They Sure Don’t Make ‘Em Like They Used To

People often say, “They don’t make things like they used to.” It might sound like nostalgia from old gramps, but it’s true: older physical items were built to last, while many of today’s products are weaker, cheaper, and less reliable.

Manufacturers in the past designed products with longevity in mind. Appliances, tools, and furniture were often made of solid wood, heavy steel, or other strong materials. Something bought is expected to last a lifetime. For example, a refrigerator from the 1960s could last decades, while today’s models often need repairs within ten years.

Cars used to be simpler, easier to fix and maintain, with engines built for endurance. With less dedicated blocks. Even clothing was stitched with thicker fabric and higher craftsmanship.

I think that one reason quality has dropped is planned obsolescence. Companies have figured out that by deliberately designing items to break down or become outdated quickly they force consumers to buy replacements.

Phones stop receiving updates after a few years. And sometimes are deliberately slowed. Printers stop working unless you buy expensive cartridges. That has to be from that company. Fast fashion clothes tear after a few washes. This keeps money flowing into businesses, but leaves customers with low-quality trash.

To cut costs, many modern items are made from plastic instead of metal, particle board instead of hardwood. While this makes products cheaper and less expensive, it also makes them fragile. A wooden dresser from your great-grandparents is likely still solid today, but a flat-pack dresser from the store may only survive a move or two before falling apart.less if a speck of water gets on it

Factories today are also focused on mass production and efficiency. The faster an item is made, the less time and care can go into its design and durability. Older items were often handmade or crafted with more attention to detail, which made them last longer.

This is why people value older things so much. They were not just objects, but investments meant to stay in a family for years. Modern products may be cheaper and shinier, sure, but too often they are cheap, tacky and disposable. If we want real progress, it should mean building things that endure for longer than a day after the warranty.

Ryker Sperman-Wiens is a Hutchinson freshman studying Business Administration.

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