Wednesday, 11 January 2012

World's Most Infuriating Shopper?

The Thinker
Source
Yesterday I let an entire day be consumed by another of my marathon shopping decisions. On this occasion I was trying to make a decision about a new mobile phone. My current phone has decided to conserve energy by switching itself off at will (I have a feeling the tumble down the stairs might have had something to do with this). I needed to make a decision quickly but being chronic over thinker I seem intent on making this mission impossible. I haven't even managed to make a final decision on what camera to buy and I've been pondering that decision since November!

My purchasing decisions all seem to follow the same pattern, whether it's makeup, expensive camera equipment or mobile phones. I want to make sure that I'm getting the best product(s) for my money but at the same time, I have to stay within a budget. I will spend literally hours pouring through reviews and youtube videos to try and work out what will be the best fit for me. In the case of camera equipment, watching and reading reviews almost blew my mind because I don't have any specialist knowledge. As an aside, if you're in the market for a new camera, I can recommend searching the archives of DigitalRevTV on YouTube. Even though Kai the presenter makes me want to throw things at my screen, the reviews are thorough without being dry.

Anyway, back to my maddening shopping habits. In the course of my research I will regularly end up going round and round in circles, talking myself into and out of purchases. I find the decisions on expensive item particularly because as a (mostly) stay at home Mum, I need to justify these purchases to myself. Do I really need perfect screen resolution and fast internet connection on a mobile phone that mostly accompanies me on a school run? Will a DSLR really help me take better pictures if I have no photography skills? Could I turn my whole body inside out by gazing at my navel for too long?! It's hard to know whether I enjoy all this pondering or if I'm actually just punishing myself.

Whilst I am driving myself round the bend trying to make a decision, I thought it would be interesting to find out how unusual I am in my shopping habits. I wondered what kind of shoppers you are: do you take your time and research every item or are you happy to go with your gut and make quick decisions? Also, do you have a single shopping style or does it vary according the type of item you are buying? I promise to stop dilly-dallying and get back to makeup talk very soon!
Posted by Unknown at 07:48
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10 comments:

  1. ihavemostlybeen11 January 2012 at 15:11

    Love it! I am a "do all the research, make a decision, stick with it" type of shopper. I rarely make a big purchase without doing my research but once I have made my decision there's no shifting me. I narrow things down by allocating "must have" criteria, if it doesnt have those things then its not in with a chance, find the best thing that offers all the must have and then compare price, value and anything it offers over and above the must haves and pick the one (there's generally only about 3 to choose from at this point) & its in the bag! x

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    1. Unknown12 January 2012 at 13:58

      I wish I could be as sensible. I'm nowhere near as organised in my shopping researching. The list of possibilities gets bigger rather than smaller!

      Delete
  2. Snjohnson1011 January 2012 at 23:39

    I too am somewhat of a researcher when I shop. I hold a lot of weight with "word of mouth" as well as "professional" reviews. This goes for all ranges of items.... electronics to cosmetics. On the other hand I can be an impulse shopper on many things of not huge monetary value (course that would be relevant to what we all consider "huge" :) my husband and I can greatly differ!). I also believe in getting the absolute best I can afford (again my husband I can differ on this ;) ). So I guess that makes me a discriminating, researching, want the best right now shopper..... Hmmmmm
    btw: I love, love, love my IPhone. If that is on your list I can highly recommend it. The camera on it is very good. I even know YouTube filters that film quite well using only their IPhone and good lighting!
    xo Stacy

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    1. Unknown12 January 2012 at 14:03

      Thanks Stacy. Yes, I think matters of budget can vary greatly. Weirdly, I've often justified spending more on makeup than I can stomach on other items! Alas, the iPhone is not on my list. I'm on PAYG rather than a contract so the cost of the phone is prohibitive. I did half ponder combining the purchase of camera and phone though ;)
      x

      Delete
  3. Olivia J11 January 2012 at 23:51

    I do analyze my purchases, especially electronic stuff. Cameras yes to the point I have driven myself crazy! As a former college photography student, I owned the DSLR camera of my dreams and it was great fun but this was before digital and I was stuck in the darkroom to no end! I only have a Panasonic Lumix camera (non-DSLR). I know I could take better pix but for what reason? It's only a blog and not some magazine editorial. Besides, Photoshop and Gimp really can change the ambience of a picture.

    AS for your phone shopping can't help you. I am waiting on the phone that will take pix, blow dry my hair, and paint my nails. I guess I will have to wait for it. *sigh*

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    1. Unknown12 January 2012 at 14:12

      The camera is a tricky one. I did look at the Panasonic Lumix cameras but then started looking at the DSLRs. I wish there was opportunity to try before you buy so that I would know it was really 'for me'. At least I know it will have benefits outside blogging too for getting nice family pictures but you are right Photoshop and even the effects on Picnik are quite good for changing photos.

      Delete
  4. The Postcolonial Rabbit12 January 2012 at 00:24

    I am exactly the same! I have been out of my contract for months but have been dithering about which phone to get next. I've finally decided only because mine is now dying a death too. I've opted for a Samsung Galaxy II after much review reading and price-comparisoning. Excellent specs but wayyy cheaper than an iPhone which on a part-time contract I cannae justify. x

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  5. Unknown12 January 2012 at 14:15

    Well, what do you know. It was one of the versions of the Samsung Galaxy that I was looking at (Ace, I think). It does look good and as you say, much cheaper than the iPhone. I do still wonder if it's too much for me for the few occasions when I do really use my phone. Let me know how you find it!
    x

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  6. Jean | Delightful Repast12 January 2012 at 16:04

    I discovered your blog through your comments on Twitter about the new Blogger comment feature, so I'm really just commenting on that rather than this particular post. I came over to check it out on your blog because my blog is not working at all today; can't access comments at all!(But I will be coming back in a few days to really go through your blog--I like your sense of humour!)

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    1. Unknown12 January 2012 at 16:19

      Hi Jean! I hope the comments feature sorts itself quickly for you. I quite like the new reply function but the tiny text is harder to get used to. I look forward to you coming back for a visit :D

      Delete

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