Barbell Purchasing Strategy

A purchasing strategy that focuses on buying either high-end items or extremely cheap disposable items, avoiding middle-tier products.

Core Strategy

• Buy either the absolute best or extremely cheap disposable items
• Avoid middle-tier products that try to balance quality and price
• Focus on reducing stress about maintaining or losing items

Example Implementation (32 Degrees Athletic Wear)

• Takes advantage of massive discounts (85% off during Black Friday)
• Buys in bulk when prices are extremely low
  • Purchases ~$1,000 worth of items at once
  • Buys multiple units (15+ pants, 25+ shirts)
• Quality is decent but not premium like Lululemon or Gymshark
• Benefits:
  • No stress about stains or damage
  • Always has backup items
  • Low cost per item ($4.99 per piece)

Philosophy Behind Strategy

• Premium items: Worth the investment for specific use cases
• Disposable items: Removes mental burden of maintenance
• Tradeoffs:
  • Higher environmental impact
  • More laundry/maintenance required
  • Storage space needed for bulk items

When to Use

• For items used frequently
• When bulk purchasing options are available
• When loss or damage is likely
• When maintaining perfect condition isn't critical

This approach prioritizes practical utility and peace of mind over finding the "perfect" middle ground option.