An interesting article about frenzied collecting

I was reading this very interesting article about out-of-control Rae Dunn collecting. The section below really resonated with me, because I have noticed this behaviour in many special interest communities, and I have sometimes fallen into it myself.  I have seen this in nail polish groups, sneaker groups, LulaRoe groups, planner and handbag groups, washi groups – anywhere where there is a frenzy of collecting and new releases.

After reading the stories above, I felt even more compelled to write this blog. Shopping addictions are REAL and impact both ourselves and our families. It’s SO easy to get caught up in this fun world full of beautiful pieces of pottery, and fun accessories and the friendship that comes along with it- but at what cost?

If you collect Rae Dunn, and you’re reading this now, I want you to ask yourself these questions (I’m asking myself the same):

• Do I REALLY like this item, or am I buying it because it’s popular and hard to find?

• Am I only buying this so I can show it off and feel a sense of achievement?

• Will I ever USE this item? (either for it’s intended purpose, or for display)

• Will buying this item add to clutter at home?

• Does the clutter at home make me feel stressed and anxious?

• Can I TRULY afford this item without going into debt? Am I swiping my credit card mindlessly without thinking?

• Do I already have a similar item at home?

• Are other people influencing what I like, or am I deciding for myself? Do I only want to buy this because someone else decided it was the new “hard to find” and “in” item?

• Do I acknowledge that just because someone I don’t know on the internet says something is cute doesn’t mean it’s actually cute. I can think for myself.

• Am I buying a timeless piece that I will enjoy for years to come?

• Is my hobby hurting my family in any way?

• Am I spending too much time hunting and not spending enough quality time with my family?

• Do my kids REALLY want to be dragged to the store on a regular basis to buy dishes. Is this hobby hurting my abilities to be the parent they need?

• If I stop spending so much on Rae Dunn, are there better things my money can go towards? (Vacations, paying off debt, a house fund, my child, etc).

By a lot of these stories, you can see that FOMO (fear of missing out) is a big reason for collecting Rae Dunn. People post items in the group, which makes everyone want to find those items too.

I found the entire article very interesting, and worth keeping in mind, particularly the part below. Being an admin in several planner groups, I have seen it ALL. Thank you Dedreanna for this!

I’ve seen people fighting over it and posting about how much they NEED it. I’ve seen people making up fake sob stories to get pieces sent to them, tricking people, people fighting, crying, complaining, humiliating others, people using natural or personal disasters to get pieces sent to them. If we told someone about this behavior without telling them what the addiction was, many would probably believe it was something a lot worse than pottery.