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When an immersive shopping experience turns into an impulsive shopping spree, it often results in financial harm or loss.
I am up and ready to start my Sunday. My routine is simple and consistent: I wake up between 5 and 6 AM, brew myself a cup of tea, and wait for the newspaper to arrive. I usually spend about an hour reading the Sunday newspaper starting with the headlines, scanning through the major news stories of the week. Then I move on to the entertainment section, flipping through the latest Bollywood gossip and celebrity photos.
However, things did not go as planned when the delivery boy arrived with the wrong newspaper. I called the news vendor to inquire about the mix-up, but he seemed unsure. Nevertheless, I was determined to get the same newspaper from another vendor.
As I knew of a few vendors in the area, I set out on foot, determined to find a copy of the paper. After a few unsuccessful attempts, upon checking with a vendor, I found that today’s newspaper was expensive, so vendors only bought enough for their regular customers. Meanwhile, my phone buzzed, and a notification alert from my fitness app, “You passed your move ring after two months of irregularity. Be regular and keep walking!”
I was about to give up and head back home; I saw that our nearby air-conditioned supermarket was open. At first, I hesitate, knowing that I do not need anything from the store except one hair colour sachet. But thought to go to the store to take a brief break in the air conditioning. As soon as entered inside, I felt a sense of relief and comfort. Since I only needed to purchase a sachet, I could not stay inside for long, so I decided to take a quick walk around the store. However, I realized that even if I did take a walk, it would only last a minute, so decided to spend some time in each section to browse.
As I approached the Hair Care section to buy a colour sachet, noticed that one premium brand organic hair colour kit is available at a 50% discount, even though it was very expensive, ten times higher than the Sachet price, I wanted to treat myself and made the purchase.
While going for the next section, I stumbled upon new food items that intrigued me. I picked up a packet of new millet (Shree Anna) noodles and some Korean-style Maggie. When saw a fresh orange cake with pistachios in the bakery section, which I had never seen before and found quite appealing. I grabbed a couple of packets to try. Next to the bakery section was international cuisine, picked up a tin of kidney bins (dark red) and one small container of Chunky Salsa.
In the Veg and fruit frozen section, I found pre-packaged healthy salads – impressed with the labelling – Garden fresh salad (hydroponically grown in a controlled environment) ingredients- a crunchy blend of lettuce, kale, baby spinach, cherry tomato, sprouts, and exotic herbs with oregano. I decided that would be my morning break first, so bought one packet.
Finally, while making my way home, realised that I had gone to buy a newspaper for Rs 10 but ended up with an array of products worth Rs 1100.
While going for the next section, noticed a basil seed drink, and hurriedly bought one bottle.
While standing at the payment counter, I spotted a new brand of malt-based ginger and peach beer in a beautiful stubby bottle, (Catchy labelling – Though non-alcohol it works), with a tempting buy-one-get-one-free offer. I could not resist and grabbed the offer.
Finally, while making my way home, realised that I had gone to buy a newspaper for Rs 10 but ended up with an array of products worth Rs 1100. Feeling upset about my shopping frenzy, realised that my reckless buying behaviour deserved fitting punishment. I made up my mind to impose three-month ban on myself from online shopping but soon realised that Mega online Diwali festive sale event is due after one week, so thought it would be prudent to defer the ban decision.
As I was entering my home and about to close the door, the elder daughter of our neighbour knocked. When I opened the door, she informed me that the newspaper boy had mistakenly delivered my paper to their house and wanted to know if their paper had been delivered to our house.
She thanked me and left with their paper.
Quite often, our psychological biases and decision-making processes override rational economic choices. We need to be Wallet-conscious. Thank you.
Lovely Story!