Consider Grade & Quality

When considering alternatives we need to take both quality and grade into account. Look for solutions that have the same quality, which can satisfy the need to the same degree, but may be of lower grade. In other words, don’t settle for expensive solutions, look for inexpensive solutions that are good enough.

The pictures illustrate the point how items can be of the quality but different grade. The one on the right is out of the department of redundancy department and is undoubtedly costlier than the one on the left.  The point is, that they both get their point across and satisfy the need to the same degree.

Too often decisions are made without considering alternatives and somehow, "Can we afford it?" is the only relevant question. Ask two more questions: "Are there cheaper alternatives that would work just as well?" And, "What else could we do with that money?"