Even though I am not a severe shopping addict, I shop rather frequently and obsessively. Now that I think about it, maybe I simply don't want to admit my issues with buying. After all, I have things that I bought and never used. Putting self-blaming aside, I have committed to making some changes. Not to the point of becoming a minimalist, I intend to be more conscious of what I am purchasing. For example, I put together a catalog of the bags I own, and I am tracking which bags I use daily to better understand my preferences and personal style development. Taking a break from impulse buying, I compiled a list of things influencing my shopping behavior. Perhaps you will find this list helpful and not repeat some of my mistakes.

Shipping
First, shipping fees often prevent me from completing the checkout process. If I find a good deal or think the items I purchase have great value, I am willing to pay for shipping, but not more than $25. Beyond that number, the value of the items may not be there, and the products become less appealing.

As an Amazon Prime member, I have the privilege to be conditioned by their speedy shipping service. I can get 1-2 days shipping, and sometimes my order arrives on the same day if I put in my order early. Most of the time, bigger companies like Coach, Converse, New Balance, and Fossil still provide free shipping. I am aware that companies include the shipping cost when deciding on the price tag, but skipping one step in the checkout process makes the whole experience better and smoother. For impulse buyers like myself, having that extra step to pay for shipping is like somebody stopping me at the checkout line and asking me if I really need the items.

Many companies I shop at do charge shipping, especially aspiring companies. One of my favorite handmade bag companies, Portland Leather, recently increased its shipping fee, but I don't think that will stop me from buying. Most of the products I would buy from PLG have great value, even with adding the shipping fee. On the other hand, companies from overseas do have to charge shipping because international shipping fees can be costly. The UK-based company Cult Pens charges $20 to ship to the US, or you get free shipping if you buy more than $140. When I buy from Cult Pens, it is the time when I want to buy some Diamine inks. Diamine is a UK-based ink company, and its inks can be three times higher if I buy from local stationery stores.

Regarding shipping, Muji is the company I love, but it has the most confusing shipping charges. They sometimes send me emails saying I can get free shipping if I purchase more than $50, but when I go to their website, free shipping is only for purchases above $80. In addition, because they also sell furniture and home organizers, the shipping fee depends on how big or heavy the item you buy is. By the time I figured out how much shipping I needed to pay, I had lost interest in things I intended to purchase.

Customer Service
Businesses are very competitive these days. They often offer similar products at similar prices. What sets them apart is usually the customer service. I rarely purchase from companies that don't reply to emails or social media messages. If I have questions regarding a certain product and nobody can bother to answer, then how do I know I can get help if I receive a defective product?

One of the reasons I frequently buy from Portland Leather is that they have professionals handling their social media presence and customer service. If I have issues with PLG's products, they will address them within a few days of my contact. On the contrary, KMM & Co. seems to be lacking in handling responses. As a company that provides custom-made bags, it is more challenging for customers to order without the ease of discussion with a real person. When somebody does respond, the person seems to have disassociation as to what their owner shares in their Facebook group.

Value
Everyone values things differently. Some people love the Louis Vuitton monogram pattern and the company's heritage. They are willing to fork out money to purchase something that may not have equivalent physical value because they believe in the brand's worth and what the logo represents. However, many customers do not appreciate seasonal price increases and the allegedly decreased quality of products. Not to compare apples to apples, you can get a cotton tote from Trader Joe's for $3, and at the same time, you have Dior selling their cotton totes for over $3000. I am sure there are times and places for both products, so you will have to figure out which one suits you better.

Compared to products made in Asia, people are often willing to pay more for products made in the US, France, Italy, or elsewhere in Europe, believing the quality is superior if they are not made in China or Southeast Asia. For example, most photographers believe cameras made in Japan or Germany, like the Leica and Fujifilm cameras, tend to have better quality. Recently, Fujifilm decided to move production of the new X100VI to China, which worried the photographer community. In fact, there are rumors that most products that claim to be made in Western countries are simply being assembled using all the premade parts from Asia. Sometimes, people are obsessed with leather bags that say they were made in Italy. Still, sometimes, customers are unaware that the factories in Italy can be full of Chinese artisans and that local Italians do not make the bags.

After-sale service is a consideration when I discuss a product's value. I have seen companies that claim to have a lifetime warranty, but if the company does not make it, the lifetime warranty is meaningless. I will have to make an assessment regarding how long it lasts and whether there are options if something breaks. Before I go into details, I'd like to mention everything I said in this article is based on what I heard and my personal opinion. It could be very different when you are dealing with the companies I mentioned. Previously, I stated how LV has aggressively raised their prices in recent years. The good news is that they seem more willing to address product quality issues than Chanel. Customer reviews are generally positive and usually happy with the result. Coach is another company that claims to be willing to repair their products. However, Coach consistently releases numerous new products every season. It may be hard for them to keep all the extra parts for their repair service. Some people did complain to me about not getting the help they needed when something was broken. Fortunately, Coach mostly produces high-quality, durable products; it is uncommon for you to have to deal with their repair department.

When it comes to product value, I like to assess it based on its usefulness and durability. I don't need luxury brand logos at my age or in my current living environment. Living in the countryside, I don't think the cows, horses, or geese would take a second look at me if I carried a Hermes Birkin. I am way past the time when I felt insecure and needed to prove myself superficially. If I ever buy something from a luxury brand, it is because I love the design and the quality. I value my personal choices and preferences and will have nothing to do with others.

Style
When I was younger, I often bought cool and exciting things without considering whether they suited my style. Back then, I probably had no idea what my style could be. In the past, I had purchased things that were way too edgy for me and ended up never being worn or used. Therefore, I do believe it is beneficial to at least recognize my style and not who I want to look like. Even though I am nearly 50, as an Asian American, sometimes people tell me I look like a student. I often look a little nerdy by wearing a pair of thick-frame glasses. I am not saying I can't change and transform into a different style; I believe there's a limit to how much my appearance can be modified. To avoid wasting money, I tend not to buy items that have wild colors or patterns.

Sale
Lastly, as I try to be a smart consumer, I think it is important to familiarize myself with the sale cycles. Most companies have sales one way or another. Louis Vuitton doesn't have sales, but you can buy past-season items on 24s. Shockingly, I heard that Hermes and Chanel have sales at their physical stores in Paris if you are their VIP or have the patience to wait in long lines. Many other luxury brands would make private sales by sending out email notifications if you have signed up for their newsletter or have a purchase history.

Sales are pretty much a constant for more affordable or contemporary brands. New products tend to go on sale after 6-8 weeks, depending on the company's product release cycle. Companies would rather get rid of their inventory than pay for the storage. For instance, Portland Leather utilizes its "Almost Perfect" section to sell off leather products with uneven texture or slight imperfections. A couple of times a year, Portland Leather would host a C-grade sale to move their overstocked items and products with more flaws. One thing I learned after overbuying for years is that I can afford to wait. I don't have a craving to buy any must-have items. If I don't catch something I want on sale, I don't feel regret due to knowing there are always better and newer things awaiting.

In addition to typical sales, you can sign up for companies' newsletters. Most of them provide 10-15% off your first order. You can also get more than expected rebates if you have a Rakuten account. I find Rakuten's rebates inconsistent and flawed. Sometimes, I have to keep track to ensure the rebate amount matches the promised percentage. In addition to Rakuten, credit card companies now have merchant offers similar to the Rakuten rebates. If you are a frequent shopper, tracking pricing and getting the best deal is essential. And, of course, if you are not asking prices at the Hermes store, you don't need to know any of these. Relax and enjoy life!