to buy or not to buy, that is the question [day 314]
I found myself at a thrift store about a week ago, one that I haven’t visited in a long time. I really didn’t need anything, but since I was on that side of town, I decided to check it out. In the past, any good must be purchased, but now I apply my new shopping skills before buying anything. Here’s a little bit of what that looks like.
- Browse first, pick up later. I shop without picking up anything. I look for things I like, then once I’m done, I go back and get the things I remember. If it didn’t stick in my head, it’s not worth buying.
- Do I need this? This question doesn’t mean I can’t have it if I don’t need it. What it does mean is looking at the big picture. Why do I want it? How long will I use it? Will I even use it more than once of twice? What item will I get rid of to get this with my one for one model?
- Can I repurpose something I have, borrow or trade for this? Basically I’m asking, “Is there a better way?” Let’s take a tool for example. Do I have something that will do the same job? Could I borrow or rent this item? I look at all other options.
I did something a little different on this shopping trip. I took photos of everything I would have put in the cart or considered buying right away. Here’s the photos.
Things I didn’t buy.
This extremely well build patio coffee table would have come home with me. I don’t need, I would barely have space for it, but it was a screaming deal at $29.99. I still want it just looking at the photo of it. I love the modern style, and the way this was built, it could serve as a storm shelter.
Awesome cap, too tight for my head. Continue reading
