ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

5 Cheap Everyday Items That Could Cost You More in the Long Run

other · 2026-08-19

A report from Reader's Digest, brought to attention by Quartz, indicates that numerous low-cost items may not actually be good deals, as they frequently break or underperform, resulting in greater expenses over time. The report identifies five specific products: umbrellas, luggage, kitchen knives, laundry detergent, and bed sheets. In particular, inexpensive umbrellas often fail in strong winds, while budget luggage can break during trips. Low-quality kitchen knives tend to be dull, making food preparation more difficult. Additionally, affordable laundry detergent might necessitate several washes for effective cleaning, wasting both time and money. Lastly, cheap bed sheets can negatively impact sleep quality. The report recommends investing in higher-quality items for regular use rather than continuously replacing cheaper alternatives.

Key facts

  • Reader's Digest reports that cheap items can end up costing more over time.
  • A $5 umbrella can break in strong winds, leading to repeated purchases.
  • Cheap luggage may have failing wheels or zippers, especially during travel.
  • Frequent travelers need more durable luggage.
  • Budget kitchen knives become dull and make food preparation slower.
  • Cheap laundry detergent may require a second wash, costing more time and product.
  • Low-quality bed sheets can feel uncomfortable every night.
  • The article advises considering durability and frequency of use before buying cheap.

Entities

Artists

  • Joshua Rawson-Harris
  • Osman Rana
  • Kit (Formerly ConvertKit)
  • Danilo Rios
  • Annie Spratt
  • Justine Camacho

Institutions

  • Reader's Digest

Sources