Expensive Is Just a Brand Now

Price used to be a reliable proxy for quality — the classic 'boots' parable illustrated how buying cheap costs more in the long run. But that relationship has broken down. Today, premium prices largely reflect brand power: ad campaigns, celebrity endorsements, and perceived exclusivity rather than superior materials or construction. Most products, regardless of price tier, come from the same factories and supply chains. The practical takeaway is that consumers should rely on peer reviews and real-world testing rather than price signals when evaluating product quality.