When to Buy vs. When to Make

We live in an age with endless options, choices, and opportunities, deciding when to buy a product vs. when to make a product yourself can be a difficult decision. Often we look at the price of something and wonder if it would be cheaper just to make it ourselves. While I am a big advocate for self-reliance and DIYing. There are some main factors that come into play when deciding if tackling a project is right for you. In order to help you navigate this recurring decision effectively, we will explore the factors to be considered when deciding when to buy it vs. when to make it.

Cost and Budget

A critical factor in deciding whether to buy vs. make something is the cost involved. Purchasing

pre-made products is usually cheaper due to the cost of materials, tools, and time required for you to make that object. DIY crafts or projects usually become more cost effective when it becomes a regular method. For myself, the path of creating is often cheaper because I own a Cricut machine, other crafting tools, and a various set of woodworking power tools that I use constantly. Before you make the decision to buy vs. make, compare the prices both short term and long term (if you decide to invest in tools for future uses as well) to determine which is more affordable.

Expertise and Skill Level

This one usually gets me! I often find myself tangled in a web of YouTube videos and books trying to teach myself how to do new projects that I have never tackled before. Luckily for me, when I sometimes find myself in over my head (usually in the middle of a project), I can typically call a friend or family member to help set me back on the right track if I have bitten off more than I can really chew. When starting a new project it’s important to consider your level of expertise and the complexity of the item you want to acquire. Recently I undertook the task of building our dining room table. It took longer and was much harder than I had anticipated but after a few long days and some hard earned tears I was able to create something I am proud of. However, Some products, such as electronics or complex machinery, may require specialized knowledge and skill sets to create. I personally would never build a computer because it simply is not in my wheelhouse. If you lack the necessary expertise, it's often wiser to buy from professionals who have the required know-how.

Time Constraints

Time is a limited and precious resource, and sometimes, it's more practical to buy something rather than invest hours or even days in making it. If you have a busy schedule (very often the case) or need the product quickly, purchasing it can save you valuable time. When taking on a new project I have found it useful to double or even triple the amount of time I really think it is going to take. Taking on a new project that you just learned how to do is going to take you more time than it would for someone who already has the experience under their belt. By doubling or even trippeling the time needed to get the task done you are giving yourself a realistic standard to complete the project. So. Before you start a DIY you need to ask yourself if you really have a realistic amount of time to complete it and do it right.

Quality and Consistency

Commercially or professionally produced products often adhere to stringent quality control standards, ensuring a consistent level of quality. Quality is particularly critical for important products like electronics, clothing, or food, where consistency and safety are paramount. If you are uncertain about your ability to maintain high-quality standards, buying might be the better option!

Sometimes buying is the most cost effective and quality assured option. But DIY projects and crafts have many other benefits that can often outweigh the cost of a product.

Customization and Personalization.

• Customization: Creating something yourself allows you to customize and personalize your final product so that it is more to your liking. Whether it's a piece of furniture, a great T-shirt, or a homemade meal, you have the ability to make it to your unique preferences. If you like having items that reflect your individual taste and personal style, making is a compelling choice.

• Learning and Skill Development: Taking on a DIY project is a great way to acquire new skills and knowledge. Creating something from scratch can be a valuable learning experience that can carry into many other projects and can be important to know to run a home. If personal growth and skill development are valuable to you, making your own products from time to time can be highly rewarding.

• Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Practices: I often find that when making something for my home I take greater pride in owning it. When I put my own time into a project I tend to keep it because it has more meaning to me. Creating things that can last a long time helps cut down on commercial waste which is better for the environment and is an eco-friendly choice. I also notice that when I start to create something I first look for materials I already own instead of rushing out to purchase new materials right away. Using up good solid “scraps” from past projects allows me to save money and minimize waste, which is especially important in today's world where sustainability is a pressing concern.

• Emotional Satisfaction: Pride, they say it cometh before the fall but honestly I have experienced it in every season. No need to be boastful, however, there is absolutely a sense of pride and real accomplishment that comes with creating something with your own two hands! The emotional satisfaction and fulfillment derived from making something and learning a new skill is deeply rewarding. If creating something on your own gives you joy and satisfaction then DIYing is a great choice for you!

In the end, deciding whether to buy vs. make a product is not always a clear-cut choice. A lot of it depends on a multitude of factors, including cost, expertise, time constraints, quality, customization, and personal preferences. To make the best decision for you and your family, carefully consider your specific situation and weigh the long-term and short-term benefits of each option. Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer or project, and your decision should align with your values, goals, preferences, and resources. Whether you choose to buy or make, just remember that both options have their benefits and different costs and can each lead to satisfying and quality outcomes.