Thrift Regret is a disorder that plagues many thrifters and second hand shoppers and is 100% preventable! Learn below how to inoculate yourself against this ailment while also avoiding its counterpart condition, Buyer’s Remorse!
Warning: Graphic pictures of thrift regrets will be shown throughout this post. Viewer discretion advised.
Defining Thrift Regret
“Thrift Regret” is defined by the STMA* as:
what happens when you find something at the thrift shop, don’t buy it, and, after leaving the store, wish you had.
*Spirited Thrifter Medical Association
Thrift Regret is the opposite of thrifter’s remorse which is the second hand version of Buyer’s Remorse; when you find something at the thrift store, buy it, and later wish you hadn’t. Thrift Regret is a serious condition because all thrifters know that even if you turned right around and went back to the thrift shop, chances are slim your object of desire would still be there. These are the stakes of second hand shopping and the stakes are high, much higher than regular retail where there are multiples of each item and, worst case scenario, you just have to order another in. Not so with thrifting.
Diagnosing Thrift Regret
In order to be diagnosed with Thrift Regret, you must meet the diagnostic criteria listed above and tell at least one person on Instagram that you regret your decision not to thrift the item in question. Specific symptoms of Thrift Regret vary.
Dodging Thrift Regret
Let these photos of real authentic Thrift Regret be your warning. Thrifters, the only way to completely avoid Thrift Regret is by buying everything… So it’s possible to prevent Thrift Regret even if it’s not probable. There is no cure for Thrift Regret. The best you can do is dodge this dangerous condition when you can by listening to your heart first and your wallet second.
Dressing the Wounds of Thrift Regret
Thrift Regret is painful. There is no cure. You can experience pain relief by going thrifting and taking photos of everything you like so at least you can gaze upon those happy memories once Thrift Regret settles in. (Results may vary. Some patients may in fact experience a worsening of Thrift Regret symptoms when they realize what they left behind. Take only under the advice of a D.S.T. – Doctor of Spirited Thriftology)
Friends and fellow thrifters, there is no reason to hide your Thrift Regret. It is a common condition that affects 100% of second hand shoppers. The best treatment is prevention SO when thrifting, remember this: treat every item – whether clothing, housewares or furniture – as one-of-a-kind and proceed accordingly. Save this post, share it with your friends and do your part to prevent the spread of Thrift Regret.
xoxo Nicole
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10 Comments
That little white chair would have been mine regardless if I had no clue where I would put it or if I could get it home! It will fit! There is also that awkward moment when you are looking at something and you can feel someone else nearby just waiting for you to release it so they can snap it up! ….both on the prey and hunter side! Awkward!
YES that happens and I become a wild panther, or at least that’s what I feel like but I probably just look like crazy thrifter lady ;P One thing is for sure, thrifting is WAY more interesting than shopping regular retail! Thanks for the comment!
You crack me up!! Well written , humorous but ver, very true. It happens to me all the time!
I’m glad! If we can’t laugh, we’ll cry, right?!!
I love the sequin jacket … I’m sure there will be a party with the jackets name on it!
I didn’t buy it though!!! GAHHHH If you go back through Alabama, go get it for me. HA xoxo
Thrifting regret is such a painful affliction and like you said, there is no cure. There are items from three years ago that I passed on and still think about. I have been lucky enough to have found a few items that passed on still available when I went back for them. Lesson learned: buy it if you love it. It’s a hard call sometimes. I call it the dreaded “maybes.” It’s not something that you love and know you have to have, and it’s not an obvious no. There have been maybes that I bought that have become closet stables and others that didn’t wotprk out and wound donated. I guess the answer is got take a chance and buy it anyway. If you make a mistake, it isn’t a huge loss money wise.
You HAVE been lucky to return and find them! That might give me hope! (or maybe some fruitless return trips!!) The “dreaded maybes” is a great term and that happens to me all the time too – I think I’m going to love it then end up wearing it once and back into circulation it goes. Tis the thrift life! Thanks for the comment!
Awww those leather sandals and bags! I feel that regret! The only good thing associated with this thrift regret disease is the avoidance of clutter disorder which can slowly crawl up on one…
Yes, there are some benefits to the diagnosis! I do suffer from periodic clutter disorder! LOL