Quiz: Are You an Over-Buyer or an Under-Buyer?

Every Wednesday is Tip Day (or Quiz Day).
This Wednesday: Quiz -- Are you an Over-Buyer or an Under-Buyer?

I've posted this quiz before, but I can't resist putting it up again. This distinction encapsulates one of my very favorite (if not most weighty) personal insights into human nature: the difference between over-buyers and under-buyers. I also love the satisficer/maximizer distinction, but I didn't come up with that one myself.

It’s not particularly productive to be in too deep as an over- or under-buyer; both offer certain advantages but also some definite drawbacks.

Does one of these descriptions fit you?

You’re an over-buyer if …
--You buy several summer outfits for your as-yet-unborn baby, then it turns out he outgrows those clothes before the weather warms up.
--You often lay in huge supplies of slow-moving items like shampoo or cough medicine.
--You often make a purchase, such as a tool or tech gadget, with the thought, “This will probably come in handy.”
--You have a long list of stores to visit before you travel.
--You find yourself throwing things away—milk, medicine, even cans of soup — because they’ve hit their expiration date.
--You buy items with the thought, “This will make a great gift!” without having a recipient in mind.
--You think, “Buying these things shows that I’m responsible, organized, and thoughtful.”

You’re an under-buyer if…
--You buy saline solution, which you use every morning and night, one bottle at a time.
--You often scramble to buy an item like a winter coat or bathing suit after the point at which you need it -- and often, these items are sold out by the time you show up at a store.
--You’re suspicious of specialized objects and resist buying things dedicated very specific uses: suit bags, special plastic plates and cutlery for children, hand cream, rain boots, hair conditioner.
--You often need to come up with a makeshift solution, such using soap because you’ve run out of shaving cream, because you don’t have what you need.
--You often consider buying an item, then decide, “I’ll get this some other time” or “Maybe we don’t really need this.”
--If you must buy something, you buy as little as possible—say, by putting $10 of gas in the car.
--You think, “Not buying these things shows that I’m frugal and not a consumerist sucker.”

Me? I’m an under-buyer.

Under-buyers feel stressed because we don’t have the things we need. We make a lot of late-night runs to the drugstore. (I constantly run out of saline solution.) We’re surrounded with things that are shabby, don’t really work, or aren’t exactly suitable.

Over-buyers feel stressed because they’re hemmed in by stuff. They often don’t have enough storage space for everything they’ve bought, or they can’t find what they have. They feel oppressed by the number of errands they believe they need to do, and by the waste and clutter often created by their over-buying.

So under-buyers—buy what you need, without procrastination! Don’t wait for the first morning of your ski trip to buy ski gloves!
Over-buyers—think it over before you whip out your wallet! You don’t need a ten-year supply of toothpaste!

What do you think? Do you recognize yourself in either of these categories?

*
A friend, Melanie Rehak, has started a terrific new blog, Eating for Beginners -- "on food, farming, and raising a family." My favorite feature is the "Friday Food Writers," when Melanie quotes a wonderful food-related passage from literature. Delicious! Her book by the same name will be published next year, and I can't wait to get my hands on it -- and I'm not even a foodie.

*
Consider starting a group -- organized around happiness projects! (Or a book group focused on happiness books.) I'm busily creating the starter kit to send out to anyone who is interested. If you want a starter kit, email me at gretchenrubin1 [at] gmail [dot com], and I'll add your name. (Use the usual email format -- that weirdness is to thwart spammers). Just write "happiness-project group" in the subject line. Or sign up here.

Comments

[KH]

It was so freeing for me to learn that I'm an under-buyer. I don't have money problems, I make responsible choices, but still over-analyze it all. Realizing that I don't need to hold myself back like I'm an over-buyer allows me to get the things I need, and sometimes things I just want :)

[Chris Anthony]

I'm currently an under-buyer married to an over-buyer. I'm reluctant to even spend $10 upgrading my elance.com account so I can apply for more freelance jobs; she can't wait for me to get paid so she can buy another dress she'll never actually wear, because we never do anything fancy but she insists it's too fancy for non-formal wear.

It's a struggle. :)

[June]

I'm an under-buyer, married to an over-buyer. You would think that it would even itself out in our household, but unfortunately it just leads to arguments!

[April]

I'm both an under-buyer and over-buyer - it just depends on the product/category. Definitely an under-buyer when it comes to clothes and shoes - a new season rolls around, and I procrastinate on buying things to replace those that have worn out from the previous year, and then I panic b/c my clothes & shoes look atrocious. I find shopping for clothes & shoes very un-fun - unlike the stereotypical woman! With most other things, I overbuy (canned soup, gifts, etc.).

[Robin]

I think I'm a combination, married to a severe under-buyer.

I never thought about it in this way, but I have to admit I am an over-buyer with clothes for myself and my son. I have a bit of a "stocking up" mentality about clothes.

Luckily, I'm really cheap -- only clearance or thrift shopping for me. And I shamelessly return things when I realize I don't need them and it's not too late. And most importantly, I have recently recognized this as a problem, and I'm getting better about resisting shopping for bargains.

I'm under-buyer for pretty much everything else. I can't stand clutter. And you couldn't pay me to join Costco or any of those "clubs" that encourage you to buy tons of crap at once.

[Bridget]

This is so funny! I guess I'm an under-buyer married to an over. My hubby puts things on the grocery list when there is still 1/3 left! He asks for TWO bottles of contact solution. It kills me when I go to the store to buy two! I, on the other hand, and running to Ulta after squeezing out that last little bit of hair gel to make it through the day.

[Mary]

I'm a mix of both!! I have a lot on hand in terms of shampoo, soap, school supplies, and non-perishable goods. The only reason is that I stock up like crazy when they go on sale.

But at the same time, I'm a total under-buying when it comes to bigger things. I actually spent a whole Canadian winter one year without a proper jacket, and didn't have a printer for over two years! I have a list of stuff that I 'should' buy, but always find an excuse not to.

[Positively Present]

I definitely buy more things than I need to (mostly in the clothing, accessories, shoes, and books departments), but I am always getting rid of things too. If I don't use something anymore or don't need it, I throw it out, donate it, or give it to a friend. I can't stand being surrounded by useless "stuff," but I definitely would not consider myself conservative in the spending department.

This quiz definitely made me think. Thanks!

http://positivelypresent.typepad.com

[Tracy]

I am both, but in different areas. I will have extra bottles of hair products, BBQ sauce, and tuna, but will have holes in my socks, underwear with the elastic worn out and headphone earbuds with one of the ear pieces missing. Both drive me crazy :-)

[Christopher]

Sounds like I'm a little bit of both!

[Jackie]

Oh I am most definitely an under-buyer. I almost refuse to purchase toiletry items (toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner) because I'm holding out to see if I can get them Free After Rebate first. I WILL buy it if it's needed, but I just hate knowing that I spent the money and then I'll see it next week on sale/coupon/rebate.

The article made me chuckle and I do recognize myself in there, but I am so reluctant to change it right now!

[Vanessa]

I've learned to be an over-buyer in most contexts, and I'm trying to learn to cut it back in some others. I've had to learn to buy 2 of bathroom type stuff because I always forget to get it when I'm actually at the store, and I get totally stressed out by running out of something. On the other hand I need to stop buying books that I'll read at some vague undefined point in the future - I've probably got 30-40 in line already!

Any suggestions for getting along with an under-buyer? It looks like I'm not the only one in the position of being "opposed" by my partner's style.

[Caitlin]

Interesting post. I think I am an over-buyer at heart (mostly for things for myself like clothes or magazines, or gifts for my man) but during this recession I lost my job and I really have had to adapt to being an under-buyer. It is really hard scraping by, I definitely don't feel as satisfied because I am not buying as much which makes me depressed because I should be making memories and having fun with my boyfriend! I really hope everything gets worked out soon.

[Obsessive-Impulsive]

It's a kind of self-denial to keep neglecting your basic needs. Saline solution is a neccesity but maybe in your head you think it is a frill and that you don't deserve it. Buying the right amount requires some self-acceptance. Being organized with an ongoing list helps, too.

[Catherine Cantieri, Sorted]

I think it's interesting to note the areas in which I'm an over-buyer (clothes for "career occasions") and those in which I'm an underbuyer (staple groceries). I can draw some interesting conclusions from that!

[MJ]

I'm an under buyer but not stressed. I'm just not interested in "stuff" aside from books and CDs that interest me (yes I am a responsible adult homeowner, but I'm also a huge geek and happy that way) so wearing 10 year old gloves or rotating the same 2 pair of black work shoes every day for a year doesn't bother me. And when I realize that I have NO slacks at all I can usually find something that works well enough at the last minute. If it works, it works, and it leaves my mental energy for the things that I value.

[FupDuckTV]

I'm an under buyer, but its good cause I don't have the space to store crap at my house. It is ok though. I live near all sorts of stores and I have the internet for anything else I need. No stress here....

[Michelle (Artscapes)]

LOL! On the whole, I am an underbuyer. I hate shopping and put off things I need like clothes until the last second and resist specialized items. But - that said - I stock up on non-perishables like shampoo etc when it is on sale like Mary (helps me avoid trips!), and I also don't keep food past expiration dates.Yuck!

[Annie P]

I'm a "reformed" overbuyer. When I realized that the nonperishable staples I stockpiled were perishing because I couldn't use them before the expiration date, I decided to get real about how much I sock away. Now my pantry no longer resembles a bomb shelter reserve.

[Sophia]

I am definitely a gift over-buyer, and want to write in defense of this one:

"You buy items with the thought, “This will make a great gift!” without having a recipient in mind."

Doing this has saved me on many occasions when we have friends drop in to visit, especially if children are involved. I keep one dresser drawer full of cool and creative gifts and give them out whenever needed. Sometimes I realize that a pair of earrings in that drawer complements someone's outfit and I'll pull it out and give it to them on the spot. This makes me happy. :-)

[Sheryl]

I'm neither! Hooray, a character flaw I don't have!

[Louisa]

I am an over-buyer. I could feed the whole neighborhood for weeks on all the food in the pantry and the fridge. I have several hundred books in queue to be read. In my defense, I am an avid reader. I think I am pretty balanced on the clothes front, but that has been evolutionary over the last few years. I deviate from the mold above in that I am not a collector. I give things away just as quickly. I do not like clutter.

[Tracy]

I found this post really interesting as I immediately thought - 'oh, I'm definitely an under-buyer' as I am careful with my money. I was then very surprised to find that I'm definitely an over-buyer. I stock up on all kinds of food items when they're on special but as I live alone I have cupboards bulging with all kinds of stuff.

I've recently started reading your blog and have found it to be very interesting and useful - thanks.

[Kate]

I'm an underbuyer, for sure, as is my husband. We have a daggy 10 year old television which we just can't replace, much to our children's annoyance, until it dies of 'natural causes'. (Many hilarious dicussions about what constitutes a 'natural cause' ensued - does a tree branch through the screen count? A tree is natural, after all.)
A great book is 'Not Buying It' by Judith Levine, about her year of buying nothing other than necessities. Wonderful stuff.

[Gracey]

Saline solution = salt dissolved in water. Maybe you could mix up your own in a pinch?

(If you were feeling dedicated you could check the back of the bottle for the concentration you need and make it up exactly.)

As you might have guessed from the above I'm an under-buyer.

[Gretchen Rubin]

I really enjoyed Levine's book, NOT BUYING IT, too. I still remember (if I remember correctly) that the last thing she bought before giving up spending altogether was an outdoor, decorative stone elephant. Let me tell you -- that's not an under-buyer purchase!

Mixing up my own saline...hmmm. Good idea. But we don't have much salt.

[Christy]

I'm definitely an under buyer. But, I'm trying to even my buying habits out a bit so that I'm not constantly in emergency-mode buying.

[Martha]

I am now a "happy medium buyer". I can't stand for things to be shabby or not work properly, and I hate running out of needed items. On the other hand I hate storing things and I can be an impulse shopper. Then I discovered Amazon's "subscribe and save" program - now I have toilet paper, crystal light, etc delivered on a schedule. I never run out, but I don't have to store it either. The unexpected side effect is I save tons of money because I never have to go to Target anymore, so I don't buy all the impulse items. The only thing I order multiples of is Kiehl's shaving cream, and I simply order 3 more when I open the last tube.

[Annette]

I used to be an under-buyer who would run out of toilet paper and have to borrow from a neighbor. Now, I am an over-buyer. I think I am trying to compensate for my past life. If you came to visit, there would be no shortage of bathroom products or drinks to consume.

[Mary]

Love this website, and these blog conversations! Nice job Gretchen!

[RF]

I enjoyed this quiz, although it confirmed what I already know. I am a classic over-buyer. While it's nice to always have what you need and to often give a great gift (because I already bought it months ago with the recipient in mind "just because"), I have to admit that I have a LOT of stuff

[Leslie]

I'm surprised to say I look like an underbuyer according to this list. I have so much stuff that it seems like I would be an overbuyer, but I guess a lot of it is old. I'm always doing things like looking for a new pair of gloves in February or a pair of shorts in August and they've already put out next season's clothes. (Seriously, though, shouldn't you be able to buy clothing appropriate to the season you're IN? Who wants to try on swimsuits in February?)

[Nan]

I don't fit into either category, but I think I have more the mind of an over-buyer. I'm still watching my first TV set from 1986, but on the other hand I've never bought toilet paper in anything less than a 4-pack or saline solution in anything less than a 2-pack. Anyone who thinks they're being frugal by buying a single roll has flunked 1st-grade arithmetic. So is anyone who buys sunscreen at a gift shop at their destination when it was 50% off at the local drug store 30 days ago.

When I find a shirt, jeans, or swimsuit that fits, I tend to buy 2-3 in different colors. I feel like I'm not wasting money, I'm saving time. I envy people who seem to have the ability to earn more time...I find it easier to earn more money and save my precious time.

I can't imagine buying a gift without knowing whom I'm going to give it to, but on the other hand, when I get a coupon for a free greeting card, you better believe I use it for a thank-you or sympathy card to keep on hand. There's nothing virtuous/frugal about being stuck without a way to convey these common courtesies.

[Marty.]

.....I'm definitely an under-buyer as I am a really "daggy-nerd" dresser & yet have 3 houses & 5 motorbikes - but have TV's/stereo's & appliances ie: microwave that are old but still work - i think maybe I'm an under-buyer that has invested wisely........

[Drake Jackson]

I am an underbuyer but then I live so close to everything I need.

[Kate Petersen]

Quote: "Over-buyers—think it over before you whip out your wallet! You don’t need a ten-year supply of toothpaste!"

Yes you do, if they've discontinued your brand.

On the other hand, I am under-buyer on clothing, shoes, and several other sorts of things.

[Steve]

I answered yes to three questions in each half. What does that make me?

I think I tend towards overbuying food (and other consumable things such as toiletries), which makes me feel like an overbuyer in general, so I overcompensate by being an underbuyer in other areas of my life. However at least consumables leave the house sooner or later - it's really hard for me (and/or my spouse) to get rid of something even if I don't need it. So I guess, I feel I have to err on the side of not buying, but I don't know if that's really true or if it's a psychological hangup!

[Lori]

Unfortunately, saline solution is NOT just salt dissolved in water. It is carefully pH-buffered and formulated for eye comfort and contact lens life. In a pinch, a salt solution might work (but then, so will just plain water), but I wouldn't use it on a regular basis. Commercial saline solution is probably essential to eye health for a lot of people. It is not as simple as measuring out salt and mixing it with water, I'm afraid.

[Brandy]

Um, one purchases saline solution in prepackaged bottles because it is STERILE. Your homemade solution is pretty much guaranteed not to be. Yucko.

[Jo]

I am a recovering under-buyer. Thanks for repeating this post. The last time I thought I'd run out of saline solution, I was so pleased to see that I had taken your advise and bought two bottles. Yet, this evening, I am without toilet paper. It is a slow process...

[j0]

I guess I tend to be an underbuyer. I buy just-in-time when prices are par. When stuff I need (or know I will need) are on discount, I buy to stock up.

This works quite well (i.e. low stress) except when something I need runs out because discounts haven't come around in a while and I fail to get a replacement in time, usually because I didn't notice/remember it was running low.

[Michelle Potter]

I'm an under-buyer married to an over-buyer. In my head there's this imaginary quota for "stuff we can buy right now," and my husband always fills it before I can buy anything I want or need, so I just never buy anything. I just sit there and wish I could have it.

[Helen Keogh]

I'm an underbuyer for everything apart from clothes and even there I just buy two or three complete outfits for winter and summer each year. It took me many decades to suddently realise one day that it would be convenient to have two radios, one for the bedroom and one for the living room, instead of having to bring the only one back and forth. Then yesterday I suddenly realised - again after decades - that it would be convenient to have two pairs of scissors - again, one for the bedroom and one for the living room.

[courtney]

my mother is your classic under-buyer where my father is an over-buyer. to the point we took his credit cards away, but he still finds a way to get into the money and spend it on stuff we dont need instead of paying for bills and important stuff. is there anything we can do besides what we've already done to get him to stop?

[Ann]

Wouldn't a real under-buyer skip the saline solution all together and just wear glasses? That's what I do. BUT I am a classic over-buyer, having vowed never to run out of toilet paper. NEVER. And my house is a sty. I live in fear of being turned in to "Clean House." No brag, just fact.

[Amelia]

I am an under-buyer but it is more a matter of circumstance, having been a student for 8 years! I wonder how I will go when I soon am earning "real" money and have more to spend? I think being a student has taught me to be frugal, and the valuable lesson I have learnt is to look for value-for-money. That being said, I will always pay a little bit more for something if it will last, or if it is something I truly want and will use.