Anna Agoncillo
Words cannot describe how overwhelming the retail prices have been due to the Christmas and Year-end promotions. I bought a quality Kat Von D lipstick for S$13.20 (i.e., original price was S$32). That price is equivalent to the lipsticks found at the drugstore! It was insanely cheap. I did not regret this purchase! In fact, I shared the coveted information to my friends.
Despite my shopping highs, I had my lows. I bought a S$39 hand cream by accident. How can I be so dumbfounded? Well, I saw this product on a sale rack that was mislabeled. Fortunately, I was able to replace the item with several items within the price tag. I resolved the unwanted tension I felt inside. Said unwanted tension is called buyer’s remorse.
Buyer’s remorse (i.e., the feeling of regret after purchasing something) happens to the best of us. We are psychologically wired to focus on desire. This is why it is best to avoid the shopper’s trap. Consider these tips:
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#1: COME PREPARED
Upon entering the glittering halls of Sephora, my sister posed a firm question. “What do you want to buy?”, she said. She believes that it is important to have an item in mind before entering a store. She is certainly right! I walked out with a single item from my favorite brand – Nudestix.
To prevent the common pitfall of impulse purchase, you must do your research prior to shopping. Look through the online reviews as well as the opinion of your peers. Married couples may employ a general rule of purchase. For instance, items over S$100 should be discussed. This rule will help you spend within your means.
#2: SET A BUDGET
Last night, my mother and I went to the nearby grocery to buy toiletries. I did not bring any cash and she brought S$15. I was fine with that as we only needed a pack of facial tissue and two toothbrushes. However, she was repeatedly attracted with other items such as the broom and the wet wipes. Having limited cash helped us to identify the unnecessary items in our cart.
It goes without saying that a realistic budget can help you avoid the unwanted sting of buyer’s remorse. Steer away from the tempting plastic cards! Bringing a fixed amount of cash is a surefire way to strictly follow through your budget. The fixed amount relies on what you are willing to spend on that day. It is best to spend the money that you already have.
#3: WALK AWAY
One of the hardest things to do is to walk away from a seemingly tempting offer. Retailers rule you with posters that highlight limited offers and flash sales. These so-called bargains support impulsive buying behaviors. To save your wallet, just walk away! If you are not willing to purchase an item on its full price, you are better off without it.
Remove yourself from the pressure zone by asking the store to hold the item for at least 24 hours. If there is still a need to get it, go back for it. The passing time in between gives you a chance to rethink the value of your purchase.
