Creative Ads.... Remember this one?

I just happened to run across this ad a few days ago and the message continues to resonate. I must admit, it made me stop and think for a moment. In my thinking I concluded that I was a victim of this conditioning, rationalization, and subliminal brain-washing.



Not that I always spend the extra money when I should but I usually can't keep from calculating the risk of not spending the extra money and buying the more expensive product.

This ad was produced for Fram products. Fram, characterized by their bright orange coloring and black letters produced several types of automotive products but they were primarily known for their oil filters. The message in the ad "You can pay me now, or pay me later" clearly stated that you could spend a few extra dollars and buy a quality oil filter and prolong the life of your car's engine. Or you could buy a cheaper, non-Fram, product and change your oil less frequently which would yield untimely damaged to your engine resulting in expensive repairs or replacement costs.

The end result..... I'm constantly doing the mental math.

(assume I buy a new computer)

Do I spend a few extra bucks and buy the warranty coverage or pay the huge repair bill in 4 months when it breaks?

(assume my breaks are squeaking on my car)

Do I take it in now and replace the pads or wait a few months and then have to do a complete rotor job for 3 times the money?

You get my message don't you?

The funny thing, I don't think I purposely bought Fram products thinking that they would ward off costly repair bills. But I'm sure I've purchased some other "more expensive" product assuming the quality would save me money in the future.


I wonder how much money I've saved over the years!

I wonder if I should sue Fram for mental trauma!