I do a lot of antiquing and purchase handmade items from small businesses. However, some are very.....very expensive, rare or sparse. I am a very decisive person, so if I decide I will actively use an item I want, I will still want it 5 years later. I see that it is inevitable I will make the purchase, so I will buy many things all at once (many as 1-4). I've waited 4 years to purchase a handmade coat and cape while waiting for it to restock after I missed it the first time. But now I am thinking about how, by purchasing these items, I use my readily disposable income, to take away the opportunity of others. I am also questioning if I am an overconsumer; instead of 20-30 cheap items, it's now 1-4 expensive items. Even though I hope to last many uses or the tests of time, and wait months (usually) and years (occasionally) to acquire them, it shows that I haven't really stopped "consuming".My goal is to curate an inventory of heavily used items, but it still involves me replacing (donated unused items or used to breakage) or adding, and I see myself purchasing (when available) more items. Am I retarded? Am I heading in the right direction? How do I keep myself on the right track?
>>34465160No, better to buy the highest end if there is a market for it. For electronics there is less stock sold of the highest end which can lead to a more lucrative used marker where resel can be above MSRP.
>>34465310So you're saying to avoid scalp purchases, buy straight from the source if I can?
>>34465160You can play a little mental trick on yourself by buying the top-grade things when they're on-sale. So instead of thinking "I bought a $500 coat when I could have settled for a $100 one" you'll take extra joy from saying "I got a $500 coat for $400"
>>34465160I feel you. Also have a shopping compulsion.I think make sure you have a strict budget you stick to. Making one purchase a month can make it feel more earned.Truly contemplate if you need what you're buying. If it's essentials then I wouldn't worry too much. Better to have better equipment you use everyday than something that will break in a week. Eventually you will have the basics and stop buying as much. If you're shopping out of boredom I would try and get that in check. Also if you feel like you MUST buy something then that can be an issue. Sometimes I wait a month and see how I feel. If I still need/want it then it's fine. Some things the appeal wears off after a week or so.
>>34465160I'd post the "there is no ethical consumption under capitalism" Garfield meme but I'm incognito. You are alive therefore you must consume. If you're waiting months to acquire these items how many are you actually buying per year?There's this $200+ jumpsuit I've been eyeing for like 5 years but I still haven't pulled the trigger. I buy myself one "useful treat" per month. I got a blender, a new piece of jewelry to replace one that was kind of busted, new underwear. If you know you'll use the thing I don't really see what the concern is. Purchasing too many replacements at once is a good way to end up with more shit to get rid of so it's definitely possible to overdo but it feels like you're just overthinking it.>by purchasing these items, I use my readily disposable income, to take away the opportunity of others.Could you try wording this differently I'm not understanding?
