Monday 14 November 2016

The regrets of an Internet shopper

Notes to self:

Because you like the blue one, and it fits, and it was a bargain, it doesn't necessarily mean you will like the pink one. Plus, you hate pink. Remember?

When you've got the garment out of the packaging, and tried it on, ask yourself this simple question: would I buy this if I were in a changing room and didn't have to pack it up and trudge off to the post office if I didn't like it? If the answer to this is no, then SEND IT BACK. Now. The regret you feel now will be as nothing compared to how you will feel six months down the line, when the damned thing is still sitting unworn in your wardrobe.

The same applies to gifts. The recipient won't appreciate that you spent hours choosing that Thing online if they - and you, secretly - know they probably won't like it.

Because something is in the sale, this does not mean it is nicer. In fact it's almost certainly not. That's why it's in the sale. You're tempted. Of course you are. But remember the old mantra: a bargain is not a bargain if it's not something you like or need.

If you see something you really, really like, and it's available in your size, and you can afford it, then BUY IT. Do not wait, and wonder, and brood, and finally decide, only to find it's now available in every size but yours.


16 comments:

  1. Jeez, I understand the bit about every size but mine.

    That said I do love Amazon, want something and it is delivered the very next day. Amazon had never let me down and that said, I do feel a bit guilty about the paltry pay and awful conditions the workers work under.
    Kind regards
    Anna :o]
    PS I am now a retired lady and will visit here more often. Do miss Magpie Tales...

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    1. Anna, I'm not realy talking about Amazon in particular, although I feel just the same as you do about them!

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  2. If I like the blue one, and it fits, I will buy the pink one - but then again, I like pink :-)

    Gifts are always a risk, aren't they... How is one to know the recipient will really like it unless the recipient has made a wish list so that you know exactly what they want?

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    1. You'r eright, Meike. Wish lists are usseful, but them seem so ...mechanical. I like to surprise people (though that can backfire badly!).

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  3. Internet shopping is just way too easy. I confess to having bought every single Christmas present online this year.

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  4. Amazon has transformed life for many of us who live in remote places. Ironically over all the years I've never had to send anything back to Amazon (I never buy clothes through that company) but have twice recently had to send faulty goods back to a well-know up-market department store. I suppose the difference is that the latter employed a human who rang me and offered an apology and compensation.

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    1. Yes. Rreal people are wonderful. Although with Amazon you can of course get a real person, but they often have such strong accents that I don't understand them. Sigh.

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  5. I rarely buy clothes via the internet as I have long since arrived at the conclusion that I really need to try things on first. That doesn't mean I don't sometimes make purchases that I later regret, though... You're so right about a bargain not being a bargain unless it's something you would really like anyway :)

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    1. I get the bargain thing wrong all the time, DT. I can't resist them.

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  6. I gave up mail order years ago for this very reason and have never got into buying on line. Always better to try on in the shop. I can see why busy people do it though.

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    1. We have very few clothes shops locally, Maggie, so online is often the only answer.

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  7. I don't buy clothes online. I don't buy many via any other method either.

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  8. I don't buy many clothes either, Patsy. The horse take up all my money.

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  9. Oh, my word, this rings so many bells! Mind you, our local charity shops have done very well out of all the awful mistakes I have bought over the years so I suppose all those dreadful buys were not totally wasted.

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    1. I'm off to Oxfam today, Gail. And to the post office to return a skirt...

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