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If Your DIY Project Costs More Than Buying It, Would You Still Do It?

posted 3 years ago in DIY
  • poll: If Your DIY Project Costs More Than Buying It, Would You Still Do It?
    Yes, it will be more customized and "me" if I DIY it : (9 votes)
    25 %
    No, I'd save the money and go with buying a cheaper generic version : (17 votes)
    47 %
    Maybe, explain below : (10 votes)
    28 %
  •  
    1.
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    Sugar bee
    cola    June 12, 2010   Married in Woodside, CA, Now Living in Raleigh, NC

    Just curious on what everyone's thoughts are on this.  If you had an awesome idea for a DIY project, but then when you priced it out and found it was more expensive to make it than to just buy it, did you still do it, for the fun of DIY'ing?  I've come across this situation myself, but am thinking of DIY'ing it anyway, since it will be more custom that way, and fun to do. 

    Attachments

    1. If Your DIY Project Costs More Than Buying It, Would You Still Do It? :  wedding diy make or buy Img 3k93p23o95V25R25S0a4i9c24d2dd744717a5..jpg (4.9 KB, 29 downloads) 1 year old
     
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    ejs4y8    June 20, 2009  

    I think it depends on what it was and how much I cared about it. If we're talking about LOTS of money, or a few bucks, etc.

    All of my DIY projects have been significantly cheaper than buying their counterparts, though.  

     
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    Sugar bee
    KateMW    8.30.03   Birmingham

    What EJS said... :)

    Attachments

    1. If Your DIY Project Costs More Than Buying It, Would You Still Do It? :  wedding diy make or buy Img 34513_1506425069995_1515330037_1313239.jpg (76 KB, 60 downloads) 1 year old
     
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    Bumble bee
    ilovenycmissie    September 2009   nyc

    no way, that's the whole point of DIY--to save money!

     
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    Blushing bee
    Theresainpa    5/15/2010   Pa

    Cheaper is the moral of my budget. You can even personalize a bought item if needed

     
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    Busy bee
    professorbee    8/8/09  

    I love to bake, and probably could have bought cheaper favors than what the ingredients cost.  But I think that homemade cupcakes and brownies are really appreciated, so I don't worry about the cost of that.  I think your decision depends upon your financial position, and how important this DIY project is to you. 

     
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    bearcub    September 2009   Portland / La Serena, Chile

    I'd absolutely still DIY!

    It depends on the project, though.  I really really like to be crafty, so if something inspires me, I love to use it as an excuse to try out a new technique (even if I could buy it for cheaper).  I think of it as learning a new skill, not just paying someone else to do it for me.

    There are definitely some things I would pay others to do for me if I could afford it (like flowers).

     
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    Helper bee
    katrinab    July 11, 2009   Boston, MA

    I am totally a DIY fan for the personalization aspect first and the money aspect second. I grew up in a very crafty household and I think people really appreciate things that you've done yourself (especially my mom--gotta keep her happy!) When you DIY you can get exactly what you want and feel proud of the product!

    However, if we are talking A LOT of money I might reconsider. Or, as I am now, starting to run out of time....I've learned I have to give myself some limits. Last month I almost had a nervous breakdown doing all our invitations + knitting a baby blanket for my cousin's shower. 

     
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    Busy bee
    mandalee0624    October 2, 2010  

    It depends b/c...

    A. I'd figure out some why it would save me money in the long run.

    B. I'm way too picky and did DIY b/c in the long run it would be easier and to my exact  specifications.

    C. I like DIY b/c it is something to do when I have nothing else to do and do not feel like reading or w/e...

    BUT, if it is something I didn't care about... and it was cheap, then w/e I'd get that.

     
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    aloweha      

    yes, definately - I love projects!

     
    11.
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    Busy bee
    Samisomsam    March 13, 2010   Longview, WA

    It depends on the project I think. I like the idea of being able to personalize with DIY and am doing a lot of it, but if I don't have time to do all of the projects I want to and if it's cheaper, I would buy it and then see about altering and personalizing then.

     
    12.
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    3,105 posts
    Sugar bee
    slicey19      

    If it is cheaper and looks cheaper I would still make it but if it looks good, I would most likely just buy it and use my time for another project.

    Attachments

    1. If Your DIY Project Costs More Than Buying It, Would You Still Do It? :  wedding diy make or buy Img Dress_store_fixed_1_copy.jpg (1794.4 KB, 22 downloads) 1 year old
    2. If Your DIY Project Costs More Than Buying It, Would You Still Do It? :  wedding diy make or buy Img My_dress.jpg (45 KB, 39 downloads) 1 year old
     
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    RoddyBride09    September 5, 2009   Bethlehem, PA

    I would think it all depends. Of course if I would save money buy purchasing a pre-made item it would be budget friendly but if it is "generic" I would probably still want to DIY it to make it more personal. I decided to purchase my invites but I am completely satisfied with them and since I am not experienced in the invitation area it was just cheaper (money wise & time wise) to go the purchasing route BUT for things like photocards, menus, etc. that will be all DIY.

    Attachments

    1. If Your DIY Project Costs More Than Buying It, Would You Still Do It? :  wedding diy make or buy Img wedding_dress_train.jpg (73.8 KB, 50 downloads) 1 year old
    2. If Your DIY Project Costs More Than Buying It, Would You Still Do It? :  wedding diy make or buy Img wedding_dress_back.jpg (101.9 KB, 43 downloads) 1 year old
    3. If Your DIY Project Costs More Than Buying It, Would You Still Do It? :  wedding diy make or buy Img wedding_dress.jpg (56.8 KB, 55 downloads) 1 year old
     
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    Buzzing bee
    mary-alice-me    May 24, 2009   Kentucky

    I agree with all those who say "it depends" on how rewarding the project will be and what the readymade alternative is like. Also, a big chunk of my DIY budget when I was getting started with the wedding was buying stuff that I will reuse (glue gun, paper cutter). I even have leftover pearls, leftover fabric, leftover everything.

     

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