eBay, Sample Sales and Add to Cart Syndrome

Sometimes there’s no better therapy than redesigning your entire wardrobe and watching the total tally up until it’s no longer endurable, even in an alternative world where your entire wardrobe hails from net-a-porter. Add to cart syndrome mindlessly makes you feel like you’re acquiring loads of things, while at the same time you’re mouse is flickering through treacherous ground wavering at every click. Such activity should not – I repeat not take place at an e-tailer that is remotely affordable, as you will find yourself doing really regretful things. The mindless click of add to cart soon becomes a mountain of mindless clicks, as you slowly eliminate things you may not actually need or may have just added out of the ease and lack of commitment. Hey - you’re moving mountains. (cc Usher)

 Over the weekend I found myself realizing that almost all of my favorite things were found through sample sales, or eBay (If they were not a DIY) While sample sales usually part take in the ominous “final sale” policy, this conjures careful thought and consideration. While the stark wording of final sale is semi-intimidating, nothing frightens me more than the “you are legally bound to this transaction” pre-bidding warning on eBay. Making it seem as regardless of what the seller’s return policy may be – there is no turning back. The only comparative of eBay shopping vs. the previously divulged Add to Cart Syndrome would be “Add to Watch List.” The list grows and grows and I’ll go back a week later just to ask myself, why did I want all of these things? Case and point: At one time there were about five different suede fringe jackets, a variety of camera lens, and a slew of penny loafers that made up the list.

Whether it’s eBay or add to cart syndrome, there are always certain objects that actuate the entire process. They have you leaping for your debit card, contemplating express shipping and eagerly mistyping your address, all out of pure enthusiasm. You’re mentally counting down the days until their arrival, and after you press confirm a rush of joy and personal victory takes over. I don't remember the last time I've felt that same overwhelming instantaneous desire at a brick and mortar. I don't know whether it's that sample sales and eBay have a certain realm of precariousness, while brick and mortar don't spur the same rush; as they are literally nailed to the ground, to imply that the products -psychologically will always be there.