Comments on: Buying a watch

By: Radgovin

Radgovin — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 05:41:02 +0000

I have felt the dilemma myself. It is particularly damning to see something you desire so close to you. (other than the glass wall that probably prevents you from touching it)

However, you missed the point about the guilt one feels when one realizes that the object of desire was available cheaper in India! :)

Govindraj Umarji

By: The Comic Project

The Comic Project — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 02:52:53 +0000

Congrats on the new watch. It is gorgeous. You have captured the dilemma of buying something so expensive very well. Damned if you buy, damned if you don’t 🙂

By: r v

r v — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 10:22:11 +0000

What I would like to know now is, how many days in a week are you wearing that watch? Is it neatly kept alongwith the original packing in the locker of your bedroom cupboard waiting for that one special occasion to wear it or have you ultimately come to terms with reality that anyway $375/= is gone and now let me make full use of it!!!!Ramanujam

By: Lilly's Life

Lilly's Life — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 06:53:16 +0000

On this particular purchase I think you should listen to your wife. You never bought things prior to this and this was something you may have wanted for a long time. It doesnt sound as if you spend a lot on yourself so enjoy it.

Everything in moderation is what my gandmother told me. We all know when we cross the line, its just sometimes we have to keep buying when we can least afford to, to feed some other issue altogether.

A good watch should last forever and it will be something to pass on to your children maybe one day.

Guilt is a regret over something material is wasted. Over people yes but things no.

By: ugich konitari

ugich konitari — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 06:40:54 +0000

On a slightly more serious note, probably out of place here, one of the things I learnt from my parents generation was that on “happy occasions”, one must also learn to “give”. Preferably to those who have to live, without any options, in what they can have /not have, regardless, of whether it is life,health,money,a childhood or education.

Many times, this works wonderfully, not only for the rceeiver, but also for you….

By: Vivek Patwardhan

Vivek Patwardhan — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 04:42:15 +0000

Thanks Ganesh, Kavi, Kate and Sucharita.

We must find out whether there is any rememdy on post purchase remorse. I liked Sucharita's expression 'should-I-shouldn't-I-what-the-heck-let's-do-it shopping syndrome'! Nice one.

Thanks again,
Vivek

By: Sucharita Sarkar

Sucharita Sarkar — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 22:13:45 +0000

I agree with Kate and with you. I'm a serious victim of should-I-shouldn't-I-what-the-heck-let's-do-it shopping syndrome, with guilt and slim wallets as the side effects.

On a more serious note, I really liked your previous post on body donation. My mom has signed all the required forms, and so have all of us, only I hope that we shall enough strength and presence of mind to do the needful when the time comes.

By: Kate

Kate — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:01:23 +0000

Oh Dear Vivek, I too have been there, done that and bought the tee shirt as I’m sure have millions of other folk ‘especially women’ by the way, never mind! you will, in time accept that it ‘was’ a good buy because you really liked the watch – you will however, never accept that it was a ‘good economical buy’ though! These are the things that try us Vivek – It is a ‘beautiful’ watch and I wish you many happy years of retirement wearing it.
Cheers Kate .
(not that this has anything to do with it but I have 20 watches and the ones I tend to wear are funnily enough the two ‘most expensive ones’. They just make me feel good).

By: Kavi

Kavi — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 15:05:24 +0000

'Post Purchase Dissonance' was one concept of marketing that i recall vividly. For, the first time the professor talked about it, i went, wow..that is me !

It has happened with every single purchase of significant value. And sometimes, insignificant value too.

And the 'Pre-Purchase' dissonance, is a constant companion of sorts !!

I have vicarious satisfaction that i am not alone...!

:)

By: Ganesh

Ganesh — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 12:11:21 +0000

Dear Sir,

Brilliant post. I have asked a similar question about my own actions in my new post.

I definitely can't answer your quandry because I have gone through similar experiences and come up with no answer. Like you I have always ended up buying something for the missus and daughter.