An interesting startup idea might be providing some kind of financing for higher quality goods. If the problem is that they don't sell well because the initial price is much higher than throwaway junk, then spread the initial price over a longer period, with the lifetime warranty as finance-cost-reducing collateral?

It's easy to finance consumer purchases these days, but I don't know if there is any financing program specifically aimed at highly durable stuff (besides cars), like consumer goods with lifetime warranties.