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Original poster

De-influencing thread - reasons why NOT to buy things

1000 replies

Whowhatwerewolf · 28/01/2026 20:21

Like quite a few people on here I have been trying to reduce or eliminate buying new clothes or beauty treats in 2026. For the most part I've failed miserably but I'm going to keep trying. One thing that helps me greatly is being de-influenced from a purchase. Unfortunately I'm very easily influenced by advertisements but my saving grace is that I can be easily dissuaded from buying things also.

Recently two lovely posters (@Johanna and @Cortietat ) managed to stop me from buying overpriced Sweaty Betty pilates socks and a potentially somewhat wonky Eribé fair isle cardigan respectively by telling me what wasn't so great about these items. I'm so appreciative as this has saved me heaps of money. So I was wondering whether anyone else has anything they'd liked to be talked out of purchasing?

The idea is to post something on this thread that you're considering buying despite trying to save money via a no buy or low buy commitment or simply because you're not sure about a purchase. Other posters respond to say why you shouldn't buy. If anyone thinks what you're considering getting is the best thing since sliced bread and you should definitely proceed they keep quiet about it please as this isn't the thread for that.

So...is anyone in?

OP posts:
Thread gallery
36
Flowersforyourchocolateprettyplease · 01/02/2026 19:00

JennyChawleigh · 01/02/2026 15:01

From Wikipaedia: "(MDF) may release formaldehyde, which is a known human carcinogen and may cause allergy, eye and lung irritation when cutting and sanding

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Thank you, that's that thought out the window.

Doglover73 · 01/02/2026 19:21

TrickyD · 31/01/2026 17:27

Are those lipsticks which claim to adapt to your PH balance and suit everybody any good? Facebook keeps urging me to buy one. Only about £17 but I don’t want to waste that on rubbish.

Go too pink on me. So no. Id test instore first

Doglover73 · 01/02/2026 19:24

ByGreenBiscuit · 31/01/2026 20:11

Please help me! A p-volve fitness system kit thing. Including some equipment for home workouts. Currently on mat leave and can’t go to gym! And it’s apparently very good for diastis recti (which I have), post partum mum’s and peri menopausal women… (I’m 41). PLUS the equipment is going to take up minimal space in a tiny house. It’s expensive tho.

Ive bought so much over the years and end up gathering dust.
Pilates is good for that.
Ive signed up for 3 months half price on cholesterol pilates off instagram. So 10 for 3 month and have 7 days free. I did my first earlier on and going to stick o it s I need help with my core strength etc. In meno and stomach getting bigger.
Cheaper!

Doglover73 · 01/02/2026 19:30

CortieTat · 01/02/2026 09:20

I have closed my DR three times (I have 3 DC) and got back my abs after each pregnancy, so I believe you can trust my advice.

Find free workouts on YouTube and do them at home. There are plenty post-partum ones. I recommend Hypopressives with Alice to improve DR and pelvic floor gently, I do the hypopressive breathing every day under the shower so it takes no time.

Only invest in expensive equipment once you have built the exercise habit and can’t live without working out unless you’re very ill.

I’ve never been to a gym, I have a Less Mills subscription and the cheapest equipment at home. I have only bought the subscription after several years of doing free workouts from YouTube regularly, I found Less Mills on YouTube too because they released some free workouts there during the pandemic.

The only thing you need to start is a yoga mat, mine was the cheapest I could find that was not smelly plastic.

I only have the mat, resistance bands (found them in a bargain bin), trail running shoes and the cheapest set of barbell weights. Once you start exercising regularly you will find out what kind of equipment you really need.

Don’t spend money on something that will potentially accumulate dust, won’t fit into your favourite exercise routine or will create a sense of guilt. Guilt is not the best motivation for creating long-lasting positive habits.

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Thanks for this. Ive added Alice to my youtube watch list x

Nicecatneighbour · 01/02/2026 20:10

RichardOnslowRoper · 29/01/2026 08:00

My grandad had one just like that, in the 1970s. Sorry it's a NO.

NotInMyyName · 01/02/2026 20:40

@Pigtailsandall you got me!

I was trying to be true to the thread and give you reasons not to buy the Hobbs coat. I still stand by my comment on the belt tho. I have at least 7 winter coats and I am feeble to suggest that 3 is too many.

Did you get de-influenced by everyone?

PS Great idea for a thread!

Edited typo and PS. Nothing dodgy!

PerkyGreyWasp · 01/02/2026 21:09

I need convincing not to buy these artificial flowers and vase for my kitchen. Like this one linked, but I'd get individual stems and put it together myself, and would probably get a different vase, but you get the gist. Artificial flowers normally look really fake, but these reviews make them seem like they would look almost real. Help please!
https://thefauxflowercompany.com/products/green-light-deluxe

Green Light Artificial Flower Arrangement

This Artificial Flower Bouquet is created from the finest silk flowers & includes luxury artificial green hydrangeas and artificial eucalyptus

https://thefauxflowercompany.com/products/green-light-deluxe

Silverbirchleaf · 01/02/2026 21:18

PerkyGreyWasp · 01/02/2026 21:09

I need convincing not to buy these artificial flowers and vase for my kitchen. Like this one linked, but I'd get individual stems and put it together myself, and would probably get a different vase, but you get the gist. Artificial flowers normally look really fake, but these reviews make them seem like they would look almost real. Help please!
https://thefauxflowercompany.com/products/green-light-deluxe

They’d collect a lot of dust.

Original poster
Whowhatwerewolf · 01/02/2026 21:19

And grease if they'll be in the kitchen.

OP posts:
RanyaJerodung · 01/02/2026 21:38

Whowhatwerewolf · 01/02/2026 21:19

And grease if they'll be in the kitchen.

Exactly!

RanyaJerodung · 01/02/2026 21:40

Don't put artificial flowers in the kitchen. If you want artificial flowers you can get them a lot cheaper, and which still look nice.

PerkyGreyWasp · 01/02/2026 21:44

I somehow hadn't thought about grease and the kitchen! And dust. Both good reasons to refrain! Thanks all!

PeonyPatch · 01/02/2026 21:50

LED Face masks…. Yes or no?!

RanyaJerodung · 01/02/2026 21:54

No.

Changedname9999 · 01/02/2026 23:18

PerkyGreyWasp · 01/02/2026 21:09

I need convincing not to buy these artificial flowers and vase for my kitchen. Like this one linked, but I'd get individual stems and put it together myself, and would probably get a different vase, but you get the gist. Artificial flowers normally look really fake, but these reviews make them seem like they would look almost real. Help please!
https://thefauxflowercompany.com/products/green-light-deluxe

I've fake white roses in my kitchen 2 lots in separate nice vases and they always cheer me up.sorry.

berightorbehappy · 01/02/2026 23:43

Goldpanther · 28/01/2026 21:11

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Sorry but unless you are a 6ft Vivienne Westwood model this will look like a tea towel improvised for a school play about peasants starving in the Soviet Union…

Sugarnspicenallthingsnaice · 02/02/2026 02:50

berightorbehappy · 01/02/2026 23:43

Sorry but unless you are a 6ft Vivienne Westwood model this will look like a tea towel improvised for a school play about peasants starving in the Soviet Union…

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There's 900+ posts on this thread, I'm really hoping that a new one will be created when this one fills up.

But I think it's only going to work as a running thread if people are willing to let the conversation evolve, by reading and responding to newer posts rather than being the 300th person to only quote and reply to the OP which was posted days ago!

Moulez · 02/02/2026 06:57

Horror stories? Vinted? I've made over £1000 over there on a couple of years @RanyaJerodung

Original poster
Whowhatwerewolf · 02/02/2026 07:12

@Changedname9999 into the naughty corner for you.

OP posts:
berightorbehappy · 02/02/2026 07:13

Sugarnspicenallthingsnaice · 02/02/2026 02:50

There's 900+ posts on this thread, I'm really hoping that a new one will be created when this one fills up.

But I think it's only going to work as a running thread if people are willing to let the conversation evolve, by reading and responding to newer posts rather than being the 300th person to only quote and reply to the OP which was posted days ago!

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This is a very “Mumsnet” reply ! Haaaa… l’m sorry if my response disturbed you but thanks for your input …

Original poster
Whowhatwerewolf · 02/02/2026 07:16

RanyaJerodung · 01/02/2026 18:01

I'm glad it's worked out for you, @Whowhatwerewolf , but I wouldn't go near Vinted as I've heard too many horror stories!

I think you're missing out. I have over 400 successful transactions buying and selling with very few (and only minor) issues. Over 99% have been problem-free. If you stick with sellers with lots of 5 star feedback you won't go far wrong.

The way Vinted categorises sizes is a little annoying as you have to wade through things that won't fit you but that's really my only criticism and it's not a big deal.

OP posts:
Isthisbatshitcrazyorthebestmoveiwillevermake · 02/02/2026 07:31

Numoya Go Brush Pro. Yes or No?

RanyaJerodung · 02/02/2026 09:21

Moulez · 02/02/2026 06:57

Horror stories? Vinted? I've made over £1000 over there on a couple of years @RanyaJerodung

Right.

RanyaJerodung · 02/02/2026 09:22

Whowhatwerewolf · 02/02/2026 07:16

I think you're missing out. I have over 400 successful transactions buying and selling with very few (and only minor) issues. Over 99% have been problem-free. If you stick with sellers with lots of 5 star feedback you won't go far wrong.

The way Vinted categorises sizes is a little annoying as you have to wade through things that won't fit you but that's really my only criticism and it's not a big deal.

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Ok. If it works for you, that's excellent. Personal choice. I don't want to derail the thread!

Pigtailsandall · 02/02/2026 09:24

PerkyGreyWasp · 01/02/2026 21:44

I somehow hadn't thought about grease and the kitchen! And dust. Both good reasons to refrain! Thanks all!

Fake anything is also really bad Feng Shui if you are into that kind of thinking. If you have plants, propagate something you habe and put that in your kitchen. A lively green thing will look better.

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