It’s All Downhill From Here
Every home had once-revered products and household names that have stood the test of time. Generations have grown up thinking that such-and-such a product or brand was simply the benchmark for quality. However, this is no longer the case. With that in mind, here are 20 brands that have spiraled downwards in terms of quality and satisfaction.
1. Birkenstock
Birkenstocks used to be known for their high quality and long-lasting comfort. Lately, the quality control is lacking and the materials don't feel nearly as durable. Wearers seem to experience a much shorter lifespan on the shoes, which is disappointing for an investment piece.
2. Anything with Wheels
When it comes to wheeled items, anything from bicycles to scooters, substandard assembly and quality control have been the norm. Neglecting adequate prototype testing has led to products prone to failure or safety hazards. Consumers are spending more than ever on gear that seems less reliable than ever before.
3. Q-tips
Q-tips used to be uniformly soft and strong, but their general quality has deteriorated. The sticks bend more easily, and the cotton tips fray during use. What was once a simple and reliable household staple has become flimsy and unreliable.
4. Charmin Ultra Toilet Paper
Charmin Ultra used to be plush and long-wearing, but newer rolls are often thin and not as resilient. Side by side, pre-COVID vs. now, the difference is clear. Veteran users can tell the difference right away, making it feel like a downgrade from a formerly premium product.
5. Boeing
Boeing planes were once known for top-tier design and a smooth ride. But lately, new models have been dogged by safety questions and mechanical problems. This has eroded public trust. Where Boeing used to be a standard for aerospace quality, now it sometimes demands additional scrutiny.
6. Lululemon ABC Pants
Lululemon's ABC pants used to be well-made, but in recent years, they have lost their premium build quality. Belt loops that used to be stitched twice into the waistband are now a single piece of fabric folded over and are less durable. Many loyal customers feel that the pants do not last as long as they used to and do not warrant the higher price.
7. Furnaces and Air Conditioning Units
Newer HVAC systems often break down more often than older systems did. The quality of parts is often a lot worse than they used to be. Contractors tell me they are having to return to the same customers over and over for warranty work on a new system that should not need repair. This situation has left both homeowners and contractors frustrated.
8. Arcteryx
Arcteryx used to be known for having premium outdoor clothing. Unfortunately, some of their lines have decreased in quality. Stitching, fabric, and durability often are below the standard the brand was built on. Long-time customers often feel shortchanged on the value they used to get.
9. Bounty Paper Towels
Bounty paper towels used to be noticeably stronger and more absorbent than other brands. Now they are just a hair better than many brands, without an obvious difference. This has caused some people to turn to other brands, like Viva.
Crystal de Passillé-Chabot on Unsplash
10. Duracell Batteries
Duracell batteries are known for being reliable and long-lasting, but lately, their quality has been going down. Users have been reporting leaks and early failures from recent batches of Duracell batteries, which have damaged devices and caused frustration. Consumers who trusted Duracell for consistent performance now have to be wary.
11. Uniqlo
Uniqlo used to be known for cheap yet high-quality basics that could last for decades. Lately, fabrics and stitching have become thinner and overall cheaper, with clothes starting to show wear after a few washes. Older customers in particular can feel the difference in the overall quality compared to previous collections.
12. Dyson
In the past, Dyson has been synonymous with creative design and reliable, long-term performance. However, quality control seems to have gone down in the recent past. Many consumers are reporting breakdowns or loss of suction on newer vacuums, and replacement parts are often expensive.
13. Sears
Sears used to be a dependable brand, synonymous with quality service. In fact, those large doors used to say “100% satisfaction guaranteed.” But doors closed and guarantees were waived.
Mike Kalasnik from Jersey City, USA on Wikimedia
14. Levi’s Jeans
Levi's were once known for rugged denim and lasting fits. Today's models are made with thinner materials and cheaper stitching. This makes them wear out more quickly and easily. Fans of old-school Levi's can't help but notice.
15. Tonka Trucks
Tonka trucks used to be virtually indestructible toys, built to last for years. Newer versions have often been made with lighter materials and less sturdy construction, so they break more easily. This has been a source of disappointment for multiple generations who remember Tonka as being rugged and reliable.
16. Cable Channels
Cable channels that used to be known for a specific subject matter have moved to reality and entertainment programming. The shows that were supposed to enlighten or educate our curiosity are gone. It's just a parade of sensationalized, mundane series.
Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash
17. Black & Decker
Black & Decker tools used to be known for being home-durable and dependable. Many products today seem flimsier, lighter, and less durable. They also feel as if they break easier and don't last as long as past models. As a result, some longtime owners are now leery of trusting Black & Decker for heavy work.
18. Maytag
Maytag appliances were once advertised as virtually indestructible, with the now-famous "bored repairman" as their symbol. These days, they break down more often and do not last as long. They just are not as dependable as they used to be.
19. Cadbury Creme Eggs
Cadbury Creme Eggs used to be known for their large size and thick, creamy filling. The Cadbury Creme Eggs have shrunk over the years, and it’s totally unfair. It changes the entire experience of enjoying one of the most popular seasonal sweets.
Melissa Walker Horn on Unsplash
20. Hershey’s Chocolate
Old-style Hershey's chocolate bars, 15 years ago, were thick, milky, and decadent. The bars would build a very slight powdery layer naturally after a while. The bars they make now are thinner and less rich.
