"Those people who got a 'great deal' on Ikea furniture or faux leather couches will be buying another one sooner than the person who bought quality goods"
But what will you sit on while you save?
But what will you sit on while you save?
(Note: I haven't read the article yet, I'm planning on doing so, and I generally agree with buying nicer well made things, BIFL, but sometimes it's easier/cheaper to buy something you know will be ruined and you won't care as much).
People seem to think that poor people can't manage money; but the fact is that they're maximizing quality of life for the income level they have.
So, IKEA furniture? /joke
Another factor people are ignoring is that furniture durability is not the only criterion of how long you get to keep your furniture. If you're in an unstable living situation (which renting often is, especially if you have to share), then you may end up having to move at short notice. I know a couple of people who've had to ditch everything they couldn't fit in a large car as part of a move; bed/table/wardrobe/chest of drawers stuff. Fortunately it was all just cheap melamide.
Couches are an even worse place to invest in quality because of the risk of damage from spills, pets, and kids.
BTW, good leather couches hold up quite well from spills, pets and kids.
Generally speaking much better to buy used while saving for quality new products. But everyone has their own priorities.
What the rich understand that other people do not understand is that marketing is the means by which businesses separate you from your money and until you understand this you are likely to over spend as well as buy what you truly don't need.
Look at Apple, forums are replete with people trying to scrounge up money for the latest phone, tablet, or laptop. The idea of where you shop has become this generations version of the previous generation of what you drive and where you live.
tl;dr The rich understand the power of marketing and not to be susceptible to it