You told yourself that you would only window shop, and yet you ended up going home with your car's trunk filled with shopping bags. Or perhaps you went to the dealership to purchase a sedan but the salesperson convinced you that you actually need a sports car.
Now you are suffering from buyer's remorse. It happens even to the best people. Here's how to prevent that in the future.
Research before you buy
It is a good idea to set a price limit on your purchases. Say, for example, if you are planning to buy any item over $50, you should perform thorough research first and your significant other should give his or her approval first. This can help you avoid buying something that you don't actually need.
Save for it
Practice delayed gratification. It may be tempting to buy something especially if you have extra money lying around. But slowly saving up for a big-ticket item will help you better appreciate your purchase. Plus, your wallet will thank you for avoiding an impulse purchase.
Play the waiting game
One trick every marketer needs to master is making their product seem like it is scarce or only available for a limited time. That may not always be true for all situations. Don't take their bait. If you are seriously considering buying something, wait one to two days and reconsider your purchase.
Defend your purchase
Another great way to avoid buyer's remorse is to justify your purchase. Do you really need it or are you simply trying to keep up with the Joneses? Try writing your reasons and show this to your spouse and friends. If your reasons are compelling enough to convince others, go ahead and buy it.
Take stock of what you have
Tech manufacturers are notorious for releasing new models on a constant basis. If you are salivating for a new phone or tablet even if your current one is still working fine, consider what the advantages of upgrading to a new one are. If you are going to use the new gadget essentially the same way as you do your current device, or if the new version offers nothing revolutionary in terms of specs, hold on to your older device.
Now you are suffering from buyer's remorse. It happens even to the best people. Here's how to prevent that in the future.
Research before you buy
It is a good idea to set a price limit on your purchases. Say, for example, if you are planning to buy any item over $50, you should perform thorough research first and your significant other should give his or her approval first. This can help you avoid buying something that you don't actually need.
Save for it
Practice delayed gratification. It may be tempting to buy something especially if you have extra money lying around. But slowly saving up for a big-ticket item will help you better appreciate your purchase. Plus, your wallet will thank you for avoiding an impulse purchase.
Play the waiting game
One trick every marketer needs to master is making their product seem like it is scarce or only available for a limited time. That may not always be true for all situations. Don't take their bait. If you are seriously considering buying something, wait one to two days and reconsider your purchase.
Defend your purchase
Another great way to avoid buyer's remorse is to justify your purchase. Do you really need it or are you simply trying to keep up with the Joneses? Try writing your reasons and show this to your spouse and friends. If your reasons are compelling enough to convince others, go ahead and buy it.
Take stock of what you have
Tech manufacturers are notorious for releasing new models on a constant basis. If you are salivating for a new phone or tablet even if your current one is still working fine, consider what the advantages of upgrading to a new one are. If you are going to use the new gadget essentially the same way as you do your current device, or if the new version offers nothing revolutionary in terms of specs, hold on to your older device.