When a normal office worker experiences an equipment failure (computer dying, desk drawer jamming, network outage, printer failure, etc.) there is usually somebody they can call for immediate help. A well skilled administrator / engineer / etc. can normally correct a problem in under an hour. As a remote worker you simply do not have that luxury. Replacements / repairs can take several days to complete, and this is time you cannot ever get back. More to the point, most businesses consider more than just price when making an equipment purchase -and so should you. Buying cheap equipment is a temptation to be avoided. Always get the very best equipment you can possibly afford.

This includes the obvious things like laptops, routers, printers, etc. It also includes not so obvious things like desks, and chairs. For example, a cheap office chair can be purchased for around $80 -and it will look and feel great for about a year. Then you will find yourself needing a replacement -another $80. Every year you will have to replace this chair. However, a decent mid-range office chair will run you around $300 -which seems like a lot. However, a chair like this will easily last 6 - 7 years. A high-end office chair will set you back $800 to $1000, but will likely last longer than you.

Remember that cheap != inexpensive. If you take your time and shop around you can often get high quality equipment for fairly low prices. You have to be the judge here, use your brains and think carefully before making the purchase. If there is any concern whatsoever about the potential quality or capability of the equipment then don't buy it. Getting a great price on a crappy piece of equipment is never a bargain.