Everyone knows that just because something is cheaper doesn’t mean it is necessarily a better deal but we still come across this belief often enough as we prepare proposals.

Mint.com put out an interesting article about this very topic. “Before you start buying on price alone, remember … for some items, it actually does pay more in the long run, to pay a little bit more upfront.” There are four areas that the article touches on where cheaper is not better and we think the same can be applied to video production.

When It Impacts Your Health:
While it’s true that video production doesn’t usually affect your health per se, choosing a production company solely on cost can cause you more stress in the end than it is worth. “If you decide to pursue a physical activity like running, cycling, yoga, or skiing, spending a little extra money for equipment that meets your specific frame and needs can mean the different between injury and health.” Professional expertise may cost a little more than doing it yourself, but it is a lot cheaper than having to do the same project twice – and we’ve seen that happen several times.

When You’ll Wear It Often
“When it comes to shoes and apparel, value and quality are interrelated.” If you got a great deal on a pair of shoes that fell apart after the first wear, is it really a good deal? The same holds true in video. Just as Amy Matto says about her fashion, “Apparel not only looks better when time and effort is taken to construct each piece with precision, but it also lasts longer!” The time, effort and professionalism needed to create quality video have exactly the same effect.

When It Improves Your Quality of Life
“Think quality over quantity…Be realistic about the items you use every day, and spend accordingly.” When it comes to creating video for your specific purpose, you have to think about the message you are sending, the longevity of the campaign, and what you want to get out of it. Taking the time to produce one, high quality video rather than multiple mediocre videos can make the difference in attracting and motivating your audience.

When It’ll Go The Extra Mile
Mint: “Some products, though more expensive, actually come with a guarantee behind quality—which help to make their higher price worthwhile for the long haul.” Finding a company to partner with you on your project means you’re all in it together – a guarantee of success for both parties.