Frugal Friends Podcast Why Everything Is Worse Quality Now (It’s Not Just You)
9 snips
Feb 3, 2026 They unpack why many products feel lower quality now and point to deliberate company tactics like skimflation. They trace the history from mass production to planned obsolescence and marketing that manufactured endless demand. Practical fixes are offered, from repairing and buying vintage to shopping small and using trusted review resources.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
$90 Lamps That Snap
- Jen bought $90 lamps that snapped because key parts were plastic instead of metal.
- She notes many products that used to be metal are now plastic at higher prices.
Skimflation Explains Quality Drops
- The Fed names reducing product quality while keeping prices steady "skimflation."
- Companies shrink quality to protect margins when materials and costs rise.
Skimflation Isn't Just Products
- Skimflation appears across categories: food formulation, restaurant service, hotel amenities, and retail staffing.
- Companies cut service or ingredients while keeping prices, shifting value away from consumers.
