Buyer’s remorse is a very real cultural phenomenon that affects us all at some stage. Whether you’ve splurged money or saved it, the nagging regret that creeps in after buying an item or service is universal. Here are 26 things that people almost always regret buying.
Uncomfortable Shoes
Making a questionable purchase in the name of fashion can cost us our comfort as well as our money. Many of us have bought a pair of heels or statement brogues that are the wrong size, simply because they look good. The state of our feet after a few outings soon causes a surge of regret.
Tight Clothes
The pressure to look good often leads people to buy ill-fitting clothes, influenced by the view that tighter is better. Buyer’s regret soon rolls in when zippers break or buttons fly after an indulgent dinner.
Designer Clothing
High-end fashion pieces rarely enhance our lives as much as we’d like them to. Many brands that are considered cultural icons aren’t as high quality as consumers are led to believe, which quickly leads to post-purchase regret.
Fabric Softeners
Once considered the hero of laundry, people are now realising that fabric softener isn’t a necessary purchase. Rather than making our clothes softer, these products deposit chemicals across fibres to simply mimic a softer feel. This can leave a residue, irritate sensitive skin, and make us wish we hadn’t spent the money.
Insurance
Buying insurance is a rational move, whether it’s to protect your home, valuables, pets, or family whilst abroad. Everyone wants to be protected in case of an emergency, but an insurance policy can feel like a waste of money when they are looking for countless reasons to disregard your claim.
Lottery Tickets
It’s no secret that the odds are stacked against you when it comes to winning the lottery, but the hefty cash prize is often too tantalizing to ignore. After numerous unlucky attempts, purchasing lottery tickets can feel like pouring money down the drain.
Natural Deodorant
They might be better for our skin and the environment, but natural deodorants often don’t work as well as they should. The chemical-free solution may work on cool days, but is no match for the summer heat.
Single-Use Items
From plastic bottles to cotton rounds, single-use items have made their way into countless shopping baskets. While they might be cheaper than reusable products, all they do is create unnecessary waste and an endless loop of buying more.
Pricey Weddings
Tying the knot is certainly a magical occasion, but the price tag of modern weddings can taint the honeymoon period with buyer’s remorse. Among the top spending regrets are the venue itself, decorations, flowers, and catering services.
A Boat
With a lifetime of savings and their career firmly behind them, many retirees chose to splash out on a boat or yacht. But instead of sailing into the sunset, boat owners are faced with hefty mooring fees and maintenance costs that can sour their dream purchase.
Cheap Paper Towels
Traditionally, single-use paper towels have been a more affordable option than their reusable counterparts. While the upfront cost is cheap, buyers soon regret their decision when their towels fall apart easily and clog their drains.
Makeup Wipes
On the surface, disposable makeup wipes are a convenient and affordable way to cleanse your face. Not only have they been proven to leave behind residue on our skin, but they can quickly build up in your pipes to cause a plumbing nightmare.
Fast Fashion
We’ve all been lured in by the expert marketing of fast fashion companies: from greenwashing to lofty claims of durability. Made at lightning speed in response to trends, these clothes are ultimately low quality and disposable, making us wonder why we chose to order them in bulk.
Cotton Buds
Everyone has a jar full of Q-tips lurking in a bathroom cupboard. While purchased with the best intentions of keeping our ears clean, they ultimately end up gathering dust.
Exercise Equipment
Covid-19 marked a resurgence in home workouts, with countless people ordering exercise equipment to beat isolation boredom. Instead of elevating their fitness, most people lamented their decision to buy expensive treadmills that barely fit in their living rooms.
Kitchen Equipment
Millions of us are susceptible to the latest kitchenware trends, from juicers and blenders to air fryers and rice cookers. But how many of us can say that we’ve used these products daily, or that we don’t miss the extra counter space?
Robot Vacuums
The prospect of ditching a regular vacuum cleaner for a robotic version has many people reaching into their pockets. Unfortunately, robot vacuums are prone to malfunctions and can’t tackle mess in the same way as a trusty Dyson.
Final-Sale Items
There’s nothing like spying a great deal after trawling through in-person or online sales. While discounted items are enticing, it’s worth remembering that final-sale items are a retail tactic to shift last season’s stock. Many bargain-hunters find that their purchases aren’t good quality, or that they buy more than they need.
Time-Shares
There are clear benefits of owning your vacation property, but time-shares historically cause more despair than joy. Studies show that a huge 85% of buyers regret their purchase, bogged down with maintenance fees and difficulty re-selling their time-share.
A Hot tub
Many homeowners purchase hot tubs in the hope they will transform their gardens into an oasis. While they can provide fun for all the family, hot tubs are notoriously expensive to run, clean, and maintain. All these additional costs can bring on a tidal wave of buyer’s regret.
Expensive Cars
Buying a luxury car is a lifelong goal that many achieve, but this swanky purchase can soon become a burden. A combination of expensive insurance, maintenance costs, and ever-decreasing value can make a designer car feel like a burden.
Small Appliances
We live in the age of tiny gadgets, from DIY tools to mini waffle makers. All of these are sold as space-saving, inexpensive ways to make our lives easier, but they can quickly pile up. One appliance quickly leads to five, creating a few “Why did I buy that?” moments.
Detox Products
Detox products such as juices and supplements make some lofty claims, to cleanse our bodies of ever-mysterious toxins. These wellness programmes might sound like they have the answers, but research indicates a lack of scientific evidence. Many people buy detox products, only to feel worse.
Cheap Body Spray
Perfume and cologne are expensive luxuries that make a sizeable dent in our wallets when we need a refill. Many people opt for cheap body sprays to save money but are quickly disappointed by the lack of staying power and sickly smell.
Outdoor Heating
In an attempt to make alfresco dining more comfortable, many of us bought outdoor heaters for the colder months. But whether it’s a fire pit or an electric heater, these purchases can be inefficient and costly.
Daily Planning Journals
Sticking to habits is difficult, especially when it comes to journaling. We’ve all bought a diary or daily planner that looks fantastic on our desk but gets very little in the way of use.
