Originally Posted by
DrPete
This is a completely arbitrary distinction, but I see what you did there. It leaves you an out to own luxury goods but claim that it's only because it's high-quality, thereby making you seem like a discerning consumer and not ego-driven. Nice.
I don't need an "out" to buy luxury goods. I'll freely admit to owning a few things that have caught my eye that exceed the good enough to do the job well and last a long time criteria. But the solid majority of my purchase are in that category as I really can't justify the expense of items that exceeds this boundary on a regular basis. I buy gold jewelry for my wife that has no utilitarian function whatsoever and is completely a luxury item.
When it comes to products that "do something", I admit there's a lot of overlap at the high end of quality and the "bottom end" of "quality luxury". For example are high end bicycle groups luxury or quality items? I think the borderline is crossed when expense is added to the product that no longer increase its usefulness or functionality.
If you consider the opinion of the general populace, most people could care less if you have Red or Force. Red is functionally "better" in some ways and we're willing to pay more for it. IF they added diamonds mounted on the brake levers and gold plated it, it definitely becomes a luxury good since the added cost and decoration do not improve its performance or functionality.
Some products are surely debatable. Take Oakley for example. I don't think anyone would claim they are junk, but they are also very image/brand oriented as well. It's hard to distinguish completely between the does the job part and the looks cool part.
One thing I own is solidly in both camps. An umbrella believe it or not. It's a Swaine Adeney Brigg made in England. Total luxury good. Solid oak shaft like a cane that's steam bent into the crook. Super strong frame and plain black nylon cover. Nobody *needs* an umbrella this good and only an idiot would pay $250 for one. (10 years ago, they're $350 now) But it is perfect in its operation and other than the fact the the handle is finished like a piece of fine furniture and there's a little gold band around the shaft with the mfg name on it, it totally utilitarian in appearance and function. So you can also have luxury with no bling.