Having something “custom-made” is not always worth the extra numbers on the price tag. However, sometimes going the extra mile and having something designed or produced specifically for you is invaluable.
Though personalization is definitely a trend in the market, with consumers loving the opportunity to make their mark, it is more work for the company that is making the product or providing the service, making it more time intensive, a cost that is reflected in the final price.
Here are some examples that even the most frugal of people will agree that custom trumps cookie cutter:
- Furniture
With budget alternatives like IKEA, it seems superfluous to spend twice or even three times as much on custom furniture. And though many pieces are great for most uses, there are situations in which custom furniture just takes the cake. An example of this is a custom bookcase made exactly to the dimensions of your wall, as to best utilize all the available space. Another example is a wardrobe made to perfectly fit the sloping ceiling in your bedroom. By getting these pieces custom made, you add value to your space as a “cookie cutter” furniture alternative either wouldn’t fit or just wouldn’t make the best use of the situation.
- Longboards
Longboard culture is all about breaking free from society’s constraints and just being free. However, the industry doesn’t necessarily cater to this, as many of the boards are mass produced with the same designs on them, taking away from the unique identity of each rider. If you are invested into skater culture and want to be authentic, it’s time to get custom Longboards made with your images. It’s also a great anti-theft strategy as no one will have one just like it and it will be easier to pick out than if there were many such boards in your area.
- Food
When you cook at home, clearly you are customizing your food options to whatever suits you and the people you are feeding. However, when you order at a restaurant or visit a buffet, the menu is already predetermined in order to showcase the skills and style of the kitchen staff. Much of the population suffers from food intolerances or allergies, and having their meals customized is often the only way they can safely consumer their food. Some restaurants charge extra for such substitutions, however, it’s a price you should be willing to pay if it means that you won’t have to suffer the consequences of eating these products later.
- Health Plan
It’s true that there are many free health resources out there, from blogs, sample meal plans, to even entire e-books. However, time and time again it has been proven that a custom approach brings on the best long-term effects. When a health team, including a nutritionist, general practitioner, physiotherapist, and trainer get together, they can create a custom plan for you that takes into account all you existing health issues, your food allergies and preferences, and even your specific lifestyle. They can structure a workout and diet plan that will bring the best returns for your time and effort invested into your health journey.
Though the “personal touch” is sometimes not worth the extra price, there are situations in which getting a customized product or service is worth every extra cent, whether it means that you can better use all the space in your home, live out your authentic values, or give your body the attention it deserves. Besides, sometimes the custom approach isn’t much more (if at all) more expensive than the run of the mill alternatives. A little extra research is always worth it in the end.