Cheap Things Are Expensive!

How a $40 Bike Taught Me the True Cost of Being a Stingy African Parent

There are two types of people in Africa:

• Those who believe in value

• And those who believe in discounts that end in disaster

Now, I used to belong to group 2 — proudly so — until one bicycle humbled my entire bloodline. ��

The Day I Tried to Outsmart Economics****

It all started when I decided to buy a bike for my daughter.

I walked into a fancy shop — the kind where everything smells like imported plastic. They said the bike was $100. I laughed in economic distress.

“$100? For a bicycle that doesn’t even come with an engine?” No, sir. My ancestors didn’t survive colonialism for me to be this careless.

So like every seasoned budget African, I marched downtown. And there it was. Same colour. Same shape. $40!

My heart danced like it heard “Neria” playing in the background. I bought it instantly.

Budgeting is All Fun Until Chains Start Falling Off****

We got home. My daughter jumped on the bike — and on the first ride, the chain popped off like a stressed-out Zimbabwean trying to escape bills.

We took it back. They smiled and said:

“Don’t worry. It’s under guarantee.” (Notice how it wasn’t warranty, just guarantee — meaning, we only guarantee you’ll come back.)

They fixed it. Second month — chain again. This time, “no guarantee.” We paid $10. Next time, another part broke — $15. Add transport, sweat, and tears. My spreadsheet was now weeping.

By the third repair I realised: Cheap is a scam.

Total cost? $65, plus stress, plus disappointment, minus peace.

The $100 Revelation****

At that point, I swallowed my pride and went back to the original shop. Paid the full $100. No complaints. Five years later — that bike is still running. The first child outgrew it. The second child is now enjoying it.

And me? I’m just here… thinking about how trying to save money almost cost me more money.

Now Imagine Buying Chinese Tyres for Your Benz****

Let’s go deeper. You’re driving a car worth $15,000… And because you’re trying to “save,” you buy $15 tyres from a roadside vendor named Blessing.

Meanwhile, the proper Dunlop tyre is $60.

So what happens?

• The tyre bursts.

• You swerve.

• You end up on the pavement or in someone’s garden.

• And guess what? The funeral will cost your family $2,000.

But hey… you “saved” $45, right?

Lesson of the Day: There’s a Difference Between Price and Cost****

• Price is what you pay upfront.

• Cost is what you’ll keep paying later — in money, emotions, and regrets.

Sometimes the most expensive thing… is the cheap decision you made too quickly.