Rich people might tolerate a washer that lasts 3 years, give or take.
Really? My impression is that the only people who tolerate appliances that fail so quickly are poor people who can’t afford anything better. (And who therefore stay poorer, because buying cheaper things that fail sooner is more expensive in the long run.)
I agree that a rich person won’t tolerate disposable products where more durable versions are available. Durability is a desirable thing, and people who can afford it will pay for it when it’s an option.
But imagine a world where washing machines cost as much as they do in our world, but all washing machines inevitably break down after a couple years. Durable machines just aren’t available.
Then, in that world, you have to be wealthier to maintain your washing-machine-owning status. People who couldn’t afford to repurchase a machine every couple of years would learn to do without. But people who could afford it would consider it an acceptable cost of living in the style to which they have become accustomed.
Really? My impression is that the only people who tolerate appliances that fail so quickly are poor people who can’t afford anything better. (And who therefore stay poorer, because buying cheaper things that fail sooner is more expensive in the long run.)
I agree that a rich person won’t tolerate disposable products where more durable versions are available. Durability is a desirable thing, and people who can afford it will pay for it when it’s an option.
But imagine a world where washing machines cost as much as they do in our world, but all washing machines inevitably break down after a couple years. Durable machines just aren’t available.
Then, in that world, you have to be wealthier to maintain your washing-machine-owning status. People who couldn’t afford to repurchase a machine every couple of years would learn to do without. But people who could afford it would consider it an acceptable cost of living in the style to which they have become accustomed.