Products (or services) which have a significant difference in life cycle cost when comparing high-end versus low-end purchases option, should have such differences clearly labeled out for consumers to be informed.

For example, a low-end washing machines which washes 200 loads per year but lasts only 5 years would likely cost nearly double per load than the purchase of a high-end washing machine which may last 20 years. These industry (or producer) averages should always be updated (annually) to reflect the most current statistics.

The same could be applied to cars and a host of other purchases, including software products, which could have very significant down-stream costs due to design inefficiencies.

This may be a good incentive to encourage producers to make better quality, longer-lasting products.