Increase Friction for Non-Essential Purchases

The Lie that is "Fewer, but Better"

Less is definitely better. Many brands these days attempt to capitalize on our understanding that less is more. They have coined slogans like, "Fewer, but better." Like all advertising claims, this should be viewed skeptically.

The truth is that Fewer is Better.

"Fewer, but better" never pans out for us because we hook into the part that is better, or newer, and forget about having fewer. If you already have one, that is all you need.

Let's take the glorious white tee shirt for instance. I will be honest, I have (well, had) three. They are all from the same brand. The first is about eight years old and the other two are about six years old. I love the first one I bought the best. The thickness and length are perfect for my taste and long waist. The second two were purchased on sale and they are not as perfect but still get a lot of wear. They are thinner, the cut is boxier and the neckline is not as deep. However, three tee shirts; all fully functional.

The other day, I put on my favorite white tee shirt and while pulling it down, my thumb tears straight through the fabric near the side seam. After panic-searching the internet for a replacement for about ten minutes, I come to my senses and realize that I still have two white tee shirts. They will probably fail before they reach eight years of use but, for the time being, I still have two white tee shirts and that is more than enough. As the saying goes... smoke 'em if you got 'em.

We Already Have More than Enough

Two white tee shirts is more than zero so there is no need to run out an buy a new one. Owning next to none of this item would be ideal. If it is worn every day, perhaps more than one would be justified but since it isn't, two is a great many.

Referring back to our manifold capabilities, we can utilize them to increase the friction for non-essential purchases. We may find something we didn't know we had or substitute or learn to do without. There are many options to solve a problem that align with the principle of next to none being the best option.

Increase the Friction for Non-essential purchases

Here are a few suggestions for increasing the friction on non-essential purchases. The first option is to do nothing, second, continue to do nothing or do without, third is to make do or make your own. The fourth is to repair the item and the fifth is to replace the item. Work through the steps slowly. Allocate at least a week to each action, if you can, for a total of six weeks. If you can't wait that long, consider whether this item is actually optional in your life (pro tip: even stitches were optional for eighties and nineties kids) or whether you are caught up by marketing making you think you need this one item to complete you set / collection / life.

If the item is not optional, walk to the store and buy it. If it is optional, give yourself time to evaluate the purchase very carefully. A high-quality item can withstand your thorough evaluation prior to purchase. If you feel like you have to buy it now because it will not be available in six weeks, this is a win for the matrix.

First: Do Nothing

What actually happens if you want something and you do nothing? Take a pause and affirm your ability to live without the item. Chances are you will adapt to this new situation by substituting something else or doing without.

Second: Wait a Little Longer

If the substitution or doing without are unsatisfactory, ask yourself if you can give yourself a little longer to adapt to the change.

Third: Make Do

It sounds like this comes with the territory or the first and second options but making do could include making your own or repurposing something else. This is the time to get creative.

Fourth: Repair or Mend the Item

Now if you haven't already considered this approach, well then, what have you been doing? Weigh the costs and benefits. Our current reality often makes it less expensive to buy new than to maintain or repair an item. Longevity and repairability should be considered during the initial purchase but if it was not, I forgive you and do better.

Remember,

Constant iterations of our appearance and belongings keep us looking through the wrong end of the 'scope.

Fifth: Replace the Item

A thoughtless purchase can solve one problem and create many. A high-quality purchase can become an asset. By working through the steps above, you will have had plenty of time to consider your purchase. Consider longevity and repairability. This includes materials and workmanship. If you do not know how to determine these things, first, ask yourself what you think is important. For almost anything, it comes down to materials and construction. Ask yourself what about the materials or construction is important. Once you have your own checklist, consult the oracle (internet) and/or consumer reports pertaining to the item for tips on how to assess quality.

When buying durable goods, inclluding clothing, always check at least three second-hand sources. We are increasing the friction for non-essential purchases, remember? If that does not pan out, then try to locate a retail store where you can evaluate the purchase in-person. Resort to the internet only when all other options have been exhausted.

Stay disciplined and good luck.