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We’ve all been there: The hem comes undone on your new shirt, or the dishwasher melts a new water bottle, and you’re left wondering why. Why did I buy that? Why didn’t I check the return policy? And why didn’t I buy the more expensive version?
Yes, sometimes the pricier version ends up benefiting your wallet in the long run. That’s because many respected companies will actually guarantee that the product you’re buying will stay in good condition.
The website BuyMeOnce.com was started for this very purpose: to help people figure out which items they’ll only have to buy once, if they purchase from the right company. The founder hopes to encourage people “to buy just a few great things they love rather than huge amounts of clutter,” she writes.
Take note, though, that a lifetime warranty doesn’t promise a good product will last until you die. Rather, it lasts for the lifetime of the item you’re buying. So, like The North Face says, you shouldn’t expect your sleeping bag to make it to age 70 with you, even though it is built to last.
Consider buying from these companies to take advantage of their promises of quality:
1. Camelbak
One of the most popular brands of water bottles, Camelbak bottles also come with the company’s Got Your Bak Lifetime Guarantee. They’ll fix or replace any product that has a manufacturing defect at their discretion, but you’re on your own for normal wear and tear.
2. Zojila
This Indiana-based company makes unique home goods with a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects and normal use. They promise stainless steel pieces won’t rust.
3. Manduka
Yoga mats from Manduka are popular for good reason: They last. And the company guarantees three of their yoga mat varieties to last a lifetime, if you take care of them. They promise to replace your mat if it “wears out from regular use under normal conditions.”
4. Vermont Teddy Bear
If your beloved teddy has an accident, remember he is guaranteed for life. The company proudly offers full coverage health care for all Vermont Teddy Bears, for the life of the bear.
5. The North Face
The well-known outdoor gear maker promises to repair or replace anything that has a manufacturing defect for the life of the product.
However, the policy doesn’t apply to footwear, which only comes with a one-year limited guarantee.
6. Wusthof
Knife maker Wusthof guarantees its products “to be free of defects in material and/or craftsmanship.” However, normal use of their knives doesn’t count.
7. Outdoor Research
This clothing and gear provider takes lifetime warranty to a new level with their “Infinite Guarantee.”
According to the company’s website, “We believe so strongly in the quality of the apparel and gear we make that if our product fails to meet your needs at any time, we are happy to replace it.”
Haley Otman is a news and features writer based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where she roots for the University of Michigan Wolverines. A former broadcast news producer, Haley has 10 years of writing experience and has worked in both journalism and public relations. More.
