By Cottage Life
We’ve all been there, wide-eyed at the potential of our new favourite toy but left wondering how we can get away with spending that much on it without being put in the dog house.
It’s important to remember that a relationship is a partnership, and that you’ve agreed to share your life with someone because of how well they know you. Which means at this point, they’re probably used to you spending a little more than they’d like on your dream tools.
Still, if they need a little more convincing, there are a few approaches you can take. Nobody’s saying you need to lie, but let’s just say there are a few lines you can lean on when you’ve got new gear in mind.
There’s more than satisfaction when you do it yourself
There’s a reason DIY has never been more popular. With almost unlimited access to online resources, there’s no better time to take on your next project yourself, and there’s no satisfaction quite like the kind you feel when you do it on your own. And to do that, you need the right equipment. There’s more than ego at stake here: why pay triple the price for a contractor with the right tools when you can cut out the middleman and do it yourself? (Obviously don’t do anything that’s outside of your skill set – experts exist for a reason). But if you want something done right, you sometimes have to do it yourself, and this new tool is what’s going to help you do that. Hammer that home… pun intended.
The “old one” is costing you money
There’s a good chance you’re eyeing that upgrade because your old one just can’t cut it anymore. There’s your angle – think of the man-hours you’re wasting fighting with a finicky old tool, and the time of you could save when the new one gets it right the first time. Not only that, but old, rickety tools can sometimes do more harm than good, damaging materials, making a huge mess, and in the worst-case scenarios, actually putting your safety at risk. Sure, getting it fixed is an option… sometimes, but the price difference between repairs and new purchases might be a closer gap than you’d think.
It’s an investment (you’re looking after it for the next generation)
Sure, markup is a very real thing, but more often than not the high range of tools are priced that way because they’re actually worth it. They’re the most powerful, quietest, and most innovative tools you can find in the sprawling aisles of your local TIMBER MART; they’re made with an attention to detail and quality that can last a lifetime. That last part is important. You can think of these tools as multigenerational. These aren’t just tools to use until you’re too grey to continue; they’re potential hand-me-downs for your kids to start their future workshops off right.
The aftermarket exists
They say that the second you drive your new car off the lot, its value can depreciate by as much as 11 percent. That’s not quite the case when it comes to tools. The aftermarket exists, and it’s there for both buyers and sellers. Get a year out of the new tool and decide it’s not for you? You’d be surprised what you can get for it. Chances are you’re buying quality gear if you’re having to justify it to your partner. We’ve been over how these are an investment, and that has as much to do with how long it will last as it does how much you can sell it for when it’s no longer what you need.
Offer to make them something
Is this a little shallow? Sure. But it’s not deceitful. Shelling out for that top-of-the-line sander? Offer to use it to help refinish your patio furniture. Buying the best drill money can buy? Use it to finally put up those shelves you’ve been procrastinating on. Use your new lathe to make a dish or some one-of-a-kind jewellery, or… you get the gist.
Two can play at that game (so budget accordingly!)
As much as you want your next big tool upgrade, your significant other might have a big purchase in their future, so remember to be fair. Perhaps more importantly, make sure you can afford it. You’re not the only one who wants nice things, so be prepared to be accommodating when it’s their turn to think big.
Calling it in as collateral
There are worse positions to be in than being the guy with the best tools. It’ll work wonders for your social life, and who wouldn’t want to call in the odd favour? Lend it out (to someone you trust!) and you just might get some gratitude (or beer!) in return. It’s reciprocal, too – maybe if you’re the only guy on the block with a decent hammer drill, your neighbour will let you use that table saw you’ve secretly been coveting.
Consider why you’re working so hard
Are you trying to convince your partner, or yourself? Ultimately, it’s important to remember that you’re in this together, and if you’re working overtime, grasping at straws to explain why you need to upgrade a tool, it might be worth wondering who really needs convincing. Is this something you’re going to get a lot of use out of? Before you convince your significant other, make sure you’ve convinced yourself.
Few of us have access to the kind of spaces the Brojects work out of, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make the best of what we got. With its expert staff and incredible range of products, TIMBER MART is more than a store – it’s the starting point to your next great project.