Getting What You Pay For: Cheap Isn't Always Better

As a consumer who doesn't always have tons of money to spend on things I need, I am always on the lookout for generic versions, or marked down versions, of the things I am looking to buy.
But this doesn't always bode well in the end! So here are some items that fall into the category "You Get What You Pay For."

IMITATION NON-STICK COOKWARE
You all know the type I mean--there are many name brands now, of this teflon (polytetrafluoroethylene) design. But this is one item where cheap is just what those pots and pans are that only set you back a couple of bucks at your local cheap-o-mart. They last maybe a couple of months, then from use and even the most gentle cleaning, they start to rust, and scratch, and lose their teflon coating altogether. Save yourself the agony--buy better cookware!

KITCHEN/PREPPING KNIVES
As someone who cooks a lot from scratch, and who's worked in restaurants since I was about 16, I can't stress enough the value of a good knife, or better yet--knife set. Not every name brand knife you see in an infomercial is worth its weight in gold, but you can bet a knife by a well known company, that costs more, will be priceless. In fact, the rule is, a good knife will be more costly, but will be much more worth it. I got a cheap, not-well-known brand knife set for my first kitchen from our local buy-everything store. I now have 5 knives that are useless, barely cut, don't cut straight, and even the fillet knife is terrible at slicing through meat the way it should. Even if you can only afford to buy one knife at a time, in spurts--do it. You'll find it well worth it when you go to prepare your meal!

MASCARA, AND OTHER MAKE-UPS
Don't get me wrong--there are some cheaper make-ups that are actually decent. And usually these are found in forms of eye pencils or shadows, or lip glosses. But stay away from generic foundations, powders, and most definitely mascara! It's hard for a gal like me to spend today's prices on a good mascara, but after much trial and error, I have found it well worth it. The same goes for a foundation; the generic make-ups are cakey, flakey, and just don't hold up. The mascaras usually clump, smear instantly--even "waterproof" versions--and yet, still are often nearly impossible to remove when you want to. Get what you pay for--and get something good!

PET FOOD
This one is more an observation against just buying "whatever" is on sale. But often getting what you pay for isn't worth it when it comes to your pets.
My family was always a firm believer in getting our outdoor cats whatever was on sale, or cheap. And while your animal may scarf up whatever canned or dry food you put in its dish--this isn't really a good idea. Especially when whatever is "on sale or cheap" changes, and you're left changing your pet's diet constantly. This can make your animal sick, unruly, and mess with its digestive system. It's not a good idea to throw off your pet's routine--this includes their diet. If you must switch foods, it's better to do it gradually, and mix the older and newer foods together at first.
All in all, more expensive pet brands know what they're doing, and usually include a more full nutritional balance than generic foods that look like crushed cardboard. Check the ingredients; the brand name food is more than likely better for your pet.

DISHWASHER LIQUID
I don't know what the difference is between trusted name brand dishwasher detergents, and generic ones, but boy, do I see it when I pull my dishwasher rack out! This is another option I advise against, when you're trying to shop cheap; just buy the better one. You'll find your dishes are less streaked, and that the name brand liquids actually do take off caked-on dirt and grime. This is definitely a "get what you pay for" item.

These are just some of the items on the market that there are usually get-what-you-pay-for quality. There are many others, and I am sure you have come across your own in your shopping trips. Just remember, if something looks extra cheesy--it usually is, and not worth buying.