I have a number of things that were made back when repairing was the norm. Unfortunately, I know now if it were to break I wouldn't be able to find a repairman who knew what to do with it for any price I could afford. It'll become cheaper to buy throwaway stuff since the bills for repair are high (or more likely, I'll hoard the stuff until I can save up enough for the repair - but this is difficult when I don't have my own permanent place to live).

Unfortunately this is a problem that perpetuates itself. As more people buy the throwaway goods, repairmen see business dry up, and become rarer. The ones left are expensive.

Quality items made to last by local craftsmen sound great! As long as there's any craftsmen left by the time people turn to them for business.