Do you struggle with buying things that you later regret? In this article I’m sharing some tips to help you overcome buyer’s remorse and learn for the future for more mindful, intentional shopping.
WHAT IS BUYER’S REMORSE?
Buyer’s remorse. Most of us have felt it – that sinking feeling that comes after buying something we thought we’d love, only to wonder if we really needed it at all. Buyer’s remorse is incredibly common, and the good news is that there’s no need to beat yourself up over it. Whether it was a splurge you regret, an impulse buy, or something that just didn’t live up to your expectations, it’s all a part of learning to shop more wisely.
In this article I’m sharing some tips on how you can handle buyer’s remorse, avoiding it in the future, and building habits that help you buy with intention and confidence.
What to Do When You’re Stuck with Buyer’s Remorse
Buyer’s remorse can show up as soon as you leave the shop or weeks later when the excitement wears off. Here’s what you can do to manage it and find some peace with your decision.
1. Identify the Source of Your Regret
Take a few minutes to think about why you’re feeling this way. Ask yourself:
- Do I feel guilty about spending the money?
- Did I buy it because of pressure or impulse?
- Was I trying to fill an emotional gap (boredom, stress, etc.)?
Getting clear on what triggered the purchase can give you insight into how you shop and help you better understand your patterns. Knowing why you bought something will help you make sense of your feelings and keep you from repeating the same cycle.
2. Decide if You Can Return It
If you’ve bought something and almost immediately regretted it, check the return policy. Most stores, and even online shops, have return windows where you can send an item back if it’s unused and within a certain timeframe. Returning the item can often give you an immediate sense of relief, and it’s okay to admit that you simply changed your mind.
3. Repurpose or Reframe Its Use
Sometimes, buyer’s remorse isn’t about a poor product choice but about how it fits into your life. Look at the item and ask if there’s a way to make it work. Maybe that new gadget could add something useful to your daily routine, or a pair of shoes could do with an outfit you haven’t tried yet. Trying to use it in different ways can help you see its potential.
4. Put It Away and Wait
If you’re feeling particularly stuck, put the item aside for a few days. Removing it from sight can help you get some space and think about it more clearly. Sometimes the remorse fades, or, if it doesn’t, you’ll know with more certainty whether it’s something worth keeping.
5. Sell or Gift It
If you’re past the return window or the item simply doesn’t suit you, consider selling it online, gifting it to a friend, or donating it. Turning your remorse into an opportunity to give back or earn a little money can help soften the regret and do something positive.
How to Avoid Buyer’s Remorse in the Future
Buyer’s remorse is often tied to impulsive or emotional buying. By setting yourself up to make more intentional choices, you can reduce the chances of feeling regret in the future. Here are some simple strategies:
1. Make a Shopping List
Whether it’s for groceries, clothes, or home items, having a list can keep you focused and reduce the temptation to stray. Write down the items you really need or have been planning to buy and stick to it as best as you can. A list acts as a filter, keeping unnecessary buys at bay.
2. Wait 24 Hours Before Buying
This tip works wonders for online shopping, but you can try it in-store as well. If you see something you’re tempted to buy on impulse, wait 24 hours and see if you still feel excited about it. Often, the initial “buzz” fades, and you may realise it’s not worth it.
3. Set a Monthly Budget for “Treats” or Extras
Having a set amount of money for treats or non-essential items each month gives you a clear boundary. Knowing that you can indulge a little without overspending helps you feel in control and keeps your finances on track. Plus, if you find something you really want, knowing your budget means you can plan for it.
4. Get to Know Your Shopping Triggers
Be mindful of when you’re most likely to buy impulsively. For many people, it’s boredom, stress, or even scrolling through social media. By recognising these triggers, you can start finding other ways to manage them – taking a walk, calling a friend, or doing something creative instead.
5. Ask Yourself These Key Questions Before Buying
Get in the habit of asking yourself:
- Do I really need this?
- Do I already have something similar?
- How often will I use it?
- Can I comfortably afford it?
These questions give you a chance to think practically, beyond the emotional pull of buying.
6. Consider Quality Over Quantity
Spending a bit more on quality can often prevent buyer’s remorse. Investing in fewer, better-made items that you genuinely need and love is so much more satisfying (and better for the environment) than having lots of cheaper things that don’t last. High-quality items often provide a sense of value that helps avoid regret.
Learning from Past Remorse and Building More Intentional Habits
If buyer’s remorse has been a recurring theme for you, that’s okay. The key is using these experiences as a springboard to understand yourself better and build new habits. Here’s how you can learn from the past and make more intentional buying decisions going forward.
1. Reflect on Past Purchases You Regret
Without judgement, think back on items you’ve bought and later regretted. Was there a pattern? Maybe it was clothes on sale, gadgets you never used, or things you bought during a rough day. Noting these patterns gives you insight into your buying habits and helps you spot similar situations in the future.
2. Focus on Your True Needs and Values
Consider the things you genuinely value in your life. For some, it might be quality time with family, while others may prioritise self-care or investing in their hobbies. Keeping these values front and centre can help you make purchases that truly enrich your life.
3. Practice Gratitude for What You Already Have
Taking time to appreciate what you already own makes shopping less about filling a void and more about enhancing your current life. Regularly going through your belongings and reflecting on the value they bring can shift your mindset towards buying more thoughtfully.
4. Think Long-Term, Not Short-Term
Shift your focus to how a purchase will impact you over time. Will this item still bring you joy or serve a purpose a year from now? This mindset can help you steer away from fleeting trends or impulse buys and towards things that you’ll genuinely appreciate for longer.
5. Forgive Yourself for Past Purchases
Beating yourself up over past purchases isn’t helpful and only keeps you stuck in regret. Instead, forgive yourself and see each experience as a stepping stone towards better habits. Remind yourself that everyone has made purchases they regret – what matters is that you’re working towards being more intentional now.
6. Shop Mindfully and Slowly
Whenever you’re shopping, slow down and try to be fully present. Notice what draws you to certain items, take a few deep breaths, and remind yourself to shop with intention. Mindful shopping turns the experience from something rushed and emotional to something calm and thoughtful.
7. Embrace a More Intentional Buying Approach
Buyer’s remorse can feel frustrating, but it’s a valuable chance to learn about yourself, your habits, and your needs. By getting curious about why you bought certain things and making small adjustments, you’ll naturally start to make choices that are better aligned with your values and lifestyle. Over time, shopping becomes less about impulse and more about bringing things into your life that genuinely serve you.
Remember, this isn’t about never buying anything “just because.” It’s about finding balance, enjoying the things that truly add value, and creating a life that feels more fulfilling without the weight of regret. Sometimes we buy things as a treat, or a fun thing to do. There’s no judgement here but just a few tips if you find yourself with some unwelcome shopping habits.
Most of us have had buyer’s remorse. Instead of looking at it as a negative, let’s be kind and reframe those thoughts to learning, forgiving ourselves, and buying more mindfully!
Here are some other articles which you find helpful for more intentional shopping:
- Minimalism and Shopping: How to Shop with Intention
- How to Stop Buying Clothes You Don’t Need
- 11 Tips to Stop Impulse Buying and Purchase More Intentionally
- 7 Surprising Ways That Decluttering Saves You Money
- 26 Christmas Money-Saving Tips to Help You Stop Overspending
- How Minimalism Can Help You Save Money
Antonia Colins is the creator of Balance Through Simplicity, helping busy people declutter, simplify and live more intentionally. She has over 20 years of personal and professional experience in juggling work and family life and supporting individuals to remain independent and enjoy their home more. In her spare time, you can find Antonia walking, gardening or planning her next travel adventure! She lives in the UK with her husband and teenage kids. Read more about Antonia.