Duplicates

Back in the day, I had the video store flag me when I re-rented the same video (for the 6th time).  At one time I kept a list of books I have in my "to read" stack(s), because, I kept buying the same books. Luckily, since books are more memorable, I only re-bought most of the books 3 times.  My memory lapses are not limited to videos and books.  We don't have video stores any longer, and I've long ago lost the book list. 

You know where this is going....

I would think Amazon would alert me (or at least ask me for a review, which would cue me) that I've already purchased this craft book.  It didn't. As a result, I almost bought the same book. Again. The only reason I didn't?

I'm cheap. 

I decided to check a competitor site (Half Price Books). They didn't have it--well, they did, but at full price (which is still half-price, but more than I wanted to pay for this particular craft book). I got sidetracked, looking at reasonably priced kits on Etsy, and never made it back to Amazon.

It's a good thing because the craft book I was about to reorder  arrived in the mail today--all the way from Buckinghamshire. (Less than $5, shipping included--I told you I'm cheap.)

Yeah, I know I could have picked it up at Hobby Lobby and avoided the whole potential repurchase. In fact, Hobby Lobby is where I first saw it. And I normally buy local.  But it really ticks me off to pay $15 plus tax for a 48 page craft book, plus all the supplies--for a single project. But that's not the reason for this post. Neither is the fact that buying second hand deprives the author of the royalties [one of the reasons I only purchase certain authors (my friend Traci Borum) full price from first run bookstores or Amazon]. No, this post has another purpose. 

Since I'm cheap and forgetful, and I no longer have video store clerks to alert me, or lists to reference, and Amazon only reports Prime purchases, I've decided I need to develop an app that will not allow me to purchase duplicates.

Never mind I have no tech appititide or abilities. I am in need of an app that will not allow me to repurchase the same item repeatedly.  This app needs to encompass everything I purchase--not just videos and books:  items from local merchants, art fairs, the Canteen at work.  It also needs to include items I purchase with both cash and credit. 

I know app development will probably require a small outlay. I feel I've crushed it on the research front. But the development might be costly.  Maybe I can sell some of the duplicates for my seed money:  Anyone need  a Mr. Coffee coffee maker (I have 3) or perhaps I can interest you in a lunch crockpot (2)? 

They are all in their original boxes. (You think I'm just embellishing to make you laugh...I'm not.)

Yep, I really need to develop an app that will not allow me to make duplicate purchases.

Unless I over-ride. Because, after all, there are instances where duplicate purchases are acceptable--just not as often as I do it.