White Goods Are Not As Good As They Used To Be

[weecalf]

The industry say White goods do not last as long as they used to. They mean washing machines ,fridge and other kitchen stuff . So why don't they put proper stuff in them then .

[joko]

you may want it to last - but they dont

how will they get you to buy their latest model, if the one you already have is going strong?

they want them to break after a 'decent' time so you have to buy another - not too short that you would choose another brand but long enough to earn your loyalty

there was a time when things were built largely by hand and the people who built them has a sense of personal pride and ensured the items lasted for ages ... then once everyone who loved locally had bought one, say a radio, they were stuck with no more customers for that item
their livelihoods were threatened, they learned that the only way to sustain a business is to make people need you all the time, by needing a new radio every so often.
they didnt really care what it looked like, as long as it worked - it didnt 'ruin' their decor
now people are more concerned with style over substance

[weecalf]

Should makers not be making the best they can .Should people be thinking when they buy stuff well this isn't gonna last long better start saving for a new one almost immediatly.its the way it is but seems like the customer is short changed again

[gingejbee]

If you're willing to pay for quality, you will get it. Our Miele washer has a 10-year warranty and is designed to last at least 20 years....it did cost nearly a grand, though.

[weecalf]

We bought a top of the range washing machine well known brand gave up after about 15 months out of warranty fortune to fix now in local scrapyard .600 quid

[joko]

they are not obliged to make the best they can - they are salesmen - their interest lies in making a living, not in making you only have to buy one item from them

[joko]

i agree with you by the way - i would rather they made things to last too and omnly have to buy things once or twice - but thats looking at it from the consumers perspective - i totally understand why they dont agree - what is in it for them?

[gingejbee]

What is in it for them? Well, they get a reputation for making high quality goods which people (and Which?) recommend to prospective buyers...and their market share increases. For example, Miele and Bosch washers.

[boxtops]

Things have a habit of falling apart, the day after the warranty expires :-(

[joko]

yes but if its too good, they cannot sell any more of them!

they find the middle ground, good enough to be a great item, just with a short lifespan

[weecalf]

They should be making the best they can make .what the difference in 26 million buying a good one and 100000 buying a bad one twice

[joko]

not sure how many other ways i can explain this ... you asked why they do it, and i told you.
its annoying, but its really quite a simple concept and actually kind of understandable

you can argue and 'shoulda woulda coulda' all you like, it wont change anything.

[nescio]

my washing machine is 23 years old and still going strong.
It is a Zanussi and cost about £450 then.

[viv38]

My last washer was about 12 years old and I had to replace it last January. I will be very interested to see how long this one lasts !

[Bazile]

Her indoors bought a vaccum cleaner , come carpet cleaner about 25+ years ago , for about £ 500 .

I recall not being very happy with her for spending that sort of money on a vaccum cleaner .

Guess what - yes it's still going strong ( touch wood )

[whirlyhurly]

I would never ever buy any Beko white goods again, just rubbish.

[viv38]

OMG whirly, my new washer is a Beko !!

[boxtops]

I have several Beko items, no problem at all, going strong after several years.

[craft1948]

Cheer me up why don't you, as I sit here waiting for my new washing machine to be delivered.
I had my Zanussi washer for 15 years before it packed up, my Hotpoint for 10, so god knows how long the new Bosch will last..........

[viv38]

That's good news boxtops !

[shaneystar2]

If it's any consolation Craft my Bosch washing machine is 15 years old .Never gone wrong, touch wood .