Quick Definition: You buy something and you regret buying it after it’s too late to take it back or do anything else about it. That’s some of what Fear of Buyer’s Remorse can involve.
Slightly longer Definition: You invest a large amount of money in something because you think it’s a good idea or got what you thought was a good deal only to find out that the product was a complete bust. You’re the punch line of every joke at work, your family left you and you are forced to fend for yourself in the wilderness because society has given up on you too. Meanwhile, the product that you purchased is your only companion as you aimlessly wander the barren wasteland that you have been exiled to. You stare at it, hating every part of it, wondering how Hell could have spawned such a destructive force that has brought nothing but hatred and self-loathing. As your final days come to an anticlimactic close, you cast the item over the edge of a cliff, watching as it spirals down towards the Earth, leaving behind nothing but a cloud of dust that emulates the feeling of quashed dreams. That’s more of what Fear of Buyer’s Remorse can involve. And to think, all of that happened just because Amazon wouldn’t refund your purchase.
What’s the Exchange Rate on a Fear of Buyer’s Remorse?
This kind of thing happens all the time. Whether it’s a small purchase like that summer you thought getting dreadlocks would look cool or a larger purchase like buying a house then getting a tattoo of said house on your leg to cover up the name of the girl you fell in love with at space camp, we’ve all made mistakes. Sometimes these mistakes can be fixed by taking your purchase back from whence it came and receiving money or something wonderful called store credit. That or you just give it to someone as an impromptu gift when you definitely didn’t forget it was their birthday. However, that is not always the case. Sometimes, you are stuck with what you bought and there is nothing you can do about it but try to utilize it for its intended purpose. It’s the kind of item you are always trying to make excuses for when someone just gives you the look. You know the look.
9/10 times the things you buy are great. They work well and you use them on a regular basis. They are reliable and always deliver exactly what was advertised. You show them off to your friends and family and, in a fit of jealous rage, they go and purchase one for themselves. Hell, they even buy one for the temperamental dog to keep it calm. Whatever the product may be, it’s great and everyone is happy with it. Of course, 9/10 means 1 item doesn’t quite fit the description and you end up with the feeling of remorse. Hence, Buyer’s Remorse.
Getting a Refund on Your Fear of Buyer’s Remorse
But what can be done about preventing this from happening? In this world, a “sure thing” doesn’t exist. You may do extensive research before handing over your money to the man who looks like he’s about to throw down a smoke ball and disappear into the night. But no matter how much preparation you do, the mistake has been made and now you are stuck with that leg-shaped lamp and even Ralphie is mocking you though the kid just shot his own eye out with a BB gun. Three people will understand the reference.
Best advice I can give you would be to always do as much research as you can before you buy something. Don’t buy something on a whim just because it looks pretty at the store. Unless it’s awesome. Think about it to consider the pros and cons. Determine if the item is a NEED or a WANT. Knowing the difference between the two is also important. And don’t let the sales people tell you any different. Consider wearing earplugs when you go shopping. If you are buying it online, make sure it is from a credible source. For example, I wouldn’t recommend purchasing a washing machine from a toy store because it probably doesn’t actually plug into anything and buying a second one from the same source probably won’t help either. Speaking of which: Does anyone want to buy two washing machines from me? I’ll give you a good deal.
