Before you hit the stores or start browsing online, it’s important to ask yourself a few key questions. Doing so will help ensure that you end up with something you love – and not regret later on. So, what should you consider before making a purchase? Here are the most important questions to ask yourself.
Are there similar items in my wardrobe?
Do you need another pair of plain black sandals when you already have three of these and summer in the city only lasts a month? Is it necessary to have another flowered dress if there is a whole stack of them in the closet? The rule does not apply except perhaps to the basic things: if you were lucky once and found the perfect T-shirt, shirt, or black trousers, it would not be superfluous to buy several pieces at once.
Does this item fit with my other items?
You love this green jacket. It was just missing from your wardrobe. But do you wear enough green to justify the purchase? And does this shade of green go with anything else you own? Before buying, look in your closet and consider whether the new piece will fit in with what you already have.
Do I need this item?
It can be tempting to buy something just because it’s on sale or because you think you might need it at some point in the future. But before you hand over your hard-earned cash, ask yourself whether you need the item. If unsure, put it back on the shelf and see if you still feel the same way a week later. Chances are, you’ll have forgotten all about it.
Is this item worth the price?
Just because something is expensive doesn’t mean it’s worth the price. And conversely, just because something is cheap doesn’t mean it’s a good deal. So when evaluating an item, consider its quality, how long it will last, and whether you will use it. If you’re unsure, ask yourself whether you would still buy it if it were twice the price. If the answer is no, put it back on the shelf.
What materials is this thing made of?
We must be careful about what we buy and how it affects the environment. For example, plastic shoes take a long time to decompose and release harmful substances into the soil. Therefore, it is better to buy things made from natural materials like wool, which will last longer.
Will I want to buy this item tomorrow?
Many people know this feeling: you can go into the store in a bad mood and leave satisfied with a new dress in a bag. But if it seems to you that buying a new thing cheers you up, it only seems to. A day later, it may turn out that the purchased blouse does not suit you or you have nothing to wear it with. So the most reasonable thing is to wait before buying and decide later.