Shop. Return. Repeat.
Posted on November 30, 2006 34 Comments
I’m a chronic returner. I shop, I buy, I take home, I love, I regret, I return. It’s the story of my shopping life.
Recently I’ve returned a pair of inordinately expensive jeans (I bought them knowing full well I’d return them; they were looked great but too expensive), a pair of boots I wasn’t sure I liked in the first place and a winter coat that I bought online (it didn’t fit). I just ordered a pair of Uggs that I haven’t decided if I’m keeping due to the price. I need to get them home and feel them out first.
Is it technically considered buyer’s remorse if you don’t purchase items with the intent to keep them? I often buy two of the same things at the same time to bring home and duel it out for my affections. Sometimes I even take pictures of myself in new outfits, e-mail them to my friends and make them choose. Other times I return both.
You see, I’m a slave to the spontaneous purchase. I crave instant gratification for fulfillment at the store. After I get a “win” at work, I head right to the store to reward myself with something nice. Likewise, when things go poorly, nothing eases my mind like the nearest department store.
And yet… when I come home, my purchases haunt me. I leave them in bags for days, as they taunt me, “You can’t afford me. What are you doing?” I consider, do I really need this, or do I just want this? I try to separate the rational from the irrational. For instance, do I want Uggs because they’re warm and will last forever? Or do I want them because they look really cute with skinny jeans? I’ll try and convince myself that warmth, dryness and durability trump the cuteness factor, but there are plenty of other boots out there that do the same, only cheaper.
Return policies provide peace of mind. If I return something and I wish I still had it, I can always go back and get it. But I’ll let you in on a secret…I never do. One hundred percent of the time, a weight is lifted from my shoulders when I return an item. I’ve had a chance to own it, and even though I’ll never wear it, I’m simply done with it.
So what is it about shopping that keeps me coming back? Why go to the trouble of picking out an item, trying it on, waiting in lines, then coming back the next week to wait in the same line and get my money back, with nothing to show for it? Maybe it’s the thrill of the hunt (the bargain hunt, that is, heh-heh). Maybe it’s the gratification that’s lacking from the rest of my life – after a job well done, a spiritual self-pat on the back just doesn’t cut it, if you know what I mean. Whatever the reason – and I’m sure there are a million – shopping and returning seems to be my way of coping.
Category: Uncategorized
Comments
34 Responses to “Shop. Return. Repeat.”
Leave a Reply
November 30th, 2006 @ 5:40 am
Hi, I don’t know if I’ve ever talked here before…
I have the same problem as you. I love buying stuff. I even only shop off the sales racks, and I still regret buying things. The problem with me is, I don’t have a car. So once I buy something I’d better either really like it or really hate it. Otherwise, I will be neutral and will just talk about returning it and not do it.
I really like the idea of taking a picture of yourself and sending it around to friends to see what they say! Genius!!
Amy
November 30th, 2006 @ 6:42 am
Wow what a great post! I thought I was the only one who returned so much!
I was at Banana Republic and bought a pair of dress pants on sale. They look perfect, feel great and are the right size. It’s just on the expensive side being $54.99. this summer i bought a top at Nordstrom and left it in the closet for days and took pictures of myself in it and sent it to my sister for advice.
it really is that instant gratification that makes me so happy about my purchase. after a long hard day at work, there’s noting more satisfying for some reason than buying something. every time this happens i have to check in with reality and ask myself “do i really need it” or “am i buying it because it makes me happy.”
November 30th, 2006 @ 6:44 am
Hi Nicole. First off, I love reading your blog. Keep up the good work. Back to the Uggs, though. My sister just bought some Ugg look alikes for $30 at Costco. I know that not all Costco’s carry the same items, but it might be worth checking out if you’ll be needing to buy anything in bulk sometime soon.
November 30th, 2006 @ 11:36 am
I know what you mean! I currently have a bag of Banana Republic returns sitting in my room.
I always get buyer’s remorse.
November 30th, 2006 @ 2:11 pm
1. Be careful with all the returns. Stores are starting to take down information of chronic returners and won’t let you do so after so many times.
2. Uggs are cute but more importantly they are practical, especially in such a cold winter state. Knockoffs cost more in the long run because they fall apart and then you end up buying the real pair!
Love the blog!
November 30th, 2006 @ 4:07 pm
It is tough for me. I used to do the samething but I ended up having to cut myself off
. I am a natural procrastinator and would often put off taking items back and end up going over the return time. Then I was stuck with them.
December 1st, 2006 @ 1:45 am
I seem to be undecided on purchases as well lately! But, then I remember that some of my biggest “splurges” were on some higher quality stuff. I bought two winter coats at JCrew that cleaned out my clothing budget for months, but that was five years ago and they still look great. Plus, you don’t have to buy the same stuff every year and you can shop for different things, right?! Yay!
December 1st, 2006 @ 11:44 pm
At least you return items. I never return them. I lose the receipt. I get too lazy to go back to the store. If I buy it, its in my closet for better or worse. I also agree with the shopping as a reward and “make me feel better” activity. A small purchase isn’t a bad way to pick yourself up or say nice job as long as it doesn’t get out of hand. A cheap necklace can give me the same high as a new jacket.
December 2nd, 2006 @ 5:10 am
I’m missing that (predominantly) female shopping gene, I guess. I hate shopping, and I hate returning things…I generally only buy something if I absolutely love it and am sure I will use it, or unless it’s so inexpensive that I don’t need to worry about getting sufficient use out of it to justify the cost.
December 2nd, 2006 @ 9:21 am
Everybody faces the problem regret after buying things, isn’t it similar to regretting after marriage. Good post there, I will try send my pics to some some of my friends before final buy. Thats a neat idea.
December 2nd, 2006 @ 9:30 am
you must buy patiencly rather taking quick descisions , that may solve your problem
December 4th, 2006 @ 12:59 am
I totally do this all the time – I return things when I get home and realize the bills are too high for me to afford what I bought, or that the kids need something and I feel guilty that I spent on myself. On the other hand, sometimes I deny myself too much out of guilt, so I have to learn that it’s OK to occasionally treat myself to something new if bills are ok, kids are fine, food’s on the table, have enough gas in the car, etc.
So don’t worry so much, BB – we all do it!
December 4th, 2006 @ 5:12 am
I do it too… I did it so much with one store i got embarrassed and made my brother go the last time to return it. (in my defense, i had bought stuff for him but he didn’t like it, I just couldn’t face the same manager again) Also, stores online that have free shipping and I can return in store I order random stuff from even if I’m doubtful it will look good- I figure I have nothing to lose. ahhh i want to stop though!
December 5th, 2006 @ 2:29 am
For me, I just see something, and then put it on hold or say: I’ll come back. And if I can’t stop thinking about it, I’ll go back and buy it. Right now I’m lemming after this hot black and pink clutch but it’s too short and squat to be practical
December 5th, 2006 @ 3:00 am
I tend to be a ‘chronic returner’ too. There was an interesting article on msn money about this very subject. click here to read it.
Apparently Filene’s Basement made headlines when it banned two sisters for returning too much stuff and complaining too often — behaviors the company said tied up too much staff time
December 5th, 2006 @ 4:13 pm
Hey Nicole,
I believe this is the first time I am leaving a comment, but I love your blog. I understand your delimma; I am about the most indecisive person out there. However, I can’t let a bargain ” deal” go by. I often buy it, although I may not necesarily need it and then it sits it my closet for a few days and then I return it. Good thing I keep all my receipts. As far as my opinion about the Uggs, a quality item that you will use is worth the money. When you buy knock offs, the quality isn’t there and you will end up buying a new pair for next season. Just mentally weigh how much you will actually wear the Uggs and go from there.
December 5th, 2006 @ 6:40 pm
I love your blog and read it regularly. IMHO, buying and then returning always seems like such a waste of time to me. I had a friend who used to do that a lot and have one who does it a bit now, and each to their own. I mean, I will return something if I have a reason to do it, but to do it just as a sort of form of recreation, nada. I’d rather window show and try on stuff and go home with nothing, or a $5.00 purchase. It makes me feel powerful to try things on and then not buy somehow. Keep up the good work, Nic, your blog is awesome!
December 6th, 2006 @ 7:37 am
Another entertaining piece!
As a shopper, I am drawn to trendier pieces. Fortunately, I have my sister with me to stop me from my “What was I thinking? purchases. Thank goodness my sister has great taste. I rank her up there with Stacey London from What not to Wear!
God bless America and it’s generous return policy lol
December 28th, 2006 @ 8:13 am
best site
http://www.lingeries.co.in/
December 28th, 2006 @ 8:15 am
best site
http://www.lindsaylohan.co.in/
December 28th, 2006 @ 8:17 am
best site
http://www.cat1.biz/
December 28th, 2006 @ 8:20 am
best site
http://www.cruise1.biz/
October 10th, 2007 @ 9:37 am
Viagra is a drug that is prescribed for a very fragile disease like erectile dysfunction. Hence people prefer to go for this drug after going through the viagra info sites. In these sites people get all the information required and related to the drug.
October 27th, 2007 @ 11:01 am
Online weight loss medications and programs are becoming very popular throughout the world with dietitians. However, not all programs of weight loss are created equal and some are even unnecessary.
Acomplia weight loss drug is an anorexic against obesity drugs. It is a cannabinoid receptor antagonist CB1. Acomplia Rimonabant has been found to stop the food enough to help people lose weight, and could also help reduce the urge other unhealthy as smoking.
Florinef weight loss drug is a corticosteroid used to help your body maintain the proper balance of water and minerals. Florinef pills can also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Hoodia weight loss medication is pure weight loss supplement. Do not be fooled by counterfeit products. Hoodia Gordonii More Hoodia comes directly from South Africa. Not Mexico, China or other so-called Hoodia exporting countries. More sales Hoodia Gordonii directly help the South African Bushmen tribes.
Meridia weight loss drug (sibutramine) is a weight loss aid, prescribed together with a larger plan of diet and exercise for people who need to lose 30 pounds or more, or for overweight people with additional factors risk (high cholesterol, hypertension).
Proactol weight loss medication is a daily supplement clinically proven that easily help to reduce excess body weight and become attractive, slender person you have always wanted to be. Proactol will absorb up to 28% of fat in everything we eat.
Regenon weight loss medication is used in the short term treatment of obesity. Reduce the effect their appetite tends to decrease after a couple of weeks. Because of this, these drugs are useful only during the first weeks of a program for weight loss. Regenon can help you lose weight while you are learning new ways to eat and exercise. Changes in eating habits and activity level should be developed and continued long-term in order to continue to lose weight and maintain the weight lost from returning.
Tenuate weight loss medication decreases appetite. It is used on a short-term (a few weeks), in combination with diet, to help you lose weight. This drug is sometimes prescribed for other uses; Offices You can address your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Xenical Weight Loss medication a gastrointestinal lipase inhibitor used in the management of obesity in adult and adolescent patients age 12 and older. This medicine may be used during the weight loss phase or following weight loss to assist in weight management. This medicine works by inhibiting the digestion of fats from the diet and should be used with a reduced-calorie diet.
December 9th, 2007 @ 3:04 am
sybian rides sybian rides
Lesbian Machine Fucking Lesbian Machine Fucking
Fucking Machines fucking machines
Pussy Fucking Machines Pussy Fucking Machines
sybian ass sybian ass sex machine
Sybian Sex Machine Sybian Sex Machine
sybian sex machine renee sybian sex machine
Fucking Machines fucking machines
Fucking Machine shop electric fucking machine shop
December 27th, 2007 @ 10:03 pm
Hawaii warriors quarterback 2007 hesiman award winner and top nfl draft pick earns diploma with hawaii.
Colt Brennan
Colt Brennan 2007 Heisman
Hawaii Warriors Colt Brennan
2008 NFL Draft Colt Brennan
Colt Brennan Diploma
February 10th, 2008 @ 12:24 pm
viagra for sale http://viagra-for-sale.com
June 7th, 2008 @ 8:35 am
Generic Viagra
Online Generic Viagra
buy generic viagra cialis
Buy generic viagra cialis propecia
Buy generic cialis tadalafil
Generic cialis
Tadalafil
Buy generic viagra sildenafil
Generic viagra
Sildenafil
Propecia
Finasteride
Vardenafil
generic levitra
Buy generic levitra
August 3rd, 2008 @ 8:48 am
Buy Nexium Online
Buy Prilosec Online
Buy Premarin Online
Buy Flomax Online
Buy Glucophage Online
Buy Tramadol Online
Buy Allegra Online
Buy Phentrimine Online
Buy Herbal Phentermine Online
April 16th, 2009 @ 9:32 pm
If you, like so many others, are in the market for Generic Viagra, buying Online Pharmacy no Prescription is your best bet for finding fantastic deals on high quality generic medications. We understand that so many people are struggling to make ends meet in these difficult times, and health insurance does not always include prescription coverage. More Info at: http://www.safemeds.com/
April 17th, 2009 @ 8:50 pm
Why do you sell Canada generic Viagra online? We sell our Online Pharmacy no Prescription because it enables us to reach a greater customer base and provide meds to those who otherwise would not be able to afford them. Because we operate online and ship direct from the manufacturer, we save on marketing and inventory costs, bringing down. For More info Visit: http://www.xlpharmacy.com
November 26th, 2009 @ 6:55 am
Cialis is the best drug when you are facing severe problem of male erection dysfunction.It can provide you the desired results you may not have got from intake of other medicines/ products.
Online Pharmacy | Buy Viagra | Buy Tramadol | Buy Cialis | Buy Fioricet | Buy Ultram | Buy Soma | Buy Tamiflu | Buy Levitra
November 26th, 2009 @ 6:23 pm
If you've been diagnosed with ED (erectile dysfunction) you can Buy Cialis online for full customer satisfaction. order cheap cialis prescription or buy tadalafil at the best prices from buy specialist pharmacy.
February 17th, 2010 @ 8:53 pm
I really like this blog, you are very good making them. I say that the issue discussed in this blog is quite interesting and of high quality.