Bored Panda has rounded up a list of products that were sold as “Buy It For Life” items but failed to last anywhere near that long. The list includes a Frigidaire fridge whose freezer door had to be held shut with Velcro for over a year, a Haws watering can that rusted after three years despite a five-year guarantee, and a Gh Bass backpack that fell apart after three months of subway commuting.
BIFL stands for buying things that last forever. The principle is straightforward — invest more money upfront so a purchase endures decades instead of years. The subreddit of that name, set up in 2009, made the method well known through reviews of long-lasting items that carry no sponsorship. Members post pictures of their acquisitions over time to document how they hold up.
“You should ‘buy once, cry once.'”
The saying captures the spirit behind it. Though a steeper cost may give people pause, the idea is that it pays off over time.
What Counts As A Long-Term Product
The True Keepers reviews note that durable goods may cover a wide range of items, from footwear and outerwear to travel equipment, outdoor gear, and household appliances. The materials most likely to stand the test of time include full-grain leather, cast iron, stainless steel, brass, nylon, and hardwood.
The way things are put together makes a real difference in how long they last. Pieces that are stitched, riveted, welded, or forged tend to hold up over a long period of time. Things glued, snapped, or made through injection molding may not stand up nearly as well. If you’re after something that lasts a lifetime, pay attention to those qualities.
Why Some Products Fail
Many items on the list failed partly because of false advertising and partly because they simply weren’t built to last. Kids’ shoes, clothes, toys that follow trends, phones, cameras, and baby strollers are all examples of things that either need to be replaced every few years or stop being needed after a certain point.
You do not need to spend much money on them. Some instances involve false advertising, but the main issue is that these products were never built to last.
Repairability And Warranties Matter
Long-lasting items require certain qualities, and one of them is repairability. The ability to mend or stitch something back together makes it far more likely that people will hold onto it for decades rather than trade it in for something new.
A warranty is another significant consideration when buying an item. Certain manufacturers clearly state whether they will repair the product without charge during a specific time frame. This can protect you from having to pay extra money within a few years due to a defective item.
Which Brands To Watch
People with experience managing money know exactly what to watch for when it comes to BIFL products, while the typical consumer may find it hard to spot good ones. Experts recommend doing plenty of research to learn which brands last well and which fall apart over time.
The European reputation of Mephisto is solid enough, yet one reviewer found the soles wearing thin within a year of infrequent use, which serves as a caution to buyers.
Cheap Alternatives Exist
You can also spare your wallet by purchasing second-hand goods, particularly wooden furniture or steel kitchenware. These durable items are often available at your local thrift store for a small part of their original price, without putting pressure on your budget.
| Product | Problem |
|---|---|
| Frigidaire fridge | Freezer door held shut with Velcro for over a year; now the fridge door won’t close |
| Haws watering can | Rusting after 3 years; 5-year guarantee doesn’t cover the damage |
| Gh Bass backpack | Top handle completely came apart after 3 months of subway commuting |
| Sheertex tights | Posted with the phrase “So Much For Unbreakable” followed by “At The Price Point They’re At Too” |
| Logitech G603 wireless mouse | Double-clicking left-click issue after only two years of use |
The List’s Limits
The list spans many categories, including appliances, clothing, and electronics. Failures do not all happen the same way. A few items truly stopped working early. The rest faded because they followed trends and became obsolete.
This collection serves as a notice that long-lasting quality cannot be taken for granted by companies. It stands as a caution to anyone considering a major investment: research carefully before locking yourself into a long-term commitment.
What We Make Of It
The BIFL movement has produced real work. Yet it has also delivered a steady stream of disappointment. Some of these failures stem from systemic issues. Other failures are simply idiosyncratic.
What this example shows is not that BIFL is a fraud. Instead, it demonstrates how the market for items built to last works imperfectly. Manufacturers often promise more than they can consistently provide, and buyers must research the history behind a brand before parting with their cash.
This inventory serves as both a warning and an encouragement to take action. Before committing to a purchase intended to last a lifetime, examine the feedback from other customers. Examine the composition of the item. Examine the terms of any guarantee. And consider, as an alternative, acquiring something used rather than new.
Sometimes the smartest move is not buying a brand-new item at full cost. Instead, it can pay off to look for a used product that has already shown its worth over time.
Source material: “58 “Buy It For Life” Products That Didn’t Survive Long Enough To Justify The Price,” Bored Panda.
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