Industry veteran urges consumers to think beyond price tags and invest in long-term value.

MINNETRISTA, MN / ACCESS Newswire / August 28, 2025 / Preston Knapp, whose journey from a high school DECA champion to an accomplished product and merchandising executive has spanned more than a decade, is challenging consumers to rethink how they approach purchasing decisions.

"Too often, people chase the lowest price and ignore the long-term costs," Knapp explains. "It leads to wasted money, frustration, and products that simply don't last."

Knapp's perspective comes from years of experience leading high-revenue categories and successfully revitalizing underperforming businesses. His approach has consistently emphasized performance, durability, and customer trust over quick wins. He notes that industry research backs this up, with consumers frequently regretting purchases made on price alone, while companies focusing on quality and reliability see stronger customer retention.

Why This Matters Today

In an era where e-commerce and global supply chains make it easier than ever to shop by lowest price, households are paying hidden costs through more frequent product replacements. Knapp argues this trend undermines both consumer satisfaction and long-term sustainability.

"Replacing something every year is not a deal," Knapp says. "True value shows up when quality, service, and reliability come together."

A Practical Call to Action

Knapp is not calling for regulation, but for consumers to take small, practical steps to shift market expectations. He advises shoppers to:

• Think about lifespan, not just price. Products that last longer almost always deliver greater value.

• Seek out proven performance. A history of reliability is more meaningful than marketing slogans.

• Pay attention to support. Warranties, service, and replacement parts make a real difference.

From Student Leader to Industry Voice
Knapp's ability to see the bigger picture began early. As a DECA competitor, he learned to analyze markets and present strategies that balanced cost and value - skills that carried into his career leading diverse portfolios across global organizations. Today, he leverages that same mindset to encourage smarter, more sustainable consumer choices.

"Every purchase is a vote," Knapp says. "If people demand better, businesses will rise to the challenge."

About Preston Knapp
Preston Knapp is a seasoned product and merchandising leader with more than 13 years of experience driving growth and repositioning business initiatives for long-term sustainability. From his early success as a DECA champion to his leadership roles in large organizations, Knapp has built a reputation for strengthening product pipelines, revitalizing underperforming areas, and advocating for smarter, value-driven consumer markets.

Contact: info@prestonknapp.com

SOURCE: Preston Knapp