Economic Uses
Planned obsolescence has a major impact on the environment, but that’s rarely the first thing companies around the world are thinking about when they design a product. The number one concern is usually the bottom line.
Durable ProblemAt
the core of planned obsolescence is the “durable problem.” The durable
problem occurs when successful sellers quickly saturate the market.
Having a more reliable and longer-lasting product on the market
increases the amount of time between consumer-purchasing, and is thus
bad for revenue generation.
Durability is not a key factor in consumers’ choice to purchase new products. Despite popular belief, warranties do not signal a greater likelihood of a consumer to purchase a product. Higher prices also do not signal a greater level of durability. |
Computerized PartsThere used to be a time when you could fix nearly anything in your car, given that you had the right components available to you. Those days are long gone, and most of the functions those old components perform are now controlled by a computer.
As the consumer this isn’t great for you, but the automobile manufacturers love it. Car components are more expensive than they’ve ever been, and maintenance is no longer a matter of popping open the hood and slathering on some elbow grease. Complex computer systems require professionals to diagnose and maintain them, and that’s not cheap. |
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Outdated ProductsThere is a difference between forced and voluntary purchasing as a result of planned obsolescence. Consumers are far more inclined to purchase new products if the choice is voluntary. Continuous upgrading or iteration of a product creates a heightened sense that older products are outdated.
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ECOPOL Environment Blog
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