Does anyone here avoid big brand names, status known labels because

[bozack]

Originally posted by: magomago
edit: to make this relevant to you....no I care almost zero about pharma advertisements. Those have made zero impact on me. If anything I get more hesitant about that medicine because it needs a marketing blitz to sell.

This has nothing to do with my work, actually I no longer work for big pharma any longer. I just notice personally I would always like big brand name products, examples would be

Mercedes, BMW, Cadillac, Audi....I know the japanese luxury compare very well with these brands and are typically cheaper (Infinity, Lexus, Acura, and Hyundai with the Genesis), yet regardless I still always find myself drawn to the germans and the american brands no matter how much I "know" the japanese do it better.

Rolex, I know other brands make nicer watches for the same money (IWC, GO, Blancpain) and that a few brands offer the same or slightly better quality for alot less (Omega)...but there is still something about Rolex that appeals to me, the status, the classic looks, who knows...but I can never bring myself to sell mine and get something else, or when I am thinking of getting a gift for my wife they are the first brand that comes to mind.

Montblanc, plenty of better pen companies out there, but like Rolex I always come back despite the higher price.

Brooks Brothers, Joseph Banks is about as good, especially in there higher end lines and alot cheaper...but I just like Brooks, though I will say Brooks shirts last longer.

Sony, ok this is the exception as I tend not to buy Sony stuff, but I do find myself liking a few of their things, and I almost bought a sony GPS system against better judgement, had Tom Tom not had one on super sale I fear I would have caved for the Sony.

Capital Grill, Cheescake Factory, Legal Seafood....all places that are only "ok" at best, yet for some reason I like going there from time to time.

Maui Jim Sunglasses, bought a pair of Ray bans as I couldn't stomach the price of the MJs but still want a pair as while the RBs are fine, the MJs seem nicer.

Someone above mentioned Hyundai, I think that is a fabulous example, especially in the Genesis, a car that I personally think technologically and build wise seems on par with many others that cost thousands more, but honestly if in the market for such a car I would have a hard time choosing that over a low end C class Merc mainly due to the brand image/name brand appeal

I also wonder how many use or look at items as status symbols, for some things I do...though I don't try to put off an image of status with them, rather I am just drawn to them in part because I think their recognition.

Things I don't care about are jeans (know so many that spend hundreds on jeans), food (not really a brand person at the store), OTC Drugs (will buy generics all the time)...

 

[Babbles]

Originally posted by: bozack

Originally posted by: magomago
edit: to make this relevant to you....no I care almost zero about pharma advertisements. Those have made zero impact on me. If anything I get more hesitant about that medicine because it needs a marketing blitz to sell.

This has nothing to do with my work, actually I no longer work for big pharma any longer. I just notice personally I would always like big brand name products, examples would be

Mercedes, BMW, Cadillac, Audi....I know the japanese luxury compare very well with these brands and are typically cheaper (Infinity, Lexus, Acura, and Hyundai with the Genesis), yet regardless I still always find myself drawn to the germans and the american brands no matter how much I "know" the japanese do it better.

Rolex, I know other brands make nicer watches for the same money (IWC, GO, Blancpain) and that a few brands offer the same or slightly better quality for alot less (Omega)...but there is still something about Rolex that appeals to me, the status, the classic looks, who knows...but I can never bring myself to sell mine and get something else, or when I am thinking of getting a gift for my wife they are the first brand that comes to mind.

Montblanc, plenty of better pen companies out there, but like Rolex I always come back despite the higher price.

Brooks Brothers, Joseph Banks is about as good, especially in there higher end lines and alot cheaper...but I just like Brooks, though I will say Brooks shirts last longer.

Sony, ok this is the exception as I tend not to buy Sony stuff, but I do find myself liking a few of their things, and I almost bought a sony GPS system against better judgement, had Tom Tom not had one on super sale I fear I would have caved for the Sony.

Capital Grill, Cheescake Factory, Legal Seafood....all places that are only "ok" at best, yet for some reason I like going there from time to time.

Maui Jim Sunglasses, bought a pair of Ray bans as I couldn't stomach the price of the MJs but still want a pair as while the RBs are fine, the MJs seem nicer.

Someone above mentioned Hyundai, I think that is a fabulous example, especially in the Genesis, a car that I personally think technologically and build wise seems on par with many others that cost thousands more, but honestly if in the market for such a car I would have a hard time choosing that over a low end C class Merc mainly due to the brand image/name brand appeal

I also wonder how many use or look at items as status symbols, for some things I do...though I don't try to put off an image of status with them, rather I am just drawn to them in part because I think their recognition.

Things I don't care about are jeans (know so many that spend hundreds on jeans), food (not really a brand person at the store), OTC Drugs (will buy generics all the time)...

I currently have a pair of Maui Jims that I wear all of the time along with an old retired pair of Ray Bans.

The Maui Jims are hands down the most superior pair of sunglasses I have ever held, much less worn. Their lenses are amazing, the designs are great, and the quality is fantastic. My brother has a few pairs of Maui Jims, broke one and sent it in and it was replaced no questions asked. So based on his anecdotal experience they appear to have great customer service.

They are expensive as shit, but totally worth it.

 

[Chryso]

No. Name brands are meaningless to me.

 

[txrandom]

It depends what type of product I'm purchasing. If it's a pair of underwear, I usually get what ever is the cheapest. If it's a speaker system, you can't get anything better than Bose.

 

[zCypher]

Buying for the sake of the name brand is retarded. If the name brand is better, good! If not, why would you buy it? It's usually marketing/hype that creates that 'desire to buy it even though you know it's shittier and more expensive'. I won't necessarily avoid big brand names, but if I know for a fact that it's of lesser quality/performance, sure I will avoid it. A lot of times it's just a matter of opinion though.

I will usually give more than one try for a particular brand, because products are not all the same. If I have been disappointed multiple times by a brand, I will then generally stay away from that one. It really does depend what is in question though, because many times things are very very similar and the differences are in your head. Like two different computer brands that use exactly the same parts, yet you might perceive one to be more reliable than the other. Same with cars, many cars are almost exact duplicates yet people don't necessarily perceive them as equals.

Obviously they want to sell to people on as many levels as possible, so they want to sell to those that will cheap out, to those that will look for the most bang for the buck, for those who are more environmentally conscious and those who don't care, to those who are willing to spend ridiculous amounts of money for nothing, etc. So naturally there are varying quality/price ratio according to the targeted market...

 

[zeruty]

Originally posted by: bozack

Mercedes, BMW, Cadillac, Audi....I know the japanese luxury compare very well with these brands and are typically cheaper (Infinity, Lexus, Acura, and Hyundai with the Genesis), yet regardless I still always find myself drawn to the germans and the american brands no matter how much I "know" the japanese do it better.

Chevrolet for me

Rolex, I know other brands make nicer watches for the same money (IWC, GO, Blancpain) and that a few brands offer the same or slightly better quality for alot less (Omega)...but there is still something about Rolex that appeals to me, the status, the classic looks, who knows...but I can never bring myself to sell mine and get something else, or when I am thinking of getting a gift for my wife they are the first brand that comes to mind.

More than $20 for a watch is more than I'm willing to spend

Montblanc, plenty of better pen companies out there, but like Rolex I always come back despite the higher price.

Bic, Papermate, etc. Usually I use pens I get for free.
Best ones used Parker refills

Brooks Brothers, Joseph Banks is about as good, especially in there higher end lines and alot cheaper...but I just like Brooks, though I will say Brooks shirts last longer.

never heard of em

Sony, ok this is the exception as I tend not to buy Sony stuff, but I do find myself liking a few of their things, and I almost bought a sony GPS system against better judgement, had Tom Tom not had one on super sale I fear I would have caved for the Sony.

I'd pick Sony over Westinghouse, but otherwise Sony means shit to me...

Capital Grill, Cheescake Factory, Legal Seafood....all places that are only "ok" at best, yet for some reason I like going there from time to time.

cheesecake factory is the only one i've heard of, but i heard they are expensive so I dont bother

Maui Jim Sunglasses, bought a pair of Ray bans as I couldn't stomach the price of the MJs but still want a pair as while the RBs are fine, the MJs seem nicer.

$10 gas station sunglasses for me

Someone above mentioned Hyundai, I think that is a fabulous example, especially in the Genesis, a car that I personally think technologically and build wise seems on par with many others that cost thousands more, but honestly if in the market for such a car I would have a hard time choosing that over a low end C class Merc mainly due to the brand image/name brand appeal

I'd consider a hyundai or kia as a cheap piece of shit car to beat up on.... drive hard and treat like shit.

I also wonder how many use or look at items as status symbols, for some things I do...though I don't try to put off an image of status with them, rather I am just drawn to them in part because I think their recognition.

Things I don't care about are jeans (know so many that spend hundreds on jeans), food (not really a brand person at the store), OTC Drugs (will buy generics all the

[/quote]
Jeans: Whatever is comfortable. Cheaper is better
Food: store-brand whenever possible
OTC drugs: who the fsck is stupid enough to pay full price just cause of the name brand? If I can save 80% going with the walmart brand, I sure as hell will...

 

[bozack]

Originally posted by: txrandom
It depends what type of product I'm purchasing. If it's a pair of underwear, I usually get what ever is the cheapest. If it's a speaker system, you can't get anything better than Bose.

Ok, so it doesn't always work on me, and I hope this was joking as bose sucks.

But their headphones seem ok.

 

[SP33Demon]

If you are always drawn to brand names with subpar quality it means you're gullible and/or care what others think. Look up sucker in urbandictionary. My 1997 Buick Skylark hasn't had a single engine problem with 120K miles, yet my buddy's Acura RS had to have the tranny rehauled for slipping gears. I spent $2000 on my car, he spent 32,000 new. Guess who complains about not having money?

 

[l0cke]

I sometimes find myself wanting to buy Snap-On tools, but those are very high quality and performance. mmmmmmmm

 

[imported_Lothar]

When it comes to food and drinks, I stick to the name brand.
Everything else, generic.

I only drink Coca-cola soda (classic coke, Fanta, Sprite). You will never see me drink Pepsi, Sunkist, Sierra mist, or Sam's choice cola and other off brand crap). I would rather drink water than drink those.
I stick to brand name cereals (Honey nut cherrios, Honey Bunch of Oats, etc...). None of the store bagged cereals crap.
I stick to brand name juices (Mott's apple juice), bread, syrups, waffles(eggo), oatmeal(quaker) and many other things as well.

I eat and drink food for their taste in addition to any possible nutrients that they may provide.
If I'm taking Tylenol, I don't care about the taste. Any generic would be fine. The same can be said for jeans, suits, and other products.

 

[bozack]

Originally posted by: SP33Demon
If you are always drawn to brand names with subpar quality it means you're gullible and/or care what others think. Look up sucker in urbandictionary. My 1997 Buick Skylark hasn't had a single engine problem with 120K miles, yet my buddy's Acura RS had to have the tranny rehauled for slipping gears. I spent $2000 on my car, he spent 32,000 new. Guess who complains about not having money?

Define subpar quality...as all the brands I listed would be considered of good quality (well barring caddy and Merc) but are often more expenive and not that much better than their closest competitors.

With your analogy, sorry dude but it is a 97 Skylark, as reliable as it is that car screams boring. Surprised about your buddies expereince with the Acura RS, my BIL has one and it is problem free.

 

[bozack]

Originally posted by: l0cke
I sometimes find myself wanting to buy Snap-On tools, but those are very high quality and performance. mmmmmmmm

That would be another good example, especially when compared to old craftsman, but heard Sears is slipping with their tools as of late

 

[BabaBooey]

I love my iphone and my glock,other than that WGAF.

 

[Vette73]

Originally posted by: bozack

Originally posted by: l0cke
I sometimes find myself wanting to buy Snap-On tools, but those are very high quality and performance. mmmmmmmm

That would be another good example, especially when compared to old craftsman, but heard Sears is slipping with their tools as of late

Thats cause a lot of them are being made in asian countries now. Still never had a problem with 99% of the american made ones.

 

[sao123]

Originally posted by: bozack

Originally posted by: SP33Demon
If you are always drawn to brand names with subpar quality it means you're gullible and/or care what others think. Look up sucker in urbandictionary. My 1997 Buick Skylark hasn't had a single engine problem with 120K miles, yet my buddy's Acura RS had to have the tranny rehauled for slipping gears. I spent $2000 on my car, he spent 32,000 new. Guess who complains about not having money?

Define subpar quality...as all the brands I listed would be considered of good quality (well barring caddy and Merc) but are often more expenive and not that much better than their closest competitors.

With your analogy, sorry dude but it is a 97 Skylark, as reliable as it is that car screams boring. Surprised about your buddies expereince with the Acura RS, my BIL has one and it is problem free.

boring is better...
every brand you listed above is all overpriced status symbol luxury crap...

I will never waste my time and money just trying to "keep up with the jones's"

life is far too short to worry about material posesions and the stress or long hours of work required to sustain such a life... enjoy your family and friends

 

[Gibson486]

legal seafood is crap at best.

 

[Babbles]

Originally posted by: sao123

Originally posted by: bozack

Originally posted by: SP33Demon
If you are always drawn to brand names with subpar quality it means you're gullible and/or care what others think. Look up sucker in urbandictionary. My 1997 Buick Skylark hasn't had a single engine problem with 120K miles, yet my buddy's Acura RS had to have the tranny rehauled for slipping gears. I spent $2000 on my car, he spent 32,000 new. Guess who complains about not having money?

Define subpar quality...as all the brands I listed would be considered of good quality (well barring caddy and Merc) but are often more expenive and not that much better than their closest competitors.

With your analogy, sorry dude but it is a 97 Skylark, as reliable as it is that car screams boring. Surprised about your buddies expereince with the Acura RS, my BIL has one and it is problem free.

boring is better...
every brand you listed above is all overpriced status symbol luxury crap...

I will never waste my time and money just trying to "keep up with the jones's"

life is far too short to worry about material posesions and the stress or long hours of work required to sustain such a life... enjoy your family and friends

Some people are going to be more financially successful than you and as such it will not be so much of a "waste" of time or money to get whatever they wanted. Also life is indeed short, so by that extension one could also argue you might as well enjoy all of the creature comforts that you can enjoy, and if that is a luxury brand then so be it.

 

[LordMorpheus]

I've been burned by off-brand electronics enough that I will only buy a product that has lots of good reviews etc.

As for clothing I avoid that major labels because of the price but I don't trust the cheap no-name stuff to last very long, so I try to find well respected but not high-fashion brands - Carhartt, for example. Way cheaper than big labels for clothes that will probably outlast you.

 

[bozack]

Originally posted by: sao123
boring is better...
every brand you listed above is all overpriced status symbol luxury crap...

I will never waste my time and money just trying to "keep up with the jones's"

life is far too short to worry about material posesions and the stress or long hours of work required to sustain such a life... enjoy your family and friends

babbles beat me to it...But couldn't one argue the opposite, or at least suggest it is situation...specifically if you are someone that cares about such things, as I seemingly am, then wouldn't one be best served in following their interests instead of making themselves like something else? as you said life is too short so why life it unhappily?

 

[rh71]

I hate brand-name haters just because they are big & popular. This hate is most prominent among food chains / restaurants.

I mean, when you say that Olive Garden's alfredo sauce tastes like Elmer's Glue and mean it, there's something very wrong with you.

 

[InflatableBuddha]

Originally posted by: loki8481

Originally posted by: InflatableBuddha

Originally posted by: sao123

I do not use product ownings as a status symbol... therefore i will never buy a cadillac, i will never shop at AE, nor will I ever eat Grey Poupon.

I get your point, and I feel the same, but I don't agree with your examples.

I don't exactly consider AE to be a high-end brand. A&F maybe?

American Eagle or Armani Exchange?

I'd consider American Eagle to be like a step above Old Navy, but I really like the fit of their jeans more than just about anywhere else I've shopped.

Oops, yes, I was referring to American Eagle.