When I moved to Vancouver back in 2012, everyone advised me to invest in a good pair of rain boots. I initially brushed off their advice. They’re ugly “gumboots” (as us Aussies call them). Why in the world would I spend hard-earned dollars on those hideous things! 

(I also think I wildly underestimate how much time you spend with water around your feet as a florist!) 

So I didn’t invest. I was smug with my cheap “rain boots”… and then spent months being miserable because my feet were always cold and wet. (Not that I’d admit that to ANYONE.)

I finally caved and bought a pair of Aigle Boots. They were more expensive than I’d ever imagined spending on rain boots. (I actually think they’re the most expensive shoes I’ve ever bought! Even more than my fab GOLD boots!) 

But when you do the #girlmath on them, combined with how they changed my experience of living in wet weather—and even sometimes in the snow—those things were practically FREE. 

I’ve been wearing them for over 12 years now, they still look new and I regularly get compliments from people thinking they’re leather boots! 

The lesson? Quality matters, and sometimes, it’s worth the extra cost upfront.

This lesson is just as relevant in the business world. Here’s a few investments you should never skimp on. 

Website Copywriting: Imagine you’ve hired a copywriter to craft your website content. You go for a cheaper option, thinking you’re saving money. But when the copy isn’t quite right, you end up not updating your site because it doesn’t reflect your brand’s voice. You then have to hire another writer to fix it, doubling your costs and delaying your site’s launch.

Rebranding Efforts: You decide to rebrand your business and choose a low-cost designer who doesn’t “waste time” on the strategy, and just “makes a new logo”. The results are underwhelming, and the new brand identity doesn’t resonate with your target audience. Now, you’re stuck with a rebrand you can’t implement and need to spend more money on another designer to get it right.

Branding Photos: Investing in professional photography is crucial for your brand image. You might go for a cheaper photographer whose style isn’t aligned with your brand identity. The photos don’t represent your business well, and you’re left needing another photoshoot, wasting both time and money.

These scenarios are all too common. As business owners, it’s crucial to recognise the value of expertise and quality services. Yes, they might come with a higher price tag, but they also come with the assurance of professionalism, alignment with your brand, and long-term satisfaction.

So, next time you’re faced with a decision, remember my rain boots! Invest in quality from the start. Your business deserves the best, and sometimes, you don’t get a second chance to make things right.