buy better quality/up market items

I find this to be a challenge in general. Amazon and Walmart killed recognizable name brands as quality markers. Walmart forced their suppliers (some of which were name brands) down in quality and prices in order to maintain shelf space, and Amazon is just a haven for rip-off and junk goods.

But the only places you can find quality with good warranty periods in my experience is ultra-high end suppliers in very top line stores. For instance, I'm trying to buy a leather jacket and everywhere I look both online or in person seems like a junk expo...except if you look at very high end stuff (800+ minimum, 1-2k median).

I've had similar problems with furniture, and even home goods recently. The only place I've had any luck at all is Costco.

PS: I do agree that small town America gets even more screwed because they don't have the high end stores to speak of.