People Reveal Which Innovative Products They Absolutely Refuse To Buy
Reddit user WaterWalsh asked: 'What product no matter how innovative it is do you refuse to buy?'
With the latest advancements in technology, consumers are faced with the challenge of narrowing their list of products to buy.
The anxiety is only fueled by FOMO–fear of missing out–when they see their friends on social media bragging about the latest gadget that supposedly makes life easier.
But some people can't be bothered with all the fancy gadgets that are at the top of consumer reports as the best product so far in whatever year we're in.
They just prefer sticking to the basics and doing things the old-school way–like clicking on the TV with a remote instead of dictating to it what you want it to do after fumbling around for that elusive mic button to activate the function.
Curious to hear from consumers, Redditor WaterWalsh asked:
"What product no matter how innovative it is do you refuse to buy?"
Some people could do without all the bells and whistles of tried and true basic appliances.
Chilly Reception
"Smart' Refrigerator. I just need something that keeps my food cold. I don't need it to show me advertisements or what foods I might be out of. I can look for myself."
– SomeSamples
"Unless it can remind me of the box of fresh spinach that I stacked the yogurt in front of and, therefore, forgot existed, I wouldn't even consider it."
– FallenEquinox
Things Get Heated
"A stove also shouldn’t be connected to the internet and should just be a normal stove."
– Illustrious_Risk3732
"My stove has an app so you can set the oven temperature from your phone, when I got it I thought 'ok this might be useful if I want to preheat the oven on my way home or something,' but alas, it proved itself useless, you have to touch your phone to the oven to give it the command, like wft?? I'm already here I might as well just turn on the damn oven."
– I_dont_know_you_pick
Get The Picture?
"If I could, I wouldn’t even buy a smart tv. That’s what my Apple TV is for. I just need something to turn on and make a nice picture."
– GlendoraBug
"I intentionally locked out my smart TV because I have a secondary device. It doesn't need to be connected to the mothership. My TCL television probably has zero security, and who knows how many backdoors to circumvent my router."
"All these IoT devices are just great "dumb" tools to use for DDOS attacks by unsavory nation states. Blackberry said this years ago."
– SkivvySkidmarks
Just because products are under a famous person's name doesn't necessarily make them top quality.
Clever Marketing, Poor Product
"I’m Irish and Conor McGregor’s whiskey isn’t really drank over here. It’s very average whiskey with a premium price tag. You could buy far superior whiskey for less. His branding is amazing though."
"It’s the same with his stout. No one in Ireland touches it... Again his branding is amazing and people all over the world are buying in to this sh*t."
– geoffraffe
Refusing The Socialite Family Brand
"Anything promoted by any kardashian… my curling iron broke so I stopped at target on the way home (This was years ago)… all they had were curling irons with Kardashians on the box - I refused."
– SammieCat50
These consumers just don't get the hype over these smart devices.
Bendy Phones
"Folding smartphones. They're expensive as all get out, and I've seen a lot of them develop weird screen issues just through normal use, that are prohibitively expensive to repair. I'll stick to my slab phone."
– EvilDarkCow
Personal Home Assistant
"Alexa."
– f'kswagga
"My roommate has one and I f'king hate it."
– VeterinarianFit1309
"My girlfriend has an Alexa in our bedroom and it's the most annoying thing in the world. She uses it to set a morning alarm and it always start spouting the weather and playing sh**ty music that we both hate. She refuses to get rid of it because she comes from a third world country and always dreamed of having 'American-life tech.' Of course, I overlook it because I don't want to be an a**hole, but nevertheless I dread waking up in the morning and hearing the Bezos bot."
– OldLavyGenes1998
Undesirable Communication Partner
"As a general rule, I don't like talking to inanimate objects."
– Interesting_Ad2464
"We got one as a gift, put it in the kitchen."
"1. The little kitchen TV was on and had an Alexa commercial and then our Alexa started talking to the commercial because the woman on TV said "Alexa" and it kinda went back and forth."
"I thought some people broke into the house. Our Alexa (don't ask me how) was playing our neighbors having a fight next door through their Alexa."
"The device lasted about a week before it was donated."
– Mackheath1
People were getting nowhere fast with these cars of the future.
Out Of Touch
"Cars with touch screens."
– Ruminations0
"I could stand a touch-screen, so long as it was supplemented with buttons. A car with only a touch screen? Terrible."
– SuperFLEB
"Have one of those at work. Just changing the heat while driving is a risk of traffic accident."
– Kaikeno
Some Drivers Musk Need This
"Tesla."
– brando9d7d
"I rented a Tesla on my last trip. I have the electric Volvo as a company car, so I was curious what Teslas were like. What a piece of sh*t. Materials are cheap, fit and finish was like my 95 Saturn, and it took forever to figure out how to control everything. Almost every damned thing has to be controlled by the software. Even the wipers, which is really distracting while you're driving. The key card recognizes when you walk up and unlocks the door, however in order to actually drive you have to tap the card on the arm rest. It's so stupid. Oh, and the 'shifter' is where the wipers should be, on the steering column. It's like they went out of their way to make the whole car as different as they could just to do it. I was happy to get back to the Volvo as it's a normal car that happens to have a battery, and a much better product."
– IcedT_NoLemon
Maybe it's because I'm not a gamer, but I personally don't see the need for an iPad.
I love using my iPhone and MacBook Pro to get all my business and social needs in order. Introducing a third option for going about my daily tasks and interacting with social media will only make my head spin.
I've also seen people walking around with their iPads and taking photos with them, which looks ridiculous in my opinion.
I remember thinking to myself after witnessing the bizarre practice, "I will not be that person."
But hey, that's just me.
Purchases For Under $100 That Actually Changed People's Lives
Reddit user MapleLeafCollector asked: 'What life changing thing can you buy for less than $100?'
As consumers, we're always on the hunt for the best bargain and look to avoid being ripped off.
But sometimes it's worth forking over an exorbitant amount of money for certain indulgences to spoil ourselves with, like an exotic vacation getaway or fancy new clothes from a high-end department store.
While many of us scoff at throwing away our money on luxury items, did you know you don't have to drain your bank account for items or experiences that are absolutely priceless?
Strangers online came up with a slew of economical and helpful tips when Redditor MapleLeafCollector asked:
"What life-changing thing can you buy for less than $100?"
These can improve your way of living.
For Maximum Flow
"The squatty potty (or its knockoff). Truly changed my life."
– MeatballsRegional
"You don't even need a knockoff version - I've using a little plastic stool (lol) that I got for £1 at the Pound Shop down the road for the last 20+ years."
– Slinkywhippet
For Oral Hygiene And Foot Health
"A good pair of shoes/boots (on sale, just scored $275 hiking boots for $60) and a Sonicare toothbrush. Take care of your feet and teeth, you'll be glad you did."
– ketkate
Kicking A Bad Habit
"Nicotine replacement therapy to quit smoking/vaping."
"Edit:please read the thread if you want info to quit smoking. Other commenters have some really good tips."
– notseizingtheday
You can avoid major suffering by purchasing these items under $100.
Major Life Alert
"Carbon monoxide detector. Plug it in your bedroom. That way if there's the 1/1,000,000 chance your appliance or heater or whatever malfunctions you'll at least wake up before you die from suffocation in your sleep."
"EDIT: I mean wake up before you die so you can LEAVE. The goal is to avoid suffocating."
– JacobiPoke
Emergency Kit
"A decent first aid kit. I take one with me wherever I go in the car. You can make your own with good supplies for around that much. Never know when you’ll need it."
– brotbeutel
Ultimate Protection
"A condom."
– 2be0rn0t2b
"We sell single condoms in my store. I have a couple of younger customers who buy them. I charge 1 dollar, no tax because I not about to try to haggle over 7 cents."
"And I don't say anything about it. Ever. Not even have a nice day or stay safe."
"I even told my boss not to say one word about it to their moms who also come into my store."
"I am not going to do anything to make them the least bit uncomfortable about it."
– daisy0723
Simplify your life with these.
Cruise Control
"A portable air compressor for your car tires."
– likeagausss
"Mine plugs into the car outlet. So I don't have to find an outlet."
– Gibbons74
Temporary Shelter
"If you have gone totally bankrupt and those are your last 100$, a gym membership. Gives you a couple of months of access to a locker and a shower for you to find a job in the meanwhile."
– burrrrah
"I've been homeless for 5 years and the gym is the secret to maintaining a semi normal life. If you can shower and do your laundry weekly no one will ever suspect that you're homeless, and when they do find out they're usually shocked."
– DickieJohnson
It's About Size
"10 foot phone charger cord."
– 2trashkittens
"Full circle, from corded phone to corded phone. It was bound to happen."
– F'k_you_Reddit_Nazi
Grate Solution
"I got one of those cheese graters with the hand crank (like Olive Garden) 🤌🤌🤌🤌"
– South_Bit1764
"So now you can have that awkward moment at home with family when you don’t know if now is too much cheese or a second ago…."
– Right_Plankton9802
Like A Big Warm Hug
"A heated throw. Honestly saves you so much money in the winter and makes you more comfortable. Life changing because who can afford to heat their house all day every day through winter."
– Eurghunderstandme
My husband and I bought GoSund smart plugs and paired it with our virtual assistant system.
Now, whenever we come home from a night out, either one of us can vocally command Alexa to turn the lights on in our home without us going to every lighting source to turn them on manually.
It's definitely a game-changer.
When I was little, I used to imagine all the things I would buy if I were a billionaire: a fancy car with a driver to go with it (because I was too young to drive back then), a huge mansion with 50 bedrooms, and a personal chef who would cook me pizza anytime I wanted.
While those aren’t the things I want anymore (well, I still do want the house… and the driver), I still have a list of things I would buy if I were a billionaire.
Redditors do as well, and they’re ready to share what the first things on those lists.
It all started when Redditor TrinityLisbon asked:
“If you suddenly became a billionaire, what's the first thing you would buy?”
Some people chose decadence.
The Good Life
“Someone to rub my feet while I eat $5,000 lobster tails drenched in truffle butter.”
– 8inchSalvattore
Spend It All In One Place
"I’m finally gonna try that Avocado toast I’ve heard so much about."
– Tigerchestnut13
"Aaaaaand it’s gone"
– Woolbuckle
Eat And Eat And Eat
"If we were to say literally the first thing, I’m thinking a crazy expensive dinner. I live in NYC. There would be something freeing about walking into a Michelin star restaurant and buying a $500pp tasting menu maybe with another $200pp wine pairing plus dessert, and not caring about the cost. I would drop several grand on an amazing meal and not think twice about it."
– Runningaroundnyc
"From the perspective of a lifelong cook who's tired of figuring out what to make for supper, I'd hire a top notch chef and not deal with having to prepare meals, ever. Enjoy amazing food all the time."
– DamnDame
Others were ready with the humor.
What Kind?
"House"
– HuguenotPirate
"Yes! The House of Representatives! Maybe the Senate too…"
– NorthNorthAmerican
"I feel like Hugh Laurie is still worth more than that"
– Flimsy_Finger4291
A Lot Of Green
"I would go do a mega grocery shop. Buy like four heads of broccoli."
– butt-sandwich
"Baller. Stop stuntin' on us."
– OHPAORGASMR
"I think you could afford to splurge a little bit..."
"You can finally buy some lettuce!"
– ApricotPenguin
A Whole Country!
"Italy. Definitely Italy"
– honeydewslayer
"You would buy Italy? I'm not an expert but I think it would cost more than a billion."
– MatureHotwife
Some were practical.
My Shiny Teeth And Me
"I'd fix my teeth. Buy a new roof."
– GeekyBookWorm87
"Teeth are my first lottery win priority as well. I’m lucky I have dental insurance- but I still can’t afford the copays on the major work I need done. That and the anxiety I have around being in a dentist chair. With too much money to care what it would cost I could hire a good cosmetic dentist that could put me under twilight anesthesia and I’d wake up and be done with it."
– Taxitaxitaxi33
Pay It Off
"Debt. Pay off all my and my family’s debt, mortgages, credit cards etc Then I’d pay off my friends and keep going Then I’d buy myself something nice"
– azmr_x_3
The Real Necessities
"The first thing I'd buy if I became a billionaire would be a personal assistant to help me manage all of my newfound wealth. And maybe a lifetime supply of pizza, because let's face it, money can't buy happiness, but it can buy pizza, which is pretty close."
– Azekan7370
Still others were thinking of all the good deeds the money could do.
Education Above All
"Start a school for students from low socioeconomic backgrounds who have the drive to succeed. Remove as many barriers to their academic success as possible and track their outcomes. Small classes, full lab activities, teaching assistants, nutrition and health support…coaches, subject specialist teachers, arts programs… I would need a strong team to plan, organize, develop a program. I’ve considered this for a while"
– troutinthemilk
For Those Who Need It
"My state collects $25 million per year for bus fares. First thing I'd do is pay all bus fares for the next 10 years. I figure that will help with global warming, traffic, cleaner air, less oil wars and decrease the power of people like the ones who caused 9/11 and the invasion of Ukraine."
"And most of all, would put money in the pockets of the people who need it most. Thus it would be a great contributor to state commerce."
"Plus, I'd offer double that amount to expand bus service thruout more of my state."
– Adventurous_Oil_5805
Many Thanks (To Family)
"I'd buy my parents their dream ranch. I owe them the world."
– thespeculatorinator2
"My mum a house"
– Key-Ad-264
"I'd buy my mom and my MIL and myself and my bros a house."
– MangoBanana2012
"That house is gonna be crowded"
– ThunderAndSadness
But of course, there's nothing wrong with using money to make life a little bit easier.
No More Chores
"Hire a housekeeper, nutritionist, chef & personal trainer. That way I always have a clean home, tasty nutritious meals & a really personalized workout plan"
– theimpetusme
“I'd get a chauffeur too. I f*cking hate driving.”
– LatexHorseboy
Now those are people who know how to live!
What would you do with the money? Let us know in the comments below!
When we set a goal to put some money aside to allocate for luxury items, vacations, or just for an emergency, we do our best not to waver.
Consumers will typically wait for an item to go on sale, but sometimes, they make exceptions and spend the extra money on something that is worth the quality.
So, just what are these items or experiences that customers don't mind shelling out their hard-earned cash for?
Curious to hear from strangers online, Redditor Icky_the_Eskimo asked:
"What things are 100% worth the money?"
These are conveniences that are worth the money and can make life so much easier.
Helpful Household Tool
"A good vacuum cleaner. You don’t need to buy a Dyson, but get something better than the $89.99 basic model."
"Edit: I recently bought a Shark. I wasn’t about to spend twice what I paid for that on Dyson. I’m very happy with it. The amount of dirt it pulled out of my carpets was significant."
– DrProfessorSatan
It Holds
"Good brand Duct tape."
– Full-Worldliness-820
Kitchen Companion
"An enameled Dutch oven. The French-made Le Creuset and Staub cookware are wonderful, but you can buy a Lodge enameled Dutch oven for a third of the price. Worth every penny."
– danappropriate
This Combo Would Be Ideal
"A bidet"
"Non-stop flights"
– TruthOf42
It's more than about keeping up with appearances.
If The Shoe Fits
"Good quality shoes."
– RifleShower
"Yeah, I had to get boots with a harder and thicker sole to wear while walking and doing normal tasks. The ground here is rough, a thin and soft sole is going to cause me issues. Plus, I don’t slip in rocks anymore and find walking uphill much easier. It all depends on what terrain you’re on though."
– [deleted]
Choosing The Fashion
"well made clothing that:"
"fits you properly"
"can be used in a variety of uses (social, professional, recreational, etc..)"
"is designed to last, or can be repaired."
– upfjords
Snug Fit
"A well fitted and well made bra."
– D33nasaur
"I second the Nordstrom tip. They have a huge selection for all sizes & styles and once you find a brand & style you love, you can order from the manufacturer if Nordstrom no longer carries your fave. Plus, they will not be undersold. Wacoal probably offers the best support but their bras are not sexy. Elomi makes a perfect t shirt bra and Glamorise makes killer racer back w/front closure bras for large breasts"
– zestyspleen
Comfy Undies
"Ex Officio, tight, not loose. Sports material that is just amazing in hot weather, feels like silk, and stops your legs rubbing together if that’s a problem. Great for humid climates and travelling. God, I love them, they changed my life ! Too much underwear-related ranting, but I recommend them to everyone."
– zenconkhi
Safe Sex
"A teenager came through my line earlier that couldn't afford condoms. I took what he had and let him take the condoms. I'll deal with my till being short later. What's important is that he's safe and there's no babies or diseases afterwards."
– twitchy_taco
Good services are well worth paying for.
Hard Labor
"Hiring a moving company."
"You do all the small packing yourself and then hire somebody to move the large pieces of furniture. It’s amazing and removes so much of the stress of moving."
– OddFeature
Customer Satisfaction
"Can’t preach this enough. We just moved Wednesday, only 25 minutes away. Cost us $3,080 but it was 100% worth it. Zero stress. All done in one day. My wife just pointed and they moved it into the correct room and reassembled."
– mattlind12
Regular House Cleaning
"Once a month maid service. Probably the best thing I’ve ever spent money on."
– crapballsfacef'k
Life experiences can create valuable memories for a lifetime.
See Some Sights
"Traveling. If you wanna go somewhere, do it. I’ve never said to myself 'man I wish I never went to that place and spent that money.' I’ve got memories and stories now. Experiences that I’ll hold onto dearly for a long time. That’s worth more than any dollar amount. (Obviously be smart about your planning… but yeah. Just travel as much as you can)."
– iamaviamarie
Wanderlusting
"Solo traveling is fantastic. I get to please myself and answer to no one but myself. If I want to spend 3 days looking at art I can. If I want a rest day, I'll have one. Best thing ever."
– aquila-audax
Getaway
"A vacation away. I know so many people who say they don’t travel because it’s too expensive—and I mean friends who I know have the funds."
"It resets you. Can be the highlight memory of your year. It’s worth it to get away and indulge for a bit every once in a while. Especially if you can!"
I can't agree with the above more.
Traveling is definitely worth spending money on. Seeing the world will open up your perspective, being exposed to different cultures can be inspiring, and the friendships you make alone your journey is priceless.
There are ways to travel on a budget, so the excuse that being a tourist is too expensive is moot.
Also, much of the world have reopened their borders following the pandemic, so traveling to many destinations are now possible.
If you've always had the travel bug, what are your waiting for? Get out there and find your adventures.
One of the hardest things to do in life is to stick to a budget. No matter how well you plan and how determined you are, you always seem to overspend a little.
Usually, this is a result of certain items being overpriced. Between run-of-the-mill inflation and shortage of goods, and the addition of pandemic-related inflation and shortage of goods, several items have been marked up.
In addition to goods, events and services are costing more as well.
The worst part is a lot of the stuff that is overpriced are actually items that people can't stop buying. People can't stop overspending if they aren't able to stop buying.
Curious about what overpriced items people keep buying, Redditor Sxzym asked:
"What's something that's way too overpriced, but people still keep buying?"
An Awful Business That's Always Needed
"Funerals"
– sparklingshanaya
"Just throw me in the trash."
– snyder005
"I’m thinking about starting a business as a funeral planner. I know it sounds like a stand up bit, but I’m serious."
"It’s not like the average person understands the business, the rules and regulations, and the prices."
"So essentially, you’re making thousands of dollars worth of decisions while you’re an emotional wreck. Plus everyone is trying to squeeze extra money out of you by gaslighting you into thinking you’re a cheapskate that doesn’t care about your dead loved one."
"I go in not knowing the family nor the deceased and I certainly don’t give two sh*ts if a funeral director thinks I’m being cheap."
"The only thing that sucks is I would have to get paid too, so that would kind of ruin the whole point. So part of me just wants to volunteer my efforts."
"I just really hate when people get bent over and put in debt after losing someone. It’s so disgusting."
– Deleted User
Addicting Goods
"Cigarettes"
– Poopikenz
"This one hits home. Everytime my mother buys a pack of ciggies and bitches about the rising costs but absolutely refuses to try the MUCH cheaper alternative which is vaping, the same device she seen me quit cigs on lol."
– ItsAnAvocadooThanks
"I feel this lol"
"I’ve had issues with other addictions in the past and managed to kick the bad ones but haven’t been able to quit smoking."
"At 2 packs a day with the price being between 6-8$, that we will call 7 is about 5k a year and I’m about a decade into this so I’ve depend around 50k on cigarettes in my life."
– GenericUsername19892
Fast Food
"Fast food. Gone are the days of the dollar menu"
– Bending_toast
"F*ckin fast food man, McD’s is expensive as sh*t now a days."
– iaintlyon
"Fast food. I see lines of cars in just about every joint I drive past. Spending who knows how much money on one meal that has no nutrients. I spend the same amount on food that will provide me three meals, with nutrients that will help me through my week."
– HeartPalpitations46
Medical Supplies
"Insulin. It's like they need it to live or something. Lol."
– uwumcuwu
"Inhalers too. So ridiculous it's not like I'm choosing to not breathe"
– adnoh1799
Apple Products
"Not to start a phone war, but i myself think that Apple products in general are way too expensive."
– Lo0tzz
"I might be wrong on this but it seems like every time they come out with a new iPhone all they add is a bit more battery life and a few better camera features when they’ve already had an excellent camera since iPhone X and 11 because that was the whole gimmick of those devices but they keep adding more camera stuff and then slap on a hundred more to the price."
– zRudy_Jimmy
The Essentials Of Eating
"Grubhub/Uber eats/door dash, etc"
– MonkeyDDeclan
"And when you have small children at home, thus making you unable or unwilling (depending on the circumstance) to just run out and pick up the food yourself, you wind up using then FAR more often than you should."
– dkonigs
The Completely Necessary
"Health care."
– dangoins
"Insurance I mean, it's necessary, but still..."
– asianchopsticks__
"Women's hygiene products."
"It should be dirt cheap, if not free."
– Marmite_Badger
Hydration
"Water. Should never have to pay for it."
– mattekus
"Bottled water - obviously only where safe, clean drinking water is available from the tap."
– McStabbityStabStab
"Our tap water at our apartment tastes like dirt so we usually get a 24 pack and go through it in about 2 weeks. We always get the store brand, though. Never name brand."
– captainbuckybarnes
Fulfilling The Food Groups
"pre-sliced fruits and veggies at the store. The markup is insane on those things lol"
– -MACHO-MAN-
"In Tennessee a whole watermelon is $4.99. Also, 1/4 of a watermelon is $4.99."
– usedTP
"I hate myself a little every time I buy pre chopped veggies but damn it if they aren't worth it when my arthritis flares."
– thatspookybitch
Learn A Lot
"College education after associates."
– Cozycouchandtv
"University or college education"
– ThirdSpectator
Vrooom, Vrooom
"Gas"
– Equivalent-Ad-2950
"Gasoline, obviusly."
– notelpmiS
"Gas my friend…….. how else imma get to my destination without ending in west bubble f*ck☹️"
– londonmano235
Buy It, Don't Make It
"Boba milk tea has become overpriced where I live (used to be under $3-4 in my high school and college days but now most boba shops in my area are selling drinks for $5-7) but I still keep buying them from time to time because the last time I tried to make it myself at home, it was really bland and didn't taste like how milk tea should taste."
– booksandmatcha
I Gotta Play!
"In-game money or games. Some games cost like 500 in cash 💀 online. If it's expensive at a shop its understandable but online like steam? Comon bro 🌚"
– EllinorMetalhead-
Oh My God, Shoes!
"SHOES I MEAN SERIOUSLY SHOES"
– Temporary-Ad-4285
"Any Yeezy shoe, I like some of the designs they make. But I’m not going to pay 120$ for some slides"
– ItzzTokyoo
Home Improvement
"Major appliances. Has the technology changed that much to warrant the price increase? The bells and whistles might be nice but even basic appliance prices are out of whack. Seems fridges and freezers still use pretty much the same insulation and compressors. Washers and dryers haven't really advanced enough to justify the prices. Even ovens don't offer anything all that impressive. I suppose that's why they keep adding stuff like wi-fi connectivity; to account for the pricing. That and the home improvement shows convincing people they need new appliances every few years."
– litsalmon
What's A Movie Without Popcorn?
"Movie theater popcorn, snacks & drinks!"
– ChristmasOwl1886
Solid Advice...I Think
"Homes. Just rent. You are not going to live forever."
– celluloid_heroes
High Price For Comfort
"THAT bar soap. ya know the ones that have a whole plant in them."
– Maximum_Setting3206
Sadness
"The American Dream."
– Thundersiege_Tank
"happy endings"
– revpar35
Ouch. That's a harsh reality!