In The Minority

anxious1 · ‎10-20-2010

I realize I am way in the minority here and a lot of Q shoppers are blessed with a much better income than a few older people on a fixed income. I used to buy a LOT, but now I an out priced even by Denim and Co. Prices are up everywhere but I used to get great deals here which is why I bought a lot. I don't understand the prices on clothes etc. For me no matter how expensive something is the thrill/fun of something new fades very quickly and I am enticed by the next item. Now when I buy it has to be last clicks or as is etc. I know as soon as I wear it once I will want something else. Am I the only one?

ellaphant · ‎12-13-2010

I don't have that need to shop. Sounds compulsive.

jlkz · ‎12-02-2013

@anxious1

You have described a troublesome behavior perfectly. You are choosing to continue the behavior even though you know the immediate outcome: The thrill is gone and so is your $.

You mentioned you used to buy a lot. Is your closet (s) full to the brim ? Even if you donate a lot of clothing, you indicate that finances are a concern. Even with endless funds this is a situation calling for your action.

Please search for available therapist to help you with this situation. It is serious now and can bring on other crippling problems.

Best wishes for success.

We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.
Sir Winston Churchill

World Traveler · ‎02-02-2015

@anxious1 wrote:
I realize I am way in the minority here and a lot of Q shoppers are blessed with a much better income than a few older people on a fixed income. I used to buy a LOT, but now I an out priced even by Denim and Co. Prices are up everywhere but I used to get great deals here which is why I bought a lot. I don't understand the prices on clothes etc. For me no matter how expensive something is the thrill/fun of something new fades very quickly and I am enticed by the next item. Now when I buy it has to be last clicks or as is etc. I know as soon as I wear it once I will want something else. Am I the only one?

Used to be like that, but as I got older things/priorities changed. I don't feel the need to purchase now like I did years ago. I think younger people feel more of a need to purchase something "just because." So many reasons people make purchases besides actually needing the item.

We're all in different phases/places in our lives. "Keeping up with the Jones" used to be the reason people purchased things. Now, I don't care what everyone else is buying, and I certainly don't purchase because someone on TV tells me to. I've toughened up over the years.

Yup, age has a lot to do with it for me. ha!

Tinkrbl44 · ‎08-23-2010

@anxious1 wrote:
I realize I am way in the minority here and a lot of Q shoppers are blessed with a much better income than a few older people on a fixed income. I used to buy a LOT, but now I an out priced even by Denim and Co. Prices are up everywhere but I used to get great deals here which is why I bought a lot. I don't understand the prices on clothes etc. For me no matter how expensive something is the thrill/fun of something new fades very quickly and I am enticed by the next item. Now when I buy it has to be last clicks or as is etc. I know as soon as I wear it once I will want something else. Am I the only one?

@anxious1

First, I have to say your screen name and your comments here are ... interesting, to say the least.

Some people here ARE recreational shoppers .... they buy more "wants" than "needs". If they can afford this hobby, good for them. There are worse vices.

However, your comments indicate you shop for "the thrill/fun of something new", NOT because you actually need something.

ITA with the comments that you really should consult a mental health professional in your insurance plan. Your "anxious" screen name suggests something else that needs to be addressed in a therapy session.

This might seem harsh to others reading this, but, to me, you really can't afford to be buying anything for all the wrong reasons.

AND, in addition to that, You need to cultivate a fun hobby that doesn't entail impulse spending. The last thing any older person needs is to outlive their money.

Please take my comments seriously.

JMO, of course.

Love my grandkids · ‎11-24-2013

This whole thread reminds me of a current poster who has in the past posted complaints about the cost of heat and other things. A few days later she posts about a recent QVC purchase. Interesting.

FancyPhillyshopper · ‎05-02-2017

I have been a shopper since I was a little girl.

I do not think it is a compulsion--it is a behavior that develops from living in a consumer society where fashion is constantly changing, life is fast-paced, and new and creative products are always being introduced. If you also like to collect things, or if you need lots of clothes for different activities, then you are exposed constantly to the consumer culture.

Some folks dislike shopping (like my DH and his father before him), some are very nervous about it (one of my SILs), and some, like my mother, and me, and my late MIL, truly enjoy the entire experience of the search and the success of the purchase. We are also smart and learn how to comparison shop, negotiate, etc.

Shopping for non-necessities, therefore, develops into a recreational activity for those that can afford to do so. There is also a temporary dopamine release that gives many people pleasure when they shop.

Many men are similar as they buy new electronics, new cars, and new technology. The USA would not have such a strong market selling everything if we did not have so many buyers!

For younger people, they are strongly influenced by what they see others doing online and on social media, especially celebrities, and they want to imitate them and also become "beautiful and successful." Remember that Kylie Jenner made hundreds of millions of dollars selling cosmetics to her fan base.

So when I was younger my income was a lot more limited, but many years of school, hard work, commuting, and putting in long hours allowed me to be more comfortable financially.

I need nothing more (does Oprah W really need six to ten homes?), but I still want to buy more because it is fun, and many items are desirable.

I also think people who may be bored or lonely can use shopping as a crutch; it could possibly become a bit addictive and harmful--the same as all of those people who are losing money on online gambling.

My new approach/philosophy for myself is to try to upgrade--get rid of older, inferior products and buy only something I truly LOVE and want to wear/use all the time.

I am more deliberate in my purchases by waiting a few days before I hit a "shop" button--don't make shopping an impulse decision. That decision to only buy what you really want also reduces returns.

Of course, as we age, there is also a shift to experiencing joy and making memories through experiences rather than just accumulating goods. Many younger people discovered that fact after Covid kept them confined at home.

Perhaps plan for a little getaway, or another special treat like a spa day, and start saving up for that instead of shopping. Do advance research, visit some online travel websites, check out restaurant menus, and take the focus away from shopping for "things."

Best wishes!!

Sooner · ‎03-10-2010

@anxious1 wrote:
I realize I am way in the minority here and a lot of Q shoppers are blessed with a much better income than a few older people on a fixed income. I used to buy a LOT, but now I an out priced even by Denim and Co. Prices are up everywhere but I used to get great deals here which is why I bought a lot. I don't understand the prices on clothes etc. For me no matter how expensive something is the thrill/fun of something new fades very quickly and I am enticed by the next item. Now when I buy it has to be last clicks or as is etc. I know as soon as I wear it once I will want something else. Am I the only one?

@anxious1 Not the only one, but I things I intend to love for a long time. I have always been that way--not one to be thrilled by the latest trend, what is popoular. I like classics and relatively timeless clothes and things that will last.

CaliGold67 · ‎08-10-2024

I hear you - I think their prices are usually too high.
Have you looked at all the clothing on Amazon? try it.

anxious1 · ‎10-20-2010

All good points ladies. However you may have missed the part that said I USED to shop a lot I have not in a long time. My point is QVC is lsing money and instead of lowering price they raise it a lot. For people that are not wealthy this really does not work. I have not carried a balance or paid interest anywhere in 15 years. I think I am okay. And I don't know anyone personally that does not find shopping fun. That is kind of the idea. And I was not speaking of myself about wanting something else (but I have been in the group) I referred to QVC customer in general that keeps them going. However when I do want something it is last clicks or as is cause I am not paying the crazy prices, Yhank you for your concern. I understand it was with good intentions.