Thursday, March 13, 2008

Seller's remorse

Everyone who's ever bought a swimsuit or an American car knows the feeling of buyer's remorse. Lately, though, I've run across its opposite: seller's remorse.

Here's a little dog I shipped off yesterday--glad to have the sale, of course, but as I bubble wrapped him him, I remembered buying him, more than 15 years ago, in a little place called the In and Out Shop that was simply crammed with junk like this (if it was still open, I'd make a fortune). I felt kind of sad to see him go, but he spent the past ten years in a box in the basement, so I must not have needed him that badly.

I've had similar bittersweet reactions when I've sold my jewelry, even though, for God's sake, I'm making it to sell! Here's one of the brooches I made out of antique buttons, and the first sale from my Etsy shop. I was thrilled with the sale, a week or so after I opened shop, but so sad to see this button go, with its fun textures and buttery yellow.

This reluctance to let go of things is not peculiar to Americans, but we undoubtedly suffer from it more than many nations. Our closets are crammed, our basements stacked, and if we do manage to let go of anything, it is with some regret. The upside of this anal retentive impulse is that I have boxes and boxes of old junk that may turn out to be craft worthy. The downside is that I have boxes and boxes of old junk.

14 comments:

Catherine said...

I feel the same way. So hard to let go sometimes. You do get attached. Nice post.

Julia said...

I completely understand this feeling :) I have boxes of little, special things that I can't seem to part with, or use, for that matter. It's strange how that works!

Caroline said...

It's odd... I grew up in a family of pack rats, which really motivated me to consider each thing I purchase, inherit, or collect, and ask myself, do I really need this? Or will it just take up space?

Callooh Callay said...

Good for you, Caroline. I'm always torn between the urge to simplify and the urge to collect. (I don't think browsing on Etsy has helped me any.)

Anonymous said...

I can see why that cute doggie would be hard to part with.

I'm such a pack rat that I need to find more storage. Not good.

Distressing Delilah a.k.a. jenn said...

I can understand how you feel...sometimes..you feel like you are watching a child walk away! Pretty sad we get so attached.

ThePeachTree said...

You actually have me teared up. I'm such a sap :)

TexasTesla said...

You should have seen my husband this past weekend...we traded in his very beat up Escort for a newer car. He knew it was the right decision, but he'd been driving that car for 7 years, and gotten rather attached. Me - I'm glad the ugly green monster is finally someone else's problem! lol

Callooh Callay said...

It's funny how many people relate. We must be an unenlightened bunch.

Texastesla, I still think back fondly on my yellow Datsun (except cold mornings, when my car actually starts).

Sherie said...

Outstanding prose. I enjoyed reading it and admire your honest yet witful confession. You're a terrific writer and artist. I love your works and lovely lovely shop.

You just made a fan out of me :)

Sherie said...

it somehow relates to my post today... 'Perfect Ten'

http://morningartist.blogspot.com

moesewco said...

I feel less remorse when I get to know the person a little that I'm sending a hat off to. Once I feel a connection with them, and see their excitement, I don't feel so bad.

Though I have to admit, at this point, it would be very difficult to see our collaboration go. It's just so absolutely perfect!

Callista said...

i feel the same, i had this really nice buddah wooden statue we had picked up at an antique shop a long time ago sold it last month i miss it :(

Callooh Callay said...

Aren't we all too silly?