actually want to use.
It’s better to be expensive once than cheap several times.
Don’t buy anything just because it’s cheap or appears to be so. Unrealistically cheap products often break quickly, end up in the garbage, and have to be repurchased.
Don’t go with the trend.
Psychological obsolescence or “fashionable wear and tear” can be avoided by consciously buying “unfashionable” products. Those who always buy the latest will be dissatisfied as soon as it goes “out of fashion.” You will be satisfied longer with timeless classics.
Awareness and maintenance
Obsolescence, i.e., the normal wear and tear caused by use, is in every product. Natural wear and tear can be kept within limits if you handle your products with care and attention. This includes regular descaling of the kettle and coffee machine or maintenance of the washing machine.
Pay attention to the repairability.
Manufacturers should know the typical wearing parts of their products and be able to provide information about them. Ask specifically whether spare parts are available, how long they will be available, and how much a repair will cost. Are (free) estimates made? How does the repair work? Is it possible to repair yourself using commercially available standard tools? And are manuals/wiring diagrams available to see all functions?
Repair it instead of throwing it away
If the screen on your smartphone breaks, you don’t necessarily have to throw the electronic gadget away and buy a new one. Help for self-help is available online or in so-called repair workshops. If you don’t have any manual skills, a workshop can also help.
Consider follow-up costs
If, for example, a smartphone or tablet breaks, it may be that the current model has different dimensions or connections, and the accessories must therefore also be replaced.
Buy business models
There are many electronic devices for private and professional users. The professional models are more expensive but have been designed for more extended durability. This not only applies to notebooks, printers, and other IT devices. It is also worth paying more for kitchen appliances and handicraft supplies.
Where was the product made?
Made in the United States stands for quality and durability. Nevertheless, caution is also required here: On the one hand, many manufacturers have identical models manufactured at different production sites with various quality. On the other hand, seemingly traditional companies are often just brand names for products from the Far East. Therefore, ask specifically about the country of manufacture – in the State, a higher level of quality is often maintained.
Insist on your rights as a consumer and demand the guarantee
Comprehensive regulations are bundled in the United States guarantee law, which regulates the responsibility of manufacturers and retailers for defective products and services. The consumer advice centers can also assist.
Conclusion
Finally, consider whether you need to buy the item you want. Some products are required so rarely that it makes sense to borrow the product, for example, tools from a hardware store. Unused items can be exchanged for desired products via (online) exchanges. This ensures longer product usage times. You can also buy all electronic products in our online general store at Nouvoko. Our electronic gadgets online shopping webpage sells durable products with a 100% satisfaction guarantee!
