Buyer's remorse

Summary

Have you ever bought something expensive, then regretted it? Well, you’re not alone. And neither is Neil, who is about to find out exactly what ‘buyer’s remorse’ is. 


Transcript 

Feifei
Hi Neil. Nice shoes! 

Neil
Really, Feifei? I’m not sure about them. 

Feifei
They look cool. Orange is very… original! 

Neil
You’re just being nice. I’ve decided buying orange shoes was a bad move. I look stupid. 

Feifei
Were they expensive? 

Neil
Very expensive. 

Feifei
You know what? I think you’re suffering from buyer’s remorse! 

Neil
I suppose I do regret buying them.

Feifei
‘Buyer’s remorse’ is our phrase in this The English We Speak. It’s a particular kind of regret people can feel after a big purchase like a house or a car. They feel they’ve made a bad decision. 

Neil
Yes, that sounds right! Have you ever felt it?

Feifei
Yes, after I bought my new bike. Thankfully, the feeling passed. I love my bike now. Listen to these examples. 

Examples

A: I made a terrible decision buying this house. It’s in a bad location and it needs a lot of repairs. What was I thinking?
B: Sounds like buyer’s remorse, my friend. Relax. The repairs aren’t serious and it only takes five minutes to get to the train station.

A: Lovely new car!
B: Thanks, but I’m feeling terrible buyer’s remorse right now. It was so expensive. What if I lose my job? 

A: Why did I order lobster soup? Your potato soup was half the price, and it is tastier.
B: I know the feeling – I always order the wrong thing then get some serious buyer’s remorse. Let’s share. 

Feifei
You're listening to The English We Speak from BBC Learning English. The expression we're looking at in this programme is 'buyer's remorse'. So, Neil. Feeling any better now? 

Neil
You know, the funny thing is, I bought these shoes to cheer myself up!

Feifei
Oh, a bit of retail therapy, was it? Buying something to make yourself feel happier. It doesn’t always work! 

Neil
Sadly not. 

Feifei
Hey, aren’t they running shoes? 

Neil
Yes. 

Feifei
Well, how about this for a crazy idea: go for a run in them! That will make you feel better.

Neil
You’re probably right, as always, Feifei! 

Feifei
And by the way, I do think they look great. Orange suits you.

Neil
Oh, thanks. I guess they are pretty… unique. 

Both
Bye.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/chinese/features/the-english-we-speak/ep-190930