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Buyer’s remorse is real—here’s how you can avoid it

Like any other person who has been quarantined at home for the last four months, my shopping habits have reached uncontrollable levels. I have parcels and baked goods coming in and cash going out every single day. And because we are in the midst of not just a global health crisis, but an economic one too, I’m now rethinking the things I’ve bought and unfortunately, the packages that are still, right this very second, on the way to my home.

I can’t just turn them away or dispose of them now since I’ve already paid for them but perhaps a bit of foresight would have helped me get out of feeling buyer’s remorse now. I’m feeling it now, but it doesn’t mean that you have to. So here are some questions (that I honestly should’ve asked myself first) to help you make sure that you get your online shopping haul without the guilt that can come with it.

Do I really need it?

When I see something I really like, I ask myself why I like and why I think I need it. I have saved myself from piles of unused clothes this quarantine by asking this question every time I add something to my cart. Liking something is different from needing it and when you fail to tiptoe that fine line, that’s usually when buyer’s remorse hits. It’s also important to evaluate an item based on what you need it for. Always think what will you need it an item for so you can save yourself from purchases that are most likely never gonna be used or worse, purchases that you thought would serve your needs but didn’t.

If you’re buying just because you’re trying to take advantage of free shipping or you’re buying something just because you haven’t bought something in a while, then it’s probably best to leave the app and forget it. One tip I learned from my frugal-won’t-buy-this-until-the-old-one-is-literally-breaking-down parents is to sleep on it. If you still like it tomorrow, then that’s when you can go out and buy it—or in this case, that’s when you can finally check it out and arrange payment and shipping details.

Is there a cheaper option?

Buyer’s remorse is often set into motion by the realization that you did not get what you paid for. Of course, in most cases paying a lil’ bit more ensures that you get a quality product. But online resellers have made that a bit of an obstacle. One seller will price an item reasonably and another will price the same item…not-so reasonably (read: too expensive). Aside from checking out the item you want in multiple stores, one of the ways you can make things cheaper is to watch out for deals and discounts. A rewards membership, like ZRewards by Zeal, usually does the trick and ensures you have a quality item at a cheaper price. Their wide database of partner establishments allows you to get a deal from various stores too, so you know it’s not just a one-time lucky thing. Ultimately, discounts and deals are really great ways for you to have quality products without shelling out too much.

Does it make me happy?

Ultimately, what will save you from buyer’s remorse is the happiness you experience when using the product. Marie Kondo already told you this, but I’m here to reiterate. The act of scrolling through online shops and adding to your virtual cart can be thrilling and fun but that’s just fleeting. If you buy groceries to make your family a meal, if you buy clothes and makeup to make you feel more confident about yourself, if you buy a videoke set that will help you bond more with your quarantine roomies, then that purchase will be worth it.

At the end of the day, shopping and buying smart is the only way to avoid buyer’s remorse. Part of buying smart is knowing how to manage your way around deals and discounts and that’s when ZRewards by Zeal comes in, too. Their website hosts the discount promos available in the shops they’re partnered with that you can use to make buying a bit easier and guilt-free. Membership also is free, so that’s one less thing to pay for. The variety of their brand partners will also help any shopper evaluate the range of products and pick out the best one based on the price and of course, their need for it. While it’s fun to live the “treat yourself” motto, it might be time to rein in those shopaholic instances, or at the very least, manage your e-wallet a bit more responsibly.

Photo by OneSave/Day on Unsplash

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