Many young Singaporeans make spur-of-the-moment purchases. But what happens once the novelty of the purchase begins to fade and the nagging feeling that they have made a mistake sets in? We asked young people to tell us about the expensive items that they regret buying and what they did with them.
Tan Si Ying, 18, student at Temasek Polytechnic:
Temasek Polytechnic student Tan Si Ying spent a few hundred dollars on a digital camera that took poor-quality photos.ST PHOTO: ADRIELLE KOH AND RAYDEN LEE
“I spent a few hundred dollars to buy a digital camera that took poor-quality photos. I thought it was quite good because many people were using it but, now, I realise they were probably using filters for their photos.
“Although it has a retro filter, there are many better cameras out there at a similar price. I am now saving for a Fujifilm (camera) as I know its quality is quite good based on its reviews.
“I don’t really use this camera, so I just keep it with the rest of my camera collection.”
Jared Goh, 21, waiting to enter National University of Singapore:
Mr Jared Goh regrets buying an iPad.ST PHOTO: ADRIELLE KOH AND RAYDEN LEE
“I think the most expensive item that I regret buying is an iPad as I have a MacBook that can do everything the iPad does but better.
“I bought it because everyone was taking notes on it in school. They used an Apple Pencil and I thought it was quite cool.
“I used to use my iPad to create designs on Procreate and Illustrator, but it’s a waste to spend so much money to buy it (just for that purpose). My sister uses my iPad sometimes, but she prefers using her MacBook, so my iPad just sits around at home.”
Isaac Tay, 17, student at Kaplan Singapore:
Kaplan Singapore student Isaac Tay is not happy with the Pokemon Booster Boxes he bought.ST PHOTO: ADRIELLE KOH AND RAYDEN LEE
“Something I regret buying is the Pokemon Booster Boxes. I paid $175 for them, but I didn’t get anything nice in those boxes. I was hoping to get the Pokemon chase cards.
“Although I’m not happy with the cards, I keep them with my other Pokemon cards as it would be a waste to throw or give them away.
“I buy these boxes quite often as I am a collector. If I could spend my $175 again, I would probably buy a different box of cards.”
Adeline Lim, 19, student at Temasek Polytechnic:
Temasek Polytechnic student Adeline Lim calls the Jellycat rabbit she bought “useless”.ST PHOTO: ADRIELLE KOH AND RAYDEN LEE
“Recently, I bought a Jellycat rabbit that cost about $35. It’s a trend, especially among girls, as Jellycats are very cute. Even though I wanted it, it’s not something I need, so I regret buying it.
“If I could spend my money elsewhere, I would probably spend it on food as I go out a lot, and it is something that I need to survive. Clothes, too, as I like dressing up.
“My Jellycat is useless and there’s not much I can do with it. Currently, it just sits in a corner in my room.”
Faizaan Thameezuddin, 17, student at Kaplan Singapore:
Kaplan Singapore student Faizaan Thameezuddin bought a Loro Piana hat, which costs $900, on a whim.ST PHOTO: ADRIELLE KOH AND RAYDEN LEE
“I regret buying my hat as it costs $900. It is a Loro Piana hat made of cashmere. The material felt very nice and I bought it on a whim.
“But I later realised that my hat does not match many of my outfits yet. I still wear it to get my money’s worth.”
Omar Asad Barnwell, 17, student at Nanyang Polytechnic
Nanyang Polytechnic student Omar Asad Barnwell regrets buying a pair of Ralph Lauren sunglasses.ST PHOTO: ADRIELLE KOH AND RAYDEN LEE
“I bought a pair of Ralph Lauren sunglasses that cost more than $130. I regret buying it now as it does not fit my fashion style.
“Initially, I liked the design and bought it, but I did not consider the purchase enough. After a while, I outgrew it but still had to wear it out because it was a really expensive buy.”
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