What is Shitflation?
We all know what inflation is—prices keep going up for the things we buy. And many of us have heard of shrinkflation, where companies quietly reduce the size of their products while keeping prices the same. That pint of ice cream? Not really a pint anymore. That candy bar? Definitely smaller than it used to be.
But there’s another, more insidious trend at play: Shitflation.
Shitflation is the slow, steady decline in the quality of the things we buy. It’s not just that things cost more—it’s that they break faster, wear out sooner, and just aren’t made the way they used to be.
When Things Were Built to Last
My mom still uses the same Black & Decker hand mixer she got as a wedding gift in the 1970s. Bulletproof. I have a canvas backpack from 1991 that’s still in great shape. My childhood Lincoln Logs are now played with by my nephews and look brand new.
We all grew up with one of these right?
Compare that to today: appliances break within a few years, Amazon gadgets barely last a month, and even something as simple as an iron—a household staple—needs to be replaced every couple of years. When I was a kid, an iron lasted decades.
Toys are the absolute worst. Classic games like Simon, Rubik’s Cube, and Lite-Brite are still being made, but now they’re flimsy, brittle versions of what they used to be. The materials are cheap, the construction is poor, and companies know they can get away with it because we’ll either buy a replacement or give up.
The Disposable Economy
I bought a used car in 2023—a 2018 model. A few months after purchase, I flipped up the back seat to load some gear and discovered that the frame wasn’t steel, aluminum, or even fiberglass. It was compressed Styrofoam. Meanwhile, my 1965 Mustang has seats made of solid steel. What happened?
Shitflation happened.
Companies have realized they can make more money by making products that wear out quickly. They bank on the fact that:
You won’t bother to complain or ask for a refund.
Even if you do, the replacement will break just as fast.
Eventually, you’ll just accept that this is the new normal.
Fighting Back Against Shitflation
Shitflation is a choice that companies make. They cut corners, use cheaper materials, and design products to fail so that you have to keep buying them. And it’s not just about quality—many of these companies also use toxic materials, exploit workers, and engage in shady environmental practices.
But there’s another choice: rejecting the throwaway culture.
When you see a $15 wallet on Amazon, it might seem like a steal. But think about it—it was probably made in a sweatshop, out of plastic, and will be falling apart in a year or two. On the other hand, if you invest in something well-made, it will last for decades. That’s the philosophy behind everything I create: making products that will stand the test of time.
Support Companies That Do It Right
Not every company has given in to shitflation. Some brands still prioritize quality in my humble opinion—Fender guitars, Converse, Vans, Independent Trucks, Ben & Jerry’s. No company is perfect, but they stand by their products.
Quality still exists in some places.
So, the next time you’re shopping, think beyond price. Look at quality. Consider where it’s made, how it’s made, and who’s making it. Yes, it might cost a little more upfront, but in the long run, you’ll save money, reduce waste, and own something that actually lasts.
Let’s give a collective middle finger to shitflation and demand better.
