The boots theory is an economic theory that people in poverty have to buy cheap and subpar products that need to be replaced repeatedly, proving more expensive in the long run than more expensive items.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boots_theory

  • NABDad@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    44
    ·
    edit-2
    8 months ago

    When we painted our house. We got estimates from a dozen different companies. I asked them all what kind of guarantee they offered. All but one responded with, “there’s no way to guarantee paint”

    The most expensive guy said the paint came with a 10 year guarantee and he’d guarantee the workmanship for 8 years.

    He explained that he used a probe to test the moisture content of the wood, and wouldn’t paint it unless it was dry enough for the paint to adhere properly.

    While he was painting the house, he came to me to explain that he was having trouble with the front porch. The roof was leaking and he was concerned it would never dry out enough. He said he’d do his best, but he was sure it wouldn’t work

    With the exception of the porch, we got a good, solid 15 years out of that paint job.

    Of course, we’ve needed to repaint for 10 years, but we can’t afford him anymore :-(

    Edit: it cost about $17,000 in 1998.

    • Blackout@kbin.social
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      10
      ·
      edit-2
      8 months ago

      just the quality of paint fits. I bought cheap primer once cause it cost half the expensive kind. Not only ended up having to buy twice as much it also wasted a lot of time going back over all the walls a second (and sometimes third) time. I learned my lesson.