When does name brand really count?

There are many products on the market now, and when it comes to making a purchase, in most cases you have the choice of buying the name brand or the generic or off brand. Even though you won't have the name brand appeal to go along with it, you will definitely save money purchasing the generic brand instead of the name brand.

If you're not interested in the name brand appeal, then it makes sense to always get the generic brand, right? Well, not always. Sometimes, it's a good idea to spend the extra money and get the name brand instead.

The following are a few cases in which the name brand really counts:

- You're making your living off of a certain product.
- You plan on using the product frequently.
- You're purchasing a computer

If you are in a job that requires a tool of the trade, such as a sewing machine, power tools, or certain tech jobs, you should always go with a name brand product instead of an off brand or generic version of the same product. This is because you rely on the product to make your living, and if the tool fails, your income suffers until you can get it replaced or repaired.

Name brands-not always but usually-are less likely to fail. As a general rule, they are built with higher quality materials and can take more wear and tear that comes with daily use than a generic brand has. Little things in name brand products also make a difference too, like longer cords or battery power that requires fewer charges.

You may not necessarily be making your living off of a certain product, but if you use it frequently, you will want to purchase the name brand so it will last longer. For example, if you bake every day and use a mixer on a daily basis, you would be better off purchasing a high-quality name brand mixer than an off-brand that won't hold up as long as the name brand. Spending the extra money for a better-quality name brand product will actually save you money in the long run, as you won't have to repair or replace it nearly as often.

Name brands also come with better warranties, which sometimes last years. Generic brands typically have shorter, if any, warranties.

A computer is another product in which you don't want to skimp. Why? Think for a moment what would happen if your computer crashed right this moment - work, records, documents, photographs, purchased music, and a host of other things would potentially be lost for good. And since computers have come down in price, it is still more than worth the money to purchase a good name brand with a warranty.

When do I not need a name brand?
You won't always need to shell out extra money for a name brand tool, appliance, or gadget. For example, if you want to purchase a power tool to keep around the house and use every now and again, an off-brand is probably fine for your needs.

While it's always nice to save money, there are some cases in which a name brand product really counts. But if you don't plan on using the product much or if you don't make your living off of it, it's ok to purchase a non name brand.