How do you decide on big-ticket purchases?

Anonymous

Like if you were prepared to spend a substantial amount of $$ (whatever that means to you) on a few items, maybe shoes or a coat, how do you go about shopping for it?

I primarily shop online. For me, I tend to ask friends for recommendations and browse through lists by trusted publications. I look at the product listings for items that interest me, then narrow it down based on available size, personal preferred style, favorable reviews, and ecommerce friendliness (so like, if it's easy to return, track the shipment, and if the site looks trustworthy).

Usually, this process gets me to about three items. Then I agonize over which one is the "perfect one" and then I give up and tell my boyfriend to pick one lol. Sometimes I go with which one he picks, but most of the time after he picks one I realize there was one I was rooting for him to pick. And I go with that.

3 years ago

Shopping

11 replies

Latest reply was from cindysmith

Sal

Veteran

Good question- I often mull over it. But I usually have bought in store and my biggest was spontaneous. I tend to occasionally know when something is perfect for me. I might see it in the window, or in advertising. I rarely make mistakes with the bigger ticket choices. I do make them with essentials or holes more often.....

3 years ago

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I guess I haven’t had that many big-ticket items in recent years because I have a large wardrobe and need very little. However, last year’s experience of wanting a Mother of the Bride dress was probably relevant. For that, I started with a dress in a magazine that I fell in love with. I didn’t end out buying that one but did a lot of internet searching and then B&M try-ons. Funnily enough I saw a sale dress much cheaper and ended up buying that and having it altered. Then I worked hard both on-line and B&M to get the perfect sandals, clutch bag and wrap. It was a mission but was most successful. The forum helped me and in the end following my feelings was the most important. I did put heaps of work into it.

3 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

My biggest ticket items in the past, I really knew what I wanted. I was very specific about what details were important. Now tho, I have a really hard time. I have this goal to spend a whopping amount of money on something, but nothing strikes me as worth it. I may be getting to the stage where ‘nothing is as good as it used to be,’ lol

3 years ago

nemosmom

Veteran

My process is similar to yours (minus consulting the boyfriend). It usually comes down to fine details like fabric content, pockets, hardware finish, contrast stitching. Things like that I know will bug me if they aren’t exactly what I want.

3 years ago

Barbara Diane

Veteran

I usually have a ceiling for what I will spend on a type of item. It has been quite a while since I saw something I wanted so much I was willing to spend more. Lately when I see something I really fall for, it is so expensive it is out of the question.

3 years ago

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

If I splurge (relatively speaking) it is usually on shoes that I *know* will make me super happy and I realize that when I see them. So it is usually not a category but an item. Not sure if that helps at all .

3 years ago

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

If the store has decent return policies, I often order two or more options and try them all out at home. Not doable for everyone everywhere, I know.

3 years ago

Gigi

Veteran

My first step is to spend a LOT of time browsing online, just to see what's out there and see if anything really trips my trigger. If I don't see anything that really pulls me in, I don't buy. And I will do this for years, if need be.

I also have an amount that I'm willing to spend and won't go above it. That is, unless it has been a few years and it is clear that I'm not going to find what I'm looking for at my price range. I usually get put in this position because it's hard for me to find stuff that fits properly in the shoulders and torso. So I have very few options to begin with.

My most expensive purchases have been in the shoe department. I bought a pair of Aquatalia knee-high boots several years ago after stalking them on Amazon (the only place that I thought would ever sell them at a discount). I have a very narrow calf, and this was one of the handful of brands that would fit. I also knew from looking at tons of boots online that this style was one of the few I was attracted to. And I knew the style would have longevity (that is another factor for me). And I knew from other forum members that this brand's quality is good (another important factor). So I pounced.

Another expensive pair of shoes was bought because they were exactly what I was looking for and comfy to boot. They were a pair of Frye booties, so they were edgy, but not overly so. I am of small frame, and so edgy stuff can sometimes look disproportionate on me. But not these bad boys! Super happy with them. So again, exactly what I was looking for, in a market where I didn't find much that worked. And again, the quality was good. The style was also somewhat trendless.

3 years ago

Anonymous

My big ticket purchases are rarely clothes, but often spontaneous. I bought a paddleboard the first day I did paddleboard yoga Eventually DH came round!

If ordering things online though, no matter the price, the reviews are most important. I'm looking for the "dealbreaker" things, and hints to sizing. Since returning is a PITA I want to make the right choice the first time.

It's my spontaneous, bought cause it immediately sparks joy, purchases that are nearly always the best though!

3 years ago

Mainelady

Veteran

The big ticket items I have were ones that I had my eye on for a long time. For clothing or handbags, did my research and waited until I had the opportunity to go to one of the B and M stores that carried what I wanted. (There are none near me.) Once in the store I was able to see, feel, try on and make a purchase.

3 years ago

cindysmith

Veteran

It has to make my heart sing.

3 years ago

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