Bestie, you might want to pause before you make that impulse purchase.
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Online shopping has become a part of everyday life. Apps such as Lazada and Shopee make it easier to buy whatever we want. In fact, other apps like TikTok and Instagram have their own shopping features. You can conveniently find pretty much anything online (often at cheaper prices), and if you really want to, you probably never need to leave your house to shop ever again. Yet, this leads to a big problem: overconsumption.
The fact that it is so easy to buy whatever we want at the click of a button proves that we can definitely get carried away. Part of the online shopping experience is the high you feel when you hit the checkout button. In the wise words of Troye Sivan, we feel the rush. Unfortunately, after the rush comes the waste. I’m not proud to admit, but I’ve found myself sorting through my things and asking myself “Why did I even get this?”.
If you’ve found yourself in a similar situation (hey twin!), it’s definitely a sign that we’re buying more than we need, and that’s something we do not need to do with the world we live in now. So, before you add to cart, pause and answer these questions if the purchase is worth it.
SO… ARE YOU GONNA USE IT?
If you’re the type to aimlessly scroll on your FYP, you might have seen TikTok videos of people doing massive (no really, it’s kind of crazy) hauls. They usually consist of cheap items ranging from clothing, home decor, and beauty products. This type of content has become super popular on social media, turning into a whole genre of content aka haul videos.
While we can brush these videos off as simply “satisfying” or “entertaining”, it definitely sets the idea in our heads that buying this much stuff is normal. In reality, creators who make this type of content either return or give their stuff away. If we bought the same amount of things these influencers buy, we would not get enough use out of them, not to mention how much we’d have to spend.
Also, with how cheap items have become (which can also be a red flag as you consider whether the people who made those products got paid and are treated fairly), it gives the illusion that we get the best deals (which can further tempt us to buy more than we need). It’s always good to consider whether you’ll use something long-term. This is to ensure that you’re actually getting your money’s worth and that you won’t find yourself throwing a bunch of stuff away or they end up just collecting dust at the corner.
IS IT FOR FOREVER? OR IS IT A TREND?
Let’s talk fashion. The trend cycle has gotten faster ever since fast fashion started booming online. This has led to many more garments being made every year, and, as a consequence, so much more fashion waste. Trends (and microtrends) are falling in and out of style faster than ever. While still discovering my style, I often found myself looking at trends and thinking that I would automatically like them because they were popular. I’d find a cheap dupe and buy it, only to realize I didn’t love it. Truthfully, I’d found myself in this situation multiple times, and it’s not something I’m proud of.
We often find ourselves getting lost in trends, and it’s not just hard on our wallets but hard on the planet. With over 92 billion tonnes of textile waste being produced every year, it’s important that we consider getting clothes (and all items in general) that we know we’ll love. Do you see yourself wearing it after three months? Are you into the color? How about the cut? Does it fit in with your current wardrobe? Asking yourself the important questions can help you determine whether it’s worth your hard-earned money.
IS THAT DEAL *ACTUALLY* WORTH IT?
Picture this: you’re about to buy something, and then right before you make your purchase, there’s a voucher. Maybe it’s telling you that you’ll get 10% cashback if you reach a certain number, or if you add another product, you get free shipping. We often get excited at the idea of being able to save money when we add more to our baskets, but this isn’t a case for girl math. In reality, you’re probably spending more than what you need. This is not to say you can’t enjoy a good deal. Yet, it’s always proper to remind ourselves that we don’t need to spend more to save or say yes to every deal that pops-up on our screen.
COOL PEOPLE HAVE GOOD FINANCIAL HABITS
Whether still in school or entering the workforce, Gen Z are beginning to flex their purchasing power. But while that buzz of a successful purchase is real, it’s not necessarily a good habit to have of turning to retail therapy every chance you get. Our money is now going in different directions, such as paying bills, fees, taxes, etc. We’re now having to be extra aware of where we put our money, and it’s always good to build better financial habits in the process. So, as much as it might suck, it’s essential to think extra hard about whether a new blind box is worth it in the grand scheme of things.
We’re not against the occasional treat. If anything, we deserve it when we do. But it’s always good to question why we are so tempted to buy stuff at any given moment. If you find yourself wanting that item in your cart and know in your heart that you’ll use it often, go for it, bestie. Until then, that unboxing video can wait.
Continue Reading: Looking for Sustainable and Stylish OOTDs? These Thrift Shops Should Be Your Next Stop
