As 2020 draws to an end, let’s review what makes your garage work well for you all year and what you can do in 2021 to make it even better.
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WHAT DO YOU REALLY NEED IN YOUR GARAGE?
Posted by Sabryna Hickey on
The garage is many things to many people. What does your garage do for you? Is it your workshop, your gym, your rainy day patio, your storage shed, or your sanctuary. Whatever it means to you and whatever you use it for, there are a few things that we have found are common across all garages.
As premium suppliers in the garage organization business, we are constantly watching market trends. We are ready to pivot when needed while keeping new product development top of mind. Despite that, we have found that there a several “must-haves” that remain constant. They fall into two main categories. The first we call “construction related” and seem so simple you will be forgiven for looking for more.
- Lighting is key. If you can’t see anything, you won’t do anything. Too many garages are underserved by a single light bulb in the middle of the ceiling. Proslat isn’t in the lighting business, but we know one of the basics of a great garage is high quality LED lighting.
- Functioning garage door. Again, not our business but if you have a garage door that stops and starts or has other intermittent problems – get it fixed. An automatic garage door in good working order means you can open and close with ease. If it’s a pain to access the garage, you won’t be inclined to do it.
The second category is Organization and this means different things to different people. There are price points for every budget. So, whether you start small or go all in, consider this. We believe your garage will service you better when it includes 5 key components.
- Cabinets Before you go shopping, spend time thinking about the right cabinet for you. What do you want to put in it? Cabinets come in different shapes and sizes and may be sold individually or as complete set. What makes sense for you? If you aren’t sure how cabinets would work in your garage, visit our design centre on the Proslat website and try out different configurations.
- Slatwall Quite simply, there is no better bang for your buck than slatwall. Whether you install a single section or a whole wall, it offers the best way to organize and see what you have. Let’s face it, garages get messy and every once in awhile you are going to have to clean your garage up. Slatwall makes that task almost enjoyable and organizing easy to do. The added flexibility to change things around as you need to is another slatwall plus.
- ProRacks Ideal for those fall-over items every garage has. Bikes that fall over onto your vehicle and scratch or dent is a good example. ProRacks are ideal for long term storage and they fit nicely into the space saver category – you can store tires on top and hang bikes or other bulky items below.
- Ceiling hoists These are a wonderful invention if you have a high enough ceiling in your garage (a minimum would be a 9’ ceiling). Hoists allow you to use space that you typically can’t easily access. If you use fixed ceiling racks, then you need to carry your bulky items up a ladder and lift them onto a storage rack. A hoist means no more ladders – you can load your heavy items from the ground level and with the push of a button lift them up and away. By using hoists, you save stress and strain on your back, remain safe and make full use of your garage space – high and low.
- Totes or storage bins Everyone has them because they work. Some of us have many of them sorting and storing everything from tools to toys to toxic chemicals. However, not all bins are created equal. If you have experienced the pain of lesser-quality plastic bins, you will be able to picture this. You finally get the bins closed and as you start to stack them, the lids lift off, the thin plastic cracks and you end up no farther ahead. Our tote storage rack takes your pain away by providing each bin its own slot. The bin rack allows for easy, fast access and secure storage.
Does your garage need any of these key components to make it work better for you in 2021? We are here to help.
As the year draws to a close and the holidays get closer, we’d like to take a moment to say thanks to our followers. Thank you for your support and for taking the time to read through our blogs this year. We love it when you visit. Here is a code you may use up to the end of year for a 15% discount on any Proslat purchase. *This discount does not include cabinets, installation services, and promotional items.
Happy Holidays everyone and please stay safe.
15% discount code: Holiday Cheer
AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT!
Place your order just as soon as you decide what you need. The rate that Proslat products fly off the shelves right now, means that we are experiencing inventory issues. Some items are taking longer to reach you right now so the earlier your order is in, the better.
Read more
WHAT DO YOU REALLY NEED IN YOUR GARAGE?
Posted by Sabryna Hickey on
As 2020 draws to an end, let’s review what makes your garage work well for you all year and what you can do in 2021 to make it even better.
The garage is many things to many people. What does your garage do for you? Is it your workshop, your gym, your rainy day patio, your storage shed, or your sanctuary. Whatever it means to you and whatever you use it for, there are a few things that we have found are common across all garages.
As premium suppliers in the garage organization business, we are constantly watching market trends. We are ready to pivot when needed while keeping new product development top of mind. Despite that, we have found that there a several “must-haves” that remain constant. They fall into two main categories. The first we call “construction related” and seem so simple you will be forgiven for looking for more.
- Lighting is key. If you can’t see anything, you won’t do anything. Too many garages are underserved by a single light bulb in the middle of the ceiling. Proslat isn’t in the lighting business, but we know one of the basics of a great garage is high quality LED lighting.
- Functioning garage door. Again, not our business but if you have a garage door that stops and starts or has other intermittent problems – get it fixed. An automatic garage door in good working order means you can open and close with ease. If it’s a pain to access the garage, you won’t be inclined to do it.
The second category is Organization and this means different things to different people. There are price points for every budget. So, whether you start small or go all in, consider this. We believe your garage will service you better when it includes 5 key components.
- Cabinets Before you go shopping, spend time thinking about the right cabinet for you. What do you want to put in it? Cabinets come in different shapes and sizes and may be sold individually or as complete set. What makes sense for you? If you aren’t sure how cabinets would work in your garage, visit our design centre on the Proslat website and try out different configurations.
- Slatwall Quite simply, there is no better bang for your buck than slatwall. Whether you install a single section or a whole wall, it offers the best way to organize and see what you have. Let’s face it, garages get messy and every once in awhile you are going to have to clean your garage up. Slatwall makes that task almost enjoyable and organizing easy to do. The added flexibility to change things around as you need to is another slatwall plus.
- ProRacks Ideal for those fall-over items every garage has. Bikes that fall over onto your vehicle and scratch or dent is a good example. ProRacks are ideal for long term storage and they fit nicely into the space saver category – you can store tires on top and hang bikes or other bulky items below.
- Ceiling hoists These are a wonderful invention if you have a high enough ceiling in your garage (a minimum would be a 9’ ceiling). Hoists allow you to use space that you typically can’t easily access. If you use fixed ceiling racks, then you need to carry your bulky items up a ladder and lift them onto a storage rack. A hoist means no more ladders – you can load your heavy items from the ground level and with the push of a button lift them up and away. By using hoists, you save stress and strain on your back, remain safe and make full use of your garage space – high and low.
- Totes or storage bins Everyone has them because they work. Some of us have many of them sorting and storing everything from tools to toys to toxic chemicals. However, not all bins are created equal. If you have experienced the pain of lesser-quality plastic bins, you will be able to picture this. You finally get the bins closed and as you start to stack them, the lids lift off, the thin plastic cracks and you end up no farther ahead. Our tote storage rack takes your pain away by providing each bin its own slot. The bin rack allows for easy, fast access and secure storage.
Does your garage need any of these key components to make it work better for you in 2021? We are here to help.
As the year draws to a close and the holidays get closer, we’d like to take a moment to say thanks to our followers. Thank you for your support and for taking the time to read through our blogs this year. We love it when you visit. Here is a code you may use up to the end of year for a 15% discount on any Proslat purchase. *This discount does not include cabinets, installation services, and promotional items.
Happy Holidays everyone and please stay safe.
15% discount code: Holiday Cheer
AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT!
Place your order just as soon as you decide what you need. The rate that Proslat products fly off the shelves right now, means that we are experiencing inventory issues. Some items are taking longer to reach you right now so the earlier your order is in, the better.
Read more
Garage Storage and the Clutter Connection
Posted by Glenna Morrison on
We received some feedback from a Facebook follower recently which prompted an interesting conversation at Proslat. Matthew told us that when he finished his own garage reno and found he had a little slatwall left over, he gave it to his dad. “Dad” quickly put it up in his own garage and Matthew was surprised to see the level of pleasure his dad got from organizing some of his own things. He took the time to send us a message to says thanks for our “great product” and went on to say that the pandemic was a good time for people to tidy up their lives and the garage was a good place to start.
We received some feedback from a Facebook follower recently which prompted an interesting conversation at Proslat. Matthew told us that when he finished his own garage reno and found he had a little slatwall left over, he gave it to his dad. “Dad” quickly put it up in his own garage and Matthew was surprised to see the level of pleasure his dad got from organizing some of his own things. He took the time to send us a message to says thanks for our “great product” and went on to say that the pandemic was a good time for people to tidy up their lives and the garage was a good place to start.
His final comment created a conversation about the whole declutter/get organized phenomena that continues to sweep over us and why it matters in the garage. In the past, you didn’t spend a great deal of time in the garage but today, with all the hobbies and sports that the average family juggles, the garage has become an integral part of the home. A fact that becomes important when you learn that several studies found that more than half the homeowners surveyed listed the garage as the most cluttered space in their homes. The research is fairly clear that clutter increases stress and anxiety by negatively affecting people’s ability to focus. And the experts tell us that disorganization, not lack of space, causes 80% of household clutter.
His final comment created a conversation about the whole declutter/get organized phenomena that continues to sweep over us and why it matters in the garage. In the past, you didn’t spend a great deal of time in the garage but today, with all the hobbies and sports that the average family juggles, the garage has become an integral part of the home. A fact that becomes important when you learn that several studies found that more than half the homeowners surveyed listed the garage as the most cluttered space in their homes. The research is fairly clear that clutter increases stress and anxiety by negatively affecting people’s ability to focus. And the experts tell us that disorganization, not lack of space, causes 80% of household clutter.
So, if clutter doesn’t allow you to feel relaxed and on top of things, wouldn’t you be better off to start in the house? Apparently not. Better, more organized storage is seen as a big part of the solution and most of us are not installing storage systems in our bedrooms. So it makes sense that the work begins in the garage, particularly if you are among the 50% of homeowners who use the garage as their house’s main entryway.
So, if clutter doesn’t allow you to feel relaxed and on top of things, wouldn’t you be better off to start in the house? Apparently not. Better, more organized storage is seen as a big part of the solution and most of us are not installing storage systems in our bedrooms. So it makes sense that the work begins in the garage, particularly if you are among the 50% of homeowners who use the garage as their house’s main entryway.
If you are using the garage as a gateway between work and home, is this what you want to see when you come home?
If you are using the garage as a gateway between work and home, is this what you want to see when you come home?
The storage solution begins with slatwall. Once you have sorted what’s worth keeping and arranged your things into like categories, you can take a look at how best to store it. Is it easily hung from a hook (rakes, shovels, hoses) or a basket (balls, cleaning supplies)? Is it better lifted up out of the way (off season sporting equipment, tires)? Or is it hazardous material best kept behind lock and key in a durable cabinet?
Whether you go “all in” on a complete garage reno or start with wall sections, Proslat can help you create a clutter-free space. We have been delivering quality, innovative designs and unbeatable prices to consumers for over a decade and we can help you choose the perfect storage system for your needs.
The storage solution begins with slatwall. Once you have sorted what’s worth keeping and arranged your things into like categories, you can take a look at how best to store it. Is it easily hung from a hook (rakes, shovels, hoses) or a basket (balls, cleaning supplies)? Is it better lifted up out of the way (off season sporting equipment, tires)? Or is it hazardous material best kept behind lock and key in a durable cabinet?
Whether you go “all in” on a complete garage reno or start with wall sections, Proslat can help you create a clutter-free space. We have been delivering quality, innovative designs and unbeatable prices to consumers for over a decade and we can help you choose the perfect storage system for your needs.
Read more
Garage Storage and the Clutter Connection
Posted by Glenna Morrison on
We received some feedback from a Facebook follower recently which prompted an interesting conversation at Proslat. Matthew told us that when he finished his own garage reno and found he had a little slatwall left over, he gave it to his dad. “Dad” quickly put it up in his own garage and Matthew was surprised to see the level of pleasure his dad got from organizing some of his own things. He took the time to send us a message to says thanks for our “great product” and went on to say that the pandemic was a good time for people to tidy up their lives and the garage was a good place to start.
We received some feedback from a Facebook follower recently which prompted an interesting conversation at Proslat. Matthew told us that when he finished his own garage reno and found he had a little slatwall left over, he gave it to his dad. “Dad” quickly put it up in his own garage and Matthew was surprised to see the level of pleasure his dad got from organizing some of his own things. He took the time to send us a message to says thanks for our “great product” and went on to say that the pandemic was a good time for people to tidy up their lives and the garage was a good place to start.
His final comment created a conversation about the whole declutter/get organized phenomena that continues to sweep over us and why it matters in the garage. In the past, you didn’t spend a great deal of time in the garage but today, with all the hobbies and sports that the average family juggles, the garage has become an integral part of the home. A fact that becomes important when you learn that several studies found that more than half the homeowners surveyed listed the garage as the most cluttered space in their homes. The research is fairly clear that clutter increases stress and anxiety by negatively affecting people’s ability to focus. And the experts tell us that disorganization, not lack of space, causes 80% of household clutter.
His final comment created a conversation about the whole declutter/get organized phenomena that continues to sweep over us and why it matters in the garage. In the past, you didn’t spend a great deal of time in the garage but today, with all the hobbies and sports that the average family juggles, the garage has become an integral part of the home. A fact that becomes important when you learn that several studies found that more than half the homeowners surveyed listed the garage as the most cluttered space in their homes. The research is fairly clear that clutter increases stress and anxiety by negatively affecting people’s ability to focus. And the experts tell us that disorganization, not lack of space, causes 80% of household clutter.
So, if clutter doesn’t allow you to feel relaxed and on top of things, wouldn’t you be better off to start in the house? Apparently not. Better, more organized storage is seen as a big part of the solution and most of us are not installing storage systems in our bedrooms. So it makes sense that the work begins in the garage, particularly if you are among the 50% of homeowners who use the garage as their house’s main entryway.
So, if clutter doesn’t allow you to feel relaxed and on top of things, wouldn’t you be better off to start in the house? Apparently not. Better, more organized storage is seen as a big part of the solution and most of us are not installing storage systems in our bedrooms. So it makes sense that the work begins in the garage, particularly if you are among the 50% of homeowners who use the garage as their house’s main entryway.
If you are using the garage as a gateway between work and home, is this what you want to see when you come home?
If you are using the garage as a gateway between work and home, is this what you want to see when you come home?
The storage solution begins with slatwall. Once you have sorted what’s worth keeping and arranged your things into like categories, you can take a look at how best to store it. Is it easily hung from a hook (rakes, shovels, hoses) or a basket (balls, cleaning supplies)? Is it better lifted up out of the way (off season sporting equipment, tires)? Or is it hazardous material best kept behind lock and key in a durable cabinet?
Whether you go “all in” on a complete garage reno or start with wall sections, Proslat can help you create a clutter-free space. We have been delivering quality, innovative designs and unbeatable prices to consumers for over a decade and we can help you choose the perfect storage system for your needs.
The storage solution begins with slatwall. Once you have sorted what’s worth keeping and arranged your things into like categories, you can take a look at how best to store it. Is it easily hung from a hook (rakes, shovels, hoses) or a basket (balls, cleaning supplies)? Is it better lifted up out of the way (off season sporting equipment, tires)? Or is it hazardous material best kept behind lock and key in a durable cabinet?
Whether you go “all in” on a complete garage reno or start with wall sections, Proslat can help you create a clutter-free space. We have been delivering quality, innovative designs and unbeatable prices to consumers for over a decade and we can help you choose the perfect storage system for your needs.
Read more
Garage Storage The Key to a Quick Sale?
Posted by Sabryna Hickey on
"You never get a second chance to make a first impression" is a well known slogan and anyone considering putting their home on the market should take that to heart.
If you have decided the time has come to either relocate, upsize or downsize, take a hard look around you before hanging out the For Sale sign. And don’t overlook the garage, experts agree that when selling a home your garage is just as important as any other room in the house.
An Impulse Research survey found, “When purchasing a home, 80% of buyers factor in the garage when making their decision, ” while 82% of the respondents said that a disorganized garage had a negative impact on the first impression of anyone looking for a new home. No wonder realtors have concluded that maintaining an organized garage reflects on owner’s pride in their home. What does your garage say about you? When your garage door goes up, will your garage make a good first impression?
If you plan to sell your home, chances are you don’t want to invest a lot of money in upgrades that won’t increase the value of your house. Your remodeling budget is best reserved for those projects that improve the appearance, but also help you stand apart from the others. Most sellers will invest in fresh paint, decluttering and perhaps updating some fixtures – so how do you make your home stand out from the crowd? Offering a garage storage system can be the edge you need. A Braun Research Survey of realtors revealed that garages ranked higher as desirable storage space for homebuyers than basements or attics and yet many people use them as a dumping ground for all the things they don’t want in the house.
The good news is, you don’t have to spend a fortune to make a difference. For a modest investment of two or three boxes of Proslat slatwall and some carefully chosen accessories, you can create a simple organized garage that not only looks good but offers potential buyers a functional storage system. The slatwall can be installed quickly with an extra pair of hands and half a dozen tools and then you will be ready to transform the space. Tires could sit in a rack out of the way, hoses, garden and workshop tools stored neatly on the walls along with any sports gear that generally sits on the floor. And just like that you have an clutter-free garage and your potential buyer can visualize hanging his own gear from those sleek and attractive walls.
Let your simple garage storage system be the good impression you need to move your home onto the buyers’ wish list.
Read more
Garage Storage The Key to a Quick Sale?
Posted by Sabryna Hickey on
"You never get a second chance to make a first impression" is a well known slogan and anyone considering putting their home on the market should take that to heart.
If you have decided the time has come to either relocate, upsize or downsize, take a hard look around you before hanging out the For Sale sign. And don’t overlook the garage, experts agree that when selling a home your garage is just as important as any other room in the house.
An Impulse Research survey found, “When purchasing a home, 80% of buyers factor in the garage when making their decision, ” while 82% of the respondents said that a disorganized garage had a negative impact on the first impression of anyone looking for a new home. No wonder realtors have concluded that maintaining an organized garage reflects on owner’s pride in their home. What does your garage say about you? When your garage door goes up, will your garage make a good first impression?
If you plan to sell your home, chances are you don’t want to invest a lot of money in upgrades that won’t increase the value of your house. Your remodeling budget is best reserved for those projects that improve the appearance, but also help you stand apart from the others. Most sellers will invest in fresh paint, decluttering and perhaps updating some fixtures – so how do you make your home stand out from the crowd? Offering a garage storage system can be the edge you need. A Braun Research Survey of realtors revealed that garages ranked higher as desirable storage space for homebuyers than basements or attics and yet many people use them as a dumping ground for all the things they don’t want in the house.
The good news is, you don’t have to spend a fortune to make a difference. For a modest investment of two or three boxes of Proslat slatwall and some carefully chosen accessories, you can create a simple organized garage that not only looks good but offers potential buyers a functional storage system. The slatwall can be installed quickly with an extra pair of hands and half a dozen tools and then you will be ready to transform the space. Tires could sit in a rack out of the way, hoses, garden and workshop tools stored neatly on the walls along with any sports gear that generally sits on the floor. And just like that you have an clutter-free garage and your potential buyer can visualize hanging his own gear from those sleek and attractive walls.
Let your simple garage storage system be the good impression you need to move your home onto the buyers’ wish list.
Read more
CAUSE & EFFECT: ONLINE SHOPPING SPREES LEAVE BEHIND A GARAGE STORAGE PREDICAMENT
Posted by Sabryna Hickey on
When the autopsy is completed on Covid-19, the results will identify the businesses that succumbed to the pandemic. However, it should also reveal that a surprising number of businesses not only thrived, but found new areas of growth. A case in point is the home improvement sector. Some of us were fortunate to have stable employment throughout the lock down and once the novelty of being home with the family wore off, we found the urge to spread out or to create a personal space.
During this uncertain time, many of us found ourselves parked in front of a computer screen shopping online. A ladder from Costco because we have time now to clean out the eavestroughs; garden tools from Amazon to plant flowers in all those new planters ordered from Wayfair; a new BBQ for the family dinners we cooked on the deck and, of course, a tranquil water fountain ordered to help us relax during this stressful pandemic. We even ordered new bikes for everyone because we discovered we enjoyed spending time outdoors as a family.
One evening, however, we notice the days are getting shorter and the air decidedly cooler. Summer is drawing to a close and in many places, autumn is upon us. Which highlights a new problem – where is all this new stuff going to be stored until we need it again? The new bikes need to go somewhere and the lawn chairs and garden accessories have to be squeezed into the already full garage. Many of us are coming to the realization that we have one more major project to complete. And this one might turn out to be the most important of all.
We have to make sure our garage storage is up to the task of safely housing all our new equipment until the seasons roll around again. If floor space is at a premium, do we need ceiling storage to lift the bikes? Will a platform lift help with some of the bulkier items? How many of our new tools and toys can be hung from the walls? Will we still be able to park our vehicle inside or will that luxury be yet another victim in 2020?
Slatwall is often the solution to this storage dilemma. Since our needs vary with the season we need a storage solution that changes with the weather – bike lifts and kayaks must share wall space with ski boots and hockey nets so a static garage storage system may not always be the practical choice. And if budget considerations are a factor then we need to carefully research the cost of the various storage options. With a little research and careful planning we can absorb the increased storage load and be ready for whatever 2021 brings us.
Read more
CAUSE & EFFECT: ONLINE SHOPPING SPREES LEAVE BEHIND A GARAGE STORAGE PREDICAMENT
Posted by Sabryna Hickey on
When the autopsy is completed on Covid-19, the results will identify the businesses that succumbed to the pandemic. However, it should also reveal that a surprising number of businesses not only thrived, but found new areas of growth. A case in point is the home improvement sector. Some of us were fortunate to have stable employment throughout the lock down and once the novelty of being home with the family wore off, we found the urge to spread out or to create a personal space.
During this uncertain time, many of us found ourselves parked in front of a computer screen shopping online. A ladder from Costco because we have time now to clean out the eavestroughs; garden tools from Amazon to plant flowers in all those new planters ordered from Wayfair; a new BBQ for the family dinners we cooked on the deck and, of course, a tranquil water fountain ordered to help us relax during this stressful pandemic. We even ordered new bikes for everyone because we discovered we enjoyed spending time outdoors as a family.
One evening, however, we notice the days are getting shorter and the air decidedly cooler. Summer is drawing to a close and in many places, autumn is upon us. Which highlights a new problem – where is all this new stuff going to be stored until we need it again? The new bikes need to go somewhere and the lawn chairs and garden accessories have to be squeezed into the already full garage. Many of us are coming to the realization that we have one more major project to complete. And this one might turn out to be the most important of all.
We have to make sure our garage storage is up to the task of safely housing all our new equipment until the seasons roll around again. If floor space is at a premium, do we need ceiling storage to lift the bikes? Will a platform lift help with some of the bulkier items? How many of our new tools and toys can be hung from the walls? Will we still be able to park our vehicle inside or will that luxury be yet another victim in 2020?
Slatwall is often the solution to this storage dilemma. Since our needs vary with the season we need a storage solution that changes with the weather – bike lifts and kayaks must share wall space with ski boots and hockey nets so a static garage storage system may not always be the practical choice. And if budget considerations are a factor then we need to carefully research the cost of the various storage options. With a little research and careful planning we can absorb the increased storage load and be ready for whatever 2021 brings us.
Read more
DO THE MATH
Posted by Sabryna Hickey on
Things are not always as they seem.
Imagine yourself standing in a store looking at an array of new printers. They run the gamut in price and you find two of them with the features you need and in a price range you want. One costs less and looks like the better choice … but wait! Find out the cost of and life expectancy of the ink – and then do the same thing for the higher priced model. If that second model has ink at half the price and lasts twice as long … who has spent more money at the end of a year?
This scenario applies to many of the products we use today. Take for example, slatwall and trackwall systems. On the surface, the box of slatwall is more expensive than trackwall so the choice seems obvious. The temptation is to go with the lower cost – after all, they both do the same thing don’t they? If you need to store items on your walls does it matter if they hang from a slatwall panel or a track? Not really. But what might matter is how much you want to hang. If you compare what that box of slatwall will cover with what the trackwall will cover, you will generally end up with 20 times the storage space if you go with slatwall. You will also want to know what’s included in each choice – are screws and endcaps included or do you need to purchase them separately? If you calculate how much of track you will need to cover the same amount of wall, you may find that the track system is actually costing you more than that box of slatwall. So, once again, who has spent more money now?
When we see what appears to be a generous offer, we want to believe. Our rational brain says “hold on a minute” but our emotional brain says “I want it and look at that price!” If we could train ourselves to take a step back and consider the situation, we might remember that manufacturers are not really in the business of saving us money. They need to maintain their profit margins, so it’s in there somewhere – hiding and hoping no one comes looking. At this point, you need to tell yourself, if it seems too good to be true – dig deeper. Read the fine print, ask for all the details. Are you paying over time? If so, what are the monthly payments? Then do the math and you will come up with what that deal is really going to cost you.
Human nature being what it is, we often opt for the short term gain. It is generally the easier path to take and the reward is often right in front of us. But all too often that short term gain masks some long term pain. Find a trigger that reminds you to hit a mental “pause” button that gives you a moment to step back and think clearly. Remember the old warning “act in haste, repent at leisure” the next time you see one of those “too good to be true” offers.
Take the time to do the math.
Read more
DO THE MATH
Posted by Sabryna Hickey on
Things are not always as they seem.
Imagine yourself standing in a store looking at an array of new printers. They run the gamut in price and you find two of them with the features you need and in a price range you want. One costs less and looks like the better choice … but wait! Find out the cost of and life expectancy of the ink – and then do the same thing for the higher priced model. If that second model has ink at half the price and lasts twice as long … who has spent more money at the end of a year?
This scenario applies to many of the products we use today. Take for example, slatwall and trackwall systems. On the surface, the box of slatwall is more expensive than trackwall so the choice seems obvious. The temptation is to go with the lower cost – after all, they both do the same thing don’t they? If you need to store items on your walls does it matter if they hang from a slatwall panel or a track? Not really. But what might matter is how much you want to hang. If you compare what that box of slatwall will cover with what the trackwall will cover, you will generally end up with 20 times the storage space if you go with slatwall. You will also want to know what’s included in each choice – are screws and endcaps included or do you need to purchase them separately? If you calculate how much of track you will need to cover the same amount of wall, you may find that the track system is actually costing you more than that box of slatwall. So, once again, who has spent more money now?
When we see what appears to be a generous offer, we want to believe. Our rational brain says “hold on a minute” but our emotional brain says “I want it and look at that price!” If we could train ourselves to take a step back and consider the situation, we might remember that manufacturers are not really in the business of saving us money. They need to maintain their profit margins, so it’s in there somewhere – hiding and hoping no one comes looking. At this point, you need to tell yourself, if it seems too good to be true – dig deeper. Read the fine print, ask for all the details. Are you paying over time? If so, what are the monthly payments? Then do the math and you will come up with what that deal is really going to cost you.
Human nature being what it is, we often opt for the short term gain. It is generally the easier path to take and the reward is often right in front of us. But all too often that short term gain masks some long term pain. Find a trigger that reminds you to hit a mental “pause” button that gives you a moment to step back and think clearly. Remember the old warning “act in haste, repent at leisure” the next time you see one of those “too good to be true” offers.
Take the time to do the math.