The problem is that it has become increasingly difficult to discern if something will last.

An expensive product, from what was a trusted brand, can be just as short lived as a cheap one these days. Cost does not always reflect quality.

And brands that build long-lived products struggle as they don't have the repeat customers of products that are good, but contain forced obsolescence features.

It's a hidden cost to consumers that is often hard to figure out without extensive research.