Comments on: Brand Preferences and Frugality http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/12/07/brand-preferences-and-frugality/ Simple, applicable personal finance advice for the modern world Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:55:09 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: partgypsy http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/12/07/brand-preferences-and-frugality/comment-page-1/#comment-932725 partgypsy Mon, 13 Dec 2010 22:04:22 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=4686#comment-932725 A euphemism for buying based on emotion is really about buying due to status, versus practical advantages (does it do the job). My neice wants Uggs boots for Christmas. When my sister asked her if she could get her Bear Paws instead, she scoffed "oh some people think they are the same but that's what the posers wear." Pretty much all her friends have real Uggs boots, that's the problem. Humans are really social creatures and we take cues from other people what is appropriate and good and "in". Maybe in Iowa it may be easier to tune out these cues, but can "fitting in", be considered a practical advantage? It definitely seems to have a big influence on some kids lives. (not that I'm buying her the boots : ) A euphemism for buying based on emotion is really about buying due to status, versus practical advantages (does it do the job).
My neice wants Uggs boots for Christmas. When my sister asked her if she could get her Bear Paws instead, she scoffed “oh some people think they are the same but that’s what the posers wear.” Pretty much all her friends have real Uggs boots, that’s the problem.

Humans are really social creatures and we take cues from other people what is appropriate and good and “in”. Maybe in Iowa it may be easier to tune out these cues, but can “fitting in”, be considered a practical advantage? It definitely seems to have a big influence on some kids lives.
(not that I’m buying her the boots : )

]]> By: mellen http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/12/07/brand-preferences-and-frugality/comment-page-1/#comment-854706 mellen Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:51:07 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=4686#comment-854706 I usually agree with you, not always but usually and this post is no exception but I have to play devil's advocate on this one. Your friend who likes Porsche probably doesn't OWN one, you asked what his favorite car is and he told you. I had a similar discussion with someone in my office just a couple of days ago. I love cars. If you asked me what my favorite car is I would say a Mercedes SLK 430 because it's got about 400 hp and crazy amount of torque and it's gorgeous. It's an engineering masterpiece (IMHO). Do I own one? No. Do I own more car than I think I need? yes, but that supports the discussion my colleague and I were having, that men usually make emotional decisions about cars because marketers gear advertising towards men not women and my husband wanted that car so we got it. Marriage is about conpromise after all, so I get to pick the next car. Another example is that my sister once said I was a snob because I only buy certain brands of clothes. On the surface, if someone only buys certain brands, that would seem like a true statement but the reason I only buy from certain stores is because I am a woman and almost 6 feet tall and there are very few stores that sell clothing that will fit me. You can talk all you want about buying from thrift stores if you are a man but a woman over 5 feet 10 inches has very few options for dress pants and shirts. Most of the low cost stores don't carry pants with enough material at the hem to lower them. I am as frugal as I can be within my size constraints, I buy pants at discount stores and on sale but at the end of the day there are only a handful of stores that offer tall sizes and they always get my business first. I usually agree with you, not always but usually and this post is no exception but I have to play devil’s advocate on this one. Your friend who likes Porsche probably doesn’t OWN one, you asked what his favorite car is and he told you. I had a similar discussion with someone in my office just a couple of days ago. I love cars. If you asked me what my favorite car is I would say a Mercedes SLK 430 because it’s got about 400 hp and crazy amount of torque and it’s gorgeous. It’s an engineering masterpiece (IMHO). Do I own one? No. Do I own more car than I think I need? yes, but that supports the discussion my colleague and I were having, that men usually make emotional decisions about cars because marketers gear advertising towards men not women and my husband wanted that car so we got it. Marriage is about conpromise after all, so I get to pick the next car. Another example is that my sister once said I was a snob because I only buy certain brands of clothes. On the surface, if someone only buys certain brands, that would seem like a true statement but the reason I only buy from certain stores is because I am a woman and almost 6 feet tall and there are very few stores that sell clothing that will fit me. You can talk all you want about buying from thrift stores if you are a man but a woman over 5 feet 10 inches has very few options for dress pants and shirts. Most of the low cost stores don’t carry pants with enough material at the hem to lower them. I am as frugal as I can be within my size constraints, I buy pants at discount stores and on sale but at the end of the day there are only a handful of stores that offer tall sizes and they always get my business first.

]]> By: Kate http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/12/07/brand-preferences-and-frugality/comment-page-1/#comment-831819 Kate Fri, 18 Dec 2009 18:50:11 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=4686#comment-831819 My mother used to always by the named brand and I think it was out of habit more than anything else. I on the other hand rarely by brand names. I find the quality of non brands just as good and so much easier on the wallet. Please delete my previous submission. thank you My mother used to always by the named brand and I think it was out of habit more than anything else. I on the other hand rarely by brand names. I find the quality of non brands just as good and so much easier on the wallet.

Please delete my previous submission. thank you

]]> By: Kate http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/12/07/brand-preferences-and-frugality/comment-page-1/#comment-831818 Kate Fri, 18 Dec 2009 18:48:02 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=4686#comment-831818 My mother used to always by the named brand and I think it was out of habit more than anything else. I on the other hand rarely by brand names. I find the quality of non brands just as good and so much easier on the wallet. My mother used to always by the named brand and I think it was out of habit more than anything else. I on the other hand rarely by brand names. I find the quality of non brands just as good and so much easier on the wallet.

]]> By: AnnJo http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/12/07/brand-preferences-and-frugality/comment-page-1/#comment-827051 AnnJo Wed, 09 Dec 2009 22:55:48 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=4686#comment-827051 For some people, brand loyalty seems to be related to identity. Many teenagers are susceptible to brand advertising - buying a celebrity-endorsed product seems to enhance their own sense of identity by extension. In fact, the products they use seem to actually become part of their identity. I vaguely remember that feeling myself and I do remember the time I had to talk myself down from buying a Lexus mostly for the status, so maybe it's just something you grow out of with maturity. For some people, brand loyalty seems to be related to identity. Many teenagers are susceptible to brand advertising – buying a celebrity-endorsed product seems to enhance their own sense of identity by extension. In fact, the products they use seem to actually become part of their identity.

I vaguely remember that feeling myself and I do remember the time I had to talk myself down from buying a Lexus mostly for the status, so maybe it’s just something you grow out of with maturity.

]]> By: Ellie http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/12/07/brand-preferences-and-frugality/comment-page-1/#comment-826936 Ellie Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:12:18 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=4686#comment-826936 Everyone you know can be divided into three groups. People who live in the past, the present, or the future. They most often look at things through there group outlook. Past people can not get beyond something that already happened. Present people can only see that they want it now. And future people often sacrifice too long before getting what they want. One group is really no better than the other, it is why we need each other after all. Everyone you know can be divided into three groups. People who live in the past, the present, or the future. They most often look at things through there group outlook.
Past people can not get beyond something that already happened. Present people can only see that they want it now. And future people often sacrifice too long before getting what they want.
One group is really no better than the other, it is why we need each other after all.

]]> By: Bonnie http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/12/07/brand-preferences-and-frugality/comment-page-1/#comment-826642 Bonnie Wed, 09 Dec 2009 02:24:44 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=4686#comment-826642 This is a really interesting article. I think that brand preferences actually say more about what you value than it does about whether you're frugal or not. If you're mainly "loyal" to a brand because of the "value for the dollar", then as soon as that company raises prices and another offers a similar product for the same "value for the dollar", you'd probably switch. So, you're not really loyal to that company at all. Usually, people only have brand preferences for items/categories that they really value in their life. E.g. many women are loyal to a brand of shampoo because of how it makes our hair look or smell, but maybe have no brand loyalty to handsoap because they're all pretty much the same and clean hands are more just a necessity than something we "value" (maybe not the best analogy, but all I can think of right now). BTW, Trent, I don't know that the Microsoft vs. Nintendo analogy was the best example. When it comes to video games, it seems that most people just buy the console that carries games they'd actually play. For you, that means Nintendo, but for most serious gamers, that means Microsoft. We have an Xbox and a Wii. Although we have many more games on the Wii (about 8), we don't really play them much. On the other hand, my DH plays one and only one game on Xbox Live all the time until the "red light of death" shows up on the console and it needs to be repaired or replaced (usually once every 2 years). So, it's highly likely that serious gamers get more game time out of their one Xbox game in a month than more casual gamers would get out of 10 Nintendo games in a year. This is a really interesting article. I think that brand preferences actually say more about what you value than it does about whether you’re frugal or not. If you’re mainly “loyal” to a brand because of the “value for the dollar”, then as soon as that company raises prices and another offers a similar product for the same “value for the dollar”, you’d probably switch. So, you’re not really loyal to that company at all.

Usually, people only have brand preferences for items/categories that they really value in their life. E.g. many women are loyal to a brand of shampoo because of how it makes our hair look or smell, but maybe have no brand loyalty to handsoap because they’re all pretty much the same and clean hands are more just a necessity than something we “value” (maybe not the best analogy, but all I can think of right now).

BTW, Trent, I don’t know that the Microsoft vs. Nintendo analogy was the best example. When it comes to video games, it seems that most people just buy the console that carries games they’d actually play. For you, that means Nintendo, but for most serious gamers, that means Microsoft. We have an Xbox and a Wii. Although we have many more games on the Wii (about 8), we don’t really play them much. On the other hand, my DH plays one and only one game on Xbox Live all the time until the “red light of death” shows up on the console and it needs to be repaired or replaced (usually once every 2 years). So, it’s highly likely that serious gamers get more game time out of their one Xbox game in a month than more casual gamers would get out of 10 Nintendo games in a year.

]]> By: David/Yourfinances101 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/12/07/brand-preferences-and-frugality/comment-page-1/#comment-826622 David/Yourfinances101 Wed, 09 Dec 2009 01:18:29 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=4686#comment-826622 I should be on Toyota's payroll for as much good press as I've given them over the years. I'll never drive another car. Its the bang for the buck, baby I should be on Toyota’s payroll for as much good press as I’ve given them over the years. I’ll never drive another car.

Its the bang for the buck, baby

]]> By: Bill in Houston http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/12/07/brand-preferences-and-frugality/comment-page-1/#comment-826558 Bill in Houston Tue, 08 Dec 2009 22:56:00 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=4686#comment-826558 I own my fantasy car, and one day it will be running again showroom new (my 1982 Nissan 280ZX, which is my project car). This car used to be my daily driver up until 2006, but age caught up to the old girl. While I can lust after the new 370Z or GT-R when I take my Maxima in for an oil change at the local dealer, I'll never buy one. To me, Nissan gives the most bang for the buck. As for brands, there are few I'm truly loyal to. I like Daisy sour cream. For an occasional treat I'll have Dunkin' Donuts coffee. I like Spam (Spam Lite, sliced thin, is great with an Egg Beaters omelet, except it is the Costco equivalent). Looking mentally through my pantry, most of what is in there is generic. I own my fantasy car, and one day it will be running again showroom new (my 1982 Nissan 280ZX, which is my project car). This car used to be my daily driver up until 2006, but age caught up to the old girl. While I can lust after the new 370Z or GT-R when I take my Maxima in for an oil change at the local dealer, I’ll never buy one.

To me, Nissan gives the most bang for the buck.

As for brands, there are few I’m truly loyal to. I like Daisy sour cream. For an occasional treat I’ll have Dunkin’ Donuts coffee. I like Spam (Spam Lite, sliced thin, is great with an Egg Beaters omelet, except it is the Costco equivalent). Looking mentally through my pantry, most of what is in there is generic.

]]> By: Sierra http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/12/07/brand-preferences-and-frugality/comment-page-1/#comment-826531 Sierra Tue, 08 Dec 2009 22:00:55 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=4686#comment-826531 I've always been strangely loyal to Advil brand gel-caps. This weekend, I ran out and went to the store for more. The gel-caps I love are almost $12/100 count. The store-brand tablets were $2/100 count. That was the end of my brand loyalty. I’ve always been strangely loyal to Advil brand gel-caps. This weekend, I ran out and went to the store for more.

The gel-caps I love are almost $12/100 count. The store-brand tablets were $2/100 count.

That was the end of my brand loyalty.

]]> By: Foxie@CarsxGirl http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/12/07/brand-preferences-and-frugality/comment-page-1/#comment-826497 Foxie@CarsxGirl Tue, 08 Dec 2009 20:48:57 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=4686#comment-826497 There are TONS of reasons why someone would want to own a Porsche.... Sorry you just ran into someone who probably couldn't tell you the difference between a 911 GT2 or 911 Turbo. In fact, I could own the 911 of my dreams for less than what was paid for a new Prius. I just want a garage to put my girl in when she comes into my life... But wanting a Porsche doesn't mean anything about someone not being frugal because I'd rather own a car who's styling has had minimal changes in over 30 years rather than a newer Toyota. In fact, I probably watch my pennies closer so that I can own that Porsche, instead of just dreaming about it. Not to say there's not a Toyota that I want. The Toyota of my dreams is currently 23 years old... If only I could find one to buy. My reasons are shared by a select group, and probably nobody here. There are TONS of reasons why someone would want to own a Porsche…. Sorry you just ran into someone who probably couldn’t tell you the difference between a 911 GT2 or 911 Turbo.

In fact, I could own the 911 of my dreams for less than what was paid for a new Prius. I just want a garage to put my girl in when she comes into my life… But wanting a Porsche doesn’t mean anything about someone not being frugal because I’d rather own a car who’s styling has had minimal changes in over 30 years rather than a newer Toyota. In fact, I probably watch my pennies closer so that I can own that Porsche, instead of just dreaming about it.

Not to say there’s not a Toyota that I want. The Toyota of my dreams is currently 23 years old… If only I could find one to buy. My reasons are shared by a select group, and probably nobody here.

]]> By: Cory http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/12/07/brand-preferences-and-frugality/comment-page-1/#comment-826469 Cory Tue, 08 Dec 2009 19:46:36 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=4686#comment-826469 I think the brand you choose is not the measure of frugality but HOW you choose the brand. Choosing a brand because of purely emotional reasons is different from choosing one based on your values and long-term return (however you want to measure those.) A friend of mine will ALWAYS choose any Chevy over any Ford. The reason? Chevy is great and Ford sucks! That's his entire reason. He'll never admit that there are variations in quality in one brand. Unless you are going to research and agonize over every purchase you need to be able to make some assumptions based on brand. Which brand has the best commercial is probably not the right way to form your brand preferences though. I think the brand you choose is not the measure of frugality but HOW you choose the brand. Choosing a brand because of purely emotional reasons is different from choosing one based on your values and long-term return (however you want to measure those.)

A friend of mine will ALWAYS choose any Chevy over any Ford. The reason? Chevy is great and Ford sucks! That’s his entire reason. He’ll never admit that there are variations in quality in one brand.

Unless you are going to research and agonize over every purchase you need to be able to make some assumptions based on brand. Which brand has the best commercial is probably not the right way to form your brand preferences though.

]]> By: Battra92 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/12/07/brand-preferences-and-frugality/comment-page-1/#comment-826423 Battra92 Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:25:54 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=4686#comment-826423 Saying that a Prius is your favorite car in the world is like saying that broccoli is delicious. We all know it's not true and you're fooling no one but you say it because it's the "correct" or "socially responsible" answer. As for brand preference, there are certain brands that I will gravitate towards. I know when I buy a piece of cast iron cookware it will only be a Lodge. Why? Because I know they have been around forever and aren't Made in China. I was pretty brand loyal to New Balance due to their keeping American factories but then I decided that I preferred the look and comfort of Converse All-Stars and they don't have anything like that. Since I won't pay Converse's prices, I get Airwalks at Payless for half the price. I can't tell the difference and neither can most anyone else. Nintendo is an awesome brand name, though. I buy their systems and games new because I want Mario, Zelda, Metroid and Pokemon. The other systems I buy discounted after the newer version comes out. Saying that a Prius is your favorite car in the world is like saying that broccoli is delicious. We all know it’s not true and you’re fooling no one but you say it because it’s the “correct” or “socially responsible” answer.

As for brand preference, there are certain brands that I will gravitate towards. I know when I buy a piece of cast iron cookware it will only be a Lodge. Why? Because I know they have been around forever and aren’t Made in China.

I was pretty brand loyal to New Balance due to their keeping American factories but then I decided that I preferred the look and comfort of Converse All-Stars and they don’t have anything like that. Since I won’t pay Converse’s prices, I get Airwalks at Payless for half the price. I can’t tell the difference and neither can most anyone else.

Nintendo is an awesome brand name, though. I buy their systems and games new because I want Mario, Zelda, Metroid and Pokemon. The other systems I buy discounted after the newer version comes out.

]]> By: stick http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/12/07/brand-preferences-and-frugality/comment-page-1/#comment-826421 stick Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:24:23 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=4686#comment-826421 "After all, frugality is about finding value. If you’re making buying decisions based on pure emotion, you’re not seeking value." I'm sure I'm not the only one who will point this out, but emotion is value. Making impulse purchases based on emotion doesn't add any value, but someone owning a Porsche because he enjoy driving it sounds like a tremendous value. Owning and xBox 360 might not provide you, specifically, with emotional value, but for a lot of people it does. Emotion is certainly part of the value equation, and removing it removes (pun intended) a lot of value. “After all, frugality is about finding value. If you’re making buying decisions based on pure emotion, you’re not seeking value.”

I’m sure I’m not the only one who will point this out, but emotion is value.

Making impulse purchases based on emotion doesn’t add any value, but someone owning a Porsche because he enjoy driving it sounds like a tremendous value. Owning and xBox 360 might not provide you, specifically, with emotional value, but for a lot of people it does. Emotion is certainly part of the value equation, and removing it removes (pun intended) a lot of value.

]]> By: J http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/12/07/brand-preferences-and-frugality/comment-page-1/#comment-826391 J Tue, 08 Dec 2009 17:11:57 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=4686#comment-826391 @Brandi - fantasies never include necessary maintenance, insurance, gas or price. That's why they are fantasies! If you want a reliable AWD car that delivers a considerable amount of what the Audi does without the maintenance issues, check out Subaru. They have sporty models, too! @Brandi – fantasies never include necessary maintenance, insurance, gas or price. That’s why they are fantasies!

If you want a reliable AWD car that delivers a considerable amount of what the Audi does without the maintenance issues, check out Subaru. They have sporty models, too!

]]> By: Brandi http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/12/07/brand-preferences-and-frugality/comment-page-1/#comment-826390 Brandi Tue, 08 Dec 2009 17:05:05 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=4686#comment-826390 When I moved to a large city and first encountered IKEA, I bought lots of things there, believing that the quality and price dovetailed well with my aesthetic. Now I still like the aesthetic but the quality on some of the larger items can be crap and there goes the value. I still buy small things like lamps and rugs there but prefer to get older quality furniture from used sources. This was definitely a case of being smitten with a brand for the wrong reasons. I also used to drive a 4-year-old Audi A4. It was gorgeous, fun to drive, but riddled with problems. Now I drive a slightly less fun but still attractive and way more reliable Honda Civic. Is it my dream car? No, but the Audi was such a headache that it quickly dimmed the pleasure of having it. Would Trent's friend actually be able to maintain a Porsche? Does this fantasy include money for the necessary maintenance and insurance? When I moved to a large city and first encountered IKEA, I bought lots of things there, believing that the quality and price dovetailed well with my aesthetic. Now I still like the aesthetic but the quality on some of the larger items can be crap and there goes the value. I still buy small things like lamps and rugs there but prefer to get older quality furniture from used sources. This was definitely a case of being smitten with a brand for the wrong reasons.
I also used to drive a 4-year-old Audi A4. It was gorgeous, fun to drive, but riddled with problems. Now I drive a slightly less fun but still attractive and way more reliable Honda Civic. Is it my dream car? No, but the Audi was such a headache that it quickly dimmed the pleasure of having it. Would Trent’s friend actually be able to maintain a Porsche? Does this fantasy include money for the necessary maintenance and insurance?

]]> By: Ray http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/12/07/brand-preferences-and-frugality/comment-page-1/#comment-826365 Ray Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:22:08 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=4686#comment-826365 So your favorite car in the world is a Prius? The phasing of the question is apples and oranges. Does the friend have a car? What is it? So your favorite car in the world is a Prius?

The phasing of the question is apples and oranges. Does the friend have a car? What is it?

]]> By: Elizabeth http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/12/07/brand-preferences-and-frugality/comment-page-1/#comment-826344 Elizabeth Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:16:51 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=4686#comment-826344 Micki, you hit the point really well about what Trent means when "Awesomeness" is used to justify preference. Call it cool, trendy, flashy, makes-me-look-cool-to-my-friends, the point is somebody who buys one brand (or won't buy it) because of how it looks to others rather than why it works for him or her should reconsider. I also think a lot of people say "it's awesome" when they could say "all these awesome aspects are perfect for my needs/wants". Micki, you hit the point really well about what Trent means when “Awesomeness” is used to justify preference. Call it cool, trendy, flashy, makes-me-look-cool-to-my-friends, the point is somebody who buys one brand (or won’t buy it) because of how it looks to others rather than why it works for him or her should reconsider.

I also think a lot of people say “it’s awesome” when they could say “all these awesome aspects are perfect for my needs/wants”.

]]> By: Derek http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/12/07/brand-preferences-and-frugality/comment-page-1/#comment-826341 Derek Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:58:43 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=4686#comment-826341 Good comments here. The important thing is that you're evaluating WHY you're buying certain things. I buy mostly generic but there are a few brand-name specific things I buy, not because of the name or flashy label but because they're legitimately better. Paper towels, toilet paper, face wash, certain clothes, certain shoes, soda, beer and liquor, and some electronic equipment are all things I'm willing to spend a couple extra dollars on because they work better for me. Good comments here. The important thing is that you’re evaluating WHY you’re buying certain things.

I buy mostly generic but there are a few brand-name specific things I buy, not because of the name or flashy label but because they’re legitimately better.

Paper towels, toilet paper, face wash, certain clothes, certain shoes, soda, beer and liquor, and some electronic equipment are all things I’m willing to spend a couple extra dollars on because they work better for me.

]]> By: J http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/12/07/brand-preferences-and-frugality/comment-page-1/#comment-826340 J Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:57:40 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=4686#comment-826340 @micki - "how the advertising business is running these days. they are doing more emotion-based advertising than fact-based advertising…it’s all about how cool the product will make you look, or how awesome it is" AFAIK, that's been how advertising has been running ... just about forever. :) @micki – “how the advertising business is running these days. they are doing more emotion-based advertising than fact-based advertising…it’s all about how cool the product will make you look, or how awesome it is”

AFAIK, that’s been how advertising has been running … just about forever. :)

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