[foxyv]

I've found most of the shitty garbage I buy has a single point of failure that can be replaced with a quality part. A plastic gear replaced with brass or steel. A capacitor. Sometimes just a dodgy USB port. A slowly degrading OS that is eventually discontinued.

I've extended the life of several devices by decades through simple repairs. It is no wonder that these same companies that want you buying a new washer/fridge/oven every 4 years are opposing right to repair. They love adding walled gardens to their products. Even our BBQs are getting electronic garbage added that can't be fixed normally...

[m463]

I wonder if you're touching on the ikea effect - your modification makes it more valuable to you

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IKEA_effect

Personally, I found that if the product is heavy, don't buy it on amazon. Everything is relentlessly based on shipping costs. If you buy wire shelves on amazon, they cost slightly less but the entire unit is far less durable.

[foxyv]

Naw, I'm just cheap. My washer had to literally fall apart before I replaced it. Cheap galvanized cast iron junk that vibrated itself to death.

Our family motto is "I can make it cheaper than that!" which tells you how often we fall victim to the IKEA effect. Lately I like to budget out my projects so I know if I'm actually saving any money. Especially considering labor. Most of my projects lately are stuff I can't get for hook or crook from anywhere.

You are totally right about heavy stuff on Amazon. To your door freight is SO expensive. The problem is all the stores are setting their prices to Amazon's prices.