True.. it can get even more expensive if you fail to do the research and make smart purchases.
Review videos are great to watch for general information and function on items like guns and compressors. But we really need to consider the sources of these reviews. Many of these folks will give good reviews just to keep the free stuff coming to review.
We also have to be wary of marketing hype. These forums are a good source of "in the field" experience but even some of that can be a bit misleading. I mean, who wants to make a pricey purchase and report that they may have made a mistake in their choice?
And we have the "brand fans". These are the folks that believe that there is only one worthy brand/model on the market.
It's a new World for the consumer these days with the current tariff struggles and such. Shipping costs are also rising all the time. Best to find a source that have items available within the US for shipping.
Warranties and parts availability are an important part of customer service as is communication. These are machines and will fail at some point.
I don't believe in "buy once, cry once". I don't want to buy and cry at all.