Too Scared to Use My Expensive Wallet

[Deactivated] on 07/01/2017 - 18:33
Last edited 08/01/2017 - 23:42

So my girlfriend purchased me a Burberry wallet for my 21st birthday. This was 6 months ago and to this day I haven't gone further than opening the box and inspecting the wallet. I've considered using it multiple times but I just can't bring myself to the fact that I could potentially lose, damage or just drop food/liquid on a ~$600 wallet. I feel bad not using it but I'd also feel bad using it.

What should I do?

Conclusion:

Wow, I did not expect this to get this many responses. Many are ignorant and reek of jealousy but the majority are genuinely helpful responses that helped me make up my mind. I've decided that I will start using the wallet. Thank you to all for your help, I knew I could count on OzB!

General Discussion

Comments

  • retiredfeline on 07/01/2017 - 18:35
    +28

    Sandpaper it so it's damaged, then you don't feel guilty anymore. Problem solved.

    Edit: It's perfectly normal to feel protective of something new. I felt bad when my car got the first ding. Just use it. You'll get over it.

    • mskeggs on 07/01/2017 - 20:01
      +20

      I felt bad when my car got the first ding.

      Another reason to buy old, cheap cars!

      • retiredfeline on 07/01/2017 - 20:33
        +1

        It was actually second hand but I still felt bad.

      • nikey2k27 on 10/01/2017 - 12:02

        i like near new place i park my going dink and scared .

    • Scrooge McDuck on 07/01/2017 - 22:52
      +26

      I felt bad when my car got the first ding.

      Did you sandpaper it?

  • supnigs super skids on 07/01/2017 - 18:48
    +7

    Sell it off.. buy cheap wallet and use that.

    • retiredfeline on 07/01/2017 - 18:49
      +1

      GF might spot that.

      • Scrooge McDuck on 07/01/2017 - 23:02
        +15

        *Return it, buy cheap Burberry knock-off, share profit with GF.

        • retiredfeline on 07/01/2017 - 23:07

          Not sure the last part is advisable if GF is to be retained. Better to buy a present for GF with the proceeds, not look guilty, and gain favour.

        • Scrooge McDuck on 07/01/2017 - 23:10

          @greenpossum:

          I didn't mean share the profit as cash. I meant as treats, gifts, outings, etc.

        • Kangal on 08/01/2017 - 02:40
          +31

          @Scrooge McDuck:

          Plot Twist: OP's wallet is a knock-off and he doesn't know it.

    • [Deactivated] on 07/01/2017 - 18:59
      +9

      Definitely not. I wouldn't like it if she sold off my 21st present to her.

      • supnigs super skids on 07/01/2017 - 19:01

        So you are back to where you are again. Use it or don't use it. :)

        You will come across a silimar dilemma when your first car comes straight out of the showroom.

      • Scrooge McDuck on 07/01/2017 - 23:42
        +7

        What kinda GF buys you an expensive wallet anyway?

        Is it a claim of ownership to the contents, a reminder whenever you buy something, or does she actually want you to be ogled by thirsty gold-diggers?

        Hhhmmm…

  • ihbh on 07/01/2017 - 18:56

    She got you a ~$600 wallet? Did she expect anything in return?

    • [Deactivated] on 07/01/2017 - 18:58

      No, but I did previously buy her an expensive watch from Swarovski for her 21st.

      • [Deactivated] on 07/01/2017 - 23:22
        +16

        Swarovski watch lol!

      • PJC on 07/01/2017 - 23:45
        +3

        Yes, I know what that's like, my wife loves wearing this one …
        http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Swarovski-Octea-Mini-Pink-Crystal…

        But after 6 months she must have noticed you're not using the wallet. That may hurt her feelings.

      • antzz on 10/01/2017 - 01:25

        Use it, if you dont air the thing, it will start degrade soon. The brand is exoensive but the quality is not unfortunately

  • Butt Scratcher on 07/01/2017 - 19:05
    +2

    I think that's completely legit. Don't use it on a daily basis and only on rare occasions, I'm sure she'll understand.

    My friend got me an LV wallet after I lost my shitty wallet, to me, that sh!t is very expensive and I'm afraid to even put it in my pocket because it could bend it out of shape. So I ended up only using it on some occasions, especially in front of my friend who got it for me to show my appreciation. I ended up getting another cheap oroton card holder/money clip that I could sit and squash all day without feeling bad about it.

    • John Kimble on 07/01/2017 - 19:24
      +1

      Marry your friend! :p

      • Butt Scratcher on 07/01/2017 - 19:44
        +1

        I just have an appreciation for stuff people give me, no matter how expensive or cheap =P

        • John Kimble on 07/01/2017 - 19:55
          +4

          Actually, you don't need to marry your friend if they already get you LV things. Are you sure they just want to be friends though? Haha

    • Tech and cars on 07/01/2017 - 23:45
      +5

      cheap oroton - does that even exist?!

      • mezje on 08/01/2017 - 01:46
        +1

        Cheap compared to LV I guess, everything is relative…

      • Butt Scratcher on 08/01/2017 - 10:03
        +1

        I think it's cheap, got it at one of these deals on ozbargain for a bit under than $30. There was a big cashrewards increase at the time too, so really it ended up being around 20

      • mini2 on 09/01/2017 - 08:23

        Their normal price is 70% off, you'd be a sucker to pay anything more :P

    • ilikeit on 08/01/2017 - 13:59
      +9

      Mate I've used my LV wallet everyday for the last 6 years. Still looks near new. Unless you totally abuse it, it will last a very long time. It actually has a lifetime warranty on many aspects of the design - obviously not excessive wear. In ten years will look at it and think what a waste, should have just used it. It is meant to be used, so use it and appreciate it. You only live once.

      • Butt Scratcher on 08/01/2017 - 20:55
        +1

        Now that you mention it, I bought my cousin a pair of leather shoes 6-8 years ago and seeing him wear it the other day even though it's all worn and tattered makes me quite happy to see it well used. People who gift stuff to others don't really care if it's really worn out, maybe OP should just get over it and use it, because it seems more of a personal hurdle.

        I don't think I'll start using the LV wallet on a daily base though. I prefer to put my wallet in my back pocket because it is much more comfortable for me. I don't think any wallet regardless of how high quality is immune to getting squashed and bent up from sitting on it (especially my bony and skinny ass). No doubt the materials will hold up well though.

        • ilikeit on 08/01/2017 - 22:58

          Mate get that bad boy out! I use mine in by back pocket, but I certainly don't sit on it. Too damn uncomfortable!

        • tomleonhart on 10/01/2017 - 00:16
          +2

          Hmm. I've got my Bally wallet in my back pocket for more than 5 years now. Still hasn't shown any cracks sign yet. What it does show is my opal card needs replacing every 6 months.

          Or maybe because i ahve a fat arse ? lol

      • Cheaplikethebird on 09/01/2017 - 12:52

        I keep seeing great reviews of LV wallets, specifically that they've lasted the person 7-10 years. I'm having a hard time trying to work out whether this is because LV wallets themselves are of particular good quality or whether this is just a result of people being exposed to luxury goods during the huge Louis Vuitton trend that happened around 2005ish.

        • ilikeit on 09/01/2017 - 13:57

          I don't really care about the brand myself and I'm not a flashy guy, but I can vouch for the longevity. Not really sure what exposure has to do with it. I can tell you though that my sister in-law buys a new Oroton wallet every year and my wife's LV keeps looking like new. Just our experience.

        • Cheaplikethebird on 11/01/2017 - 14:42

          @ilikeit: More exposure means more people to report. My question is whether LV is any better than other similarly priced luxury wallets. An oroton wallet is approx 25% the cost of an LV, not really a great comparison.

        • ilikeit on 11/01/2017 - 23:53
          +1

          @Cheaplikethebird: I wasn't sure if you were initially referring to the great reviews or the longevity. I'd say a bit of both. No-one's really going to go on about their $50 wallet, but when they spend big they feel like they have to justify it sometimes.
          I just mentioned Oroton as a quality/price comparison. As for the similarly priced luxury wallets, I have an Armani leather wallet still sitting in its box unused. While it's pretty soft and a different design, I am doubtful it would have the same longevity. I'd give it 3 years by my use. The difference with the LV material is that the material is very much stiff and plastic-like (it doesn't feel it though because it is grainy). My mate and his wife, who have the whole kit, brought it camping because they think it's unbreakable. Pretty funny really.

  • hurtsville on 07/01/2017 - 19:16
    +8

    I used to have your mentality after being given a $500 Gucci wallet.

    Its better to just use it everyday. I've been using mine for 5 years now and its still in great condition due to the good material and craftsmanship of it.

    • [Deactivated] on 07/01/2017 - 22:11
      +5

      $500 Gucci wallet.

      What's the Chinese word to describe Asians who are materialistic and shallow? They often use it to point out rich mainlanders from China who only care about branded things.

      • Scrooge McDuck on 07/01/2017 - 23:07
        +18

        I dunno but username checks out.

      • rgr on 08/01/2017 - 08:54

        LMAO

    • coolhand on 08/01/2017 - 16:53
      +1

      He's right the durability of the higher end wallets mean they last a long time, just use it as a daily.

  • John Kimble on 07/01/2017 - 19:22
    +8

    I just can't bring myself to the fact that I could potentially lose, damage or just drop food/liquid on a ~$600 wallet.

    How often do you do these things with your current wallet? I doubt you do often if any.

    You probably have phone worth more than $600 and I would guess you have a higher probability of doing those things to that because it is out/used more.

    Just use it everyday. Or only on special occasions. No point having it if you don't use it. Doesn't your gf ask you why you don't use it? My wife would get all insecure/offended or say we can go exchange it if I don't like it.

    • scraggers on 09/01/2017 - 14:51
      +1

      I like this phone comparison - at first I was like woah $600 wallet. and then I was like wait I carry around a $1000 phone I use and abuse.

  • MITM on 07/01/2017 - 19:34
    +1

    Use it for evenings out - when you only need to carry a few items (CC. DL. Tickets, Cash etc)
    But don't forget to transfer them back into your worn out everyday wallet.

  • John Kimble on 07/01/2017 - 19:54
    +1

    I was in a similar situation with watches. My then gf (now wife) bought me two watches a cheapish one and a more exy one. I would use the cheap one everyday for work and only use the exy one when going out. The cheap one died with a year or two. I just use the exy one all the time now. Been a few years. No biggie.

    • [Deactivated] on 07/01/2017 - 23:23

      What is an exy watch worth?

      • John Kimble on 12/02/2017 - 20:04

        I read Nadal's watch is worth 1.2 million?

  • [Deactivated] on 07/01/2017 - 20:45
    +31

    It's nice to value things and the sentimentality of things you've been given, and to care about not 'wasting' something that is expensive… but maybe you need to reflect and think about whether you're just protective of it because it is meaningful and sentimental or valuable, or whether you are being controlled by anxieties / irrational concerns.

    I was like you and probably still am to a degree. I kept things and never used them, refusing to, until there was a 'right time'. Often they'd never come. I have a pair of Doc Marten boots that mean a lot to me and I rarely wore them in the near-20 years that I've owned them.

    I had to force myself out of that mindset and just learn to enjoy things freely, whether it means they suffer some wear and tear, and break or die eventually. A gift is something to be enjoyed and used for its purpose… not hidden away in its wrapping, tied up with your nervous protectiveness and anxiety.

    I think you'll find it a much happier experience to use it then stash it away :) It gets easier over time.

  • Donaldhump on 07/01/2017 - 21:24
    -1

    Insure it

  • StewBalls on 07/01/2017 - 21:29
    +8

    Rich people problems, eh?

    • Scrooge McDuck on 07/01/2017 - 23:17
      +8

      ~$2 wallet crew

      • [Deactivated] on 07/01/2017 - 23:56
        +1

        Didn't you get it for free too? XD

        • Scrooge McDuck on 07/01/2017 - 23:58
          +2

          Yes, but I presume someone, somewhere along the line paid for it…

      • iSamurai on 09/01/2017 - 19:35

        I remember a few years ago on ozbargain there was a wallet that came from a UK department store which was priced at ~£1 with free shipping. It probably was a pricing error but they honoured it!

  • Sage on 07/01/2017 - 21:54
    +15

    how much is your phone worth?
    My phone cost $1300, and I am okay with carrying around and it getting scratched because that's why I have it.
    Just need to focus on the utility aspect of it.

  • AlienC on 07/01/2017 - 21:58

    Wow i think i just found my new career job

    • Scrooge McDuck on 07/01/2017 - 23:20
      +14

      Say that aloud three times then stick your wallet on eBay.

      Stick your computer/phone on eBay.

      • [Deactivated] on 08/01/2017 - 12:23
        -3

        yes old man

    • Daabido on 08/01/2017 - 00:48
      +1

      Kids exactly. Can't afford them, don't have them.

      • Zachary on 08/01/2017 - 02:01

        …unless they're rich kids…..

        • [Deactivated] on 08/01/2017 - 13:15
          -3

          or kids that have rich girlfriends/boyfriends

  • PVA on 07/01/2017 - 22:13
    +4

    Just use it, it's only a wallet..
    Use it once and after you won't think anything off it.

    We got our son a super expensive leather Coach backpack. First time was… be careful, now it's used like any old bag.

    • Scrooge McDuck on 07/01/2017 - 23:21
      +2

      We got our son a super expensive leather Coach backpack.

      Why?

      • PVA on 07/01/2017 - 23:56
        +3

        was a gift for doing so well in his fashion design course.

        • Scrooge McDuck on 07/01/2017 - 23:57
          +15

          Yeeaahh, not even going to touch that one.

          *backs out slowly*

        • diddy50 on 08/01/2017 - 00:13
          +1

          Damn. They are pricey.
          Look ok. Good job.

        • [Deactivated] on 08/01/2017 - 17:12
          +4

          I bet he did fabulously! :)

  • chinezejew on 07/01/2017 - 22:22
    +3

    I suggest you use it.
    Mine has moulded to the curves of my credit cards.
    It adds character.
    Im still using my LV wallet from 12yrs ago.
    Don't wanna replace it.
    Still got a few good yrs left.

    • Scrooge McDuck on 07/01/2017 - 23:23
      +6

      Mine has moulded to the curves of my credit cards.

      Can you read the numbers from outside?

  • ZippyRoo on 07/01/2017 - 22:43
    +3

    This is sounded exactly like my hubby when we went out during the Boxing Day sales. He really liked a Loewe wallet and it was on sale, but still over $400. We didn't end up buying it because like you, he's worried about scratching it and damaging the corners. Since your gf already got it for you, I suggest you use it. Just take some care and it'll last you longer. In my opinion, if a $600 wallet can last you 5 years, then it's still worth it. It's better than having a $50 wallet which you don't like and will never use. It might be a bit of an effort, but you can spray it with a leather protectant and clean it with a leather cleaner every now and then. I had the same feeling when I got my first designer bag, but trust me, you just need to take more care and look after them, and they'll be fine. If they do get a scratch, smooth some leather glue on it and it'll be hardly visible. With worn corners after a few years, you can get a leather dye, some gum tragacath, a slicker and burnish the corners. I've restored the corners just like that on second hand designer bags I bought off ebay.

    Enjoy your new wallet!

  • lenlynn on 07/01/2017 - 23:19
    +2

    Just start using it. After a few scratches and some dirt stains, you will treat it as a "normal" wallet! You can send it for cleaning in a few years' time if you like.

  • retiredfeline on 07/01/2017 - 23:31

    Borrow a wallet from Larry David and use that.

    Keep the plastic wrapping around it, like "some people" do with furniture.

  • p1 ama on 07/01/2017 - 23:49
    +4

    Can someone explain to me why there exists a wallet that is $600? What functions does this wallet have that my $20 wallet from Target doesn't have?

    PS: My wallet from Target has lasted me for 7 years and shows no signs of breaking.

    • diddy50 on 08/01/2017 - 00:15
      +8

      What does a Ferrari or a Bentley do that a Mercedes or Mazda can't?

      Not much really, but why not.

      • p1 ama on 08/01/2017 - 00:19
        +3

        I know, but the difference is that I can actually see why a Ferrari or Bentley is expensive. The design, marketing, engineering that goes into those cars is immense, their performance is often stellar and there's the joy of driving a such a beast. Similarly, mansions are expensive because of their sheer size - the amount of materials, design and hours that go into building such things drives its price.

        Designer clothes and accessories, however, is completely different. Are you really telling me that Burberry spends large amounts of money on engineering and R&D?

        • diddy50 on 08/01/2017 - 00:55

          Marketing perhaps.

        • DingoBilly on 08/01/2017 - 04:19
          +2

          Eh it's all just personal preference.

          I can also think that a mansion is pointless. Sure it's got 10 bedrooms but why do I need 10? Or a Ferrari. Sure it goes fast, but I can't really go 200 in Australia on the road so why bother?

          If you like it and the brand makes you happy/feel better then why not? We may not see the value of them but others like the brand and reputation that comes with it.

          Also worth pointing out the price differential in your example is flawed. A ferrari/porsche can easily be $100,000 more than a normal car, while mansions are millions more than a house. A fashion accessory is usually only a few $100 more or few $1000's, so there's a lot less money to throw around to make the difference noticeable.

        • May4th on 08/01/2017 - 09:42
          +1

          @PhilipJWitow:
          it's really the same on a similar scale. a ferrari will be 15-30x the price of a mazda. a 600 wallet is 10-15x the price of a unbranfed leather wallet. it's more that these are 'affordable luxuries' for people who wants to spend money on these things i guess

    • John Kimble on 08/01/2017 - 00:16
      +1

      There are watches that retail for hundreds and thousands of dollars…it doesn't make any sense to us on ozbargain…

    • FiveFingerDisco on 08/01/2017 - 00:26
      +2

      Oh psterio relax. I've been wearing $3 underwear for over 7 years without 'signs of breaking'. But let me tell you something: If my girlfriend walked in and gave me a $500 velour/silk thong, I wouldn't be complaining.

    • Daabido on 08/01/2017 - 01:03
      +1

      Function? Oh, young Padawan, you have much to learn. In 2015 Burberry made a net income of GBP 340 million on a turnover of over GBP 2 billion.

      It is about the perception of value and worth. For example, my best friend at high school found it hard to believe that my saxophone cost more than his old beat up Ford Falcon. To me, even though I sucked playing it, it was worth it. To him, it wasn't. He couldn't see the value or its worth. I could see the worth in his car (he had a license and I didn't), but probably not the value since driving a big 6 cylinder car was not that important to me.

    • mezje on 08/01/2017 - 01:48
      +3

      It exists because people are rich and want to show it. They are simply a means of showing status

      Similar to cars I guess but cars as you mention come with more, it isn't just a badge, it is everything else you mention. I am sure these branded products are made slightly better but nothing like a car when you compare the markup and complexity of the product.

    • Big Bad Bagheera on 08/01/2017 - 10:54

      Most people would like to have luxury items in every category.
      Luxury house, car, boat, watch etc.

      There often cost millions of dollars and will never be attainable.

      A wallet or other small items such as a scarf or bag may still be very expensive however they're attainable for the average person.
      Thus a person can own a small luxury/top end item which brings them happiness.

      Further to that they often are excellent quality. My GF bought a $800+ Prada wallet for herself and at the time I thought it was a waste of money. 2 years later however the leather and metals still look as new and it's an item she gets to hold/use everyday so if you calculate it on a cost per use basis……

    • tomleonhart on 08/01/2017 - 12:37

      Because i like the look of that wallet. It just so happens that it costs $600 :)

  • garetz on 08/01/2017 - 00:03
    +6

    She bought it for you to use it, not to worry about the cost. You should treat it like its a valued gift, but it actually cost you nothing. So use it with the sentiment of the gift giver's intention in mind.

  • FiveFingerDisco on 08/01/2017 - 00:35

    I reckon you should set up an elaborate plot to have one of your friends dress in a balaclava and mug you on the street while you're with her. Easy. Wallet gone and you can split the sale of the wallet with your mate.

    I don't know if you could tell but I'm being facetious.

    Just use the wallet. I like a nice wallet.

  • [Deactivated] on 08/01/2017 - 00:45

    I can understand OPs conundrum. My wife bought me a Prada wallet which I still have not used because I don't want to ruin it as it holds sentimental value to me. Besides, the wallet I currently have is in good condition and I've had it for about 8 years or so. I will change it out when the time comes.

    • ilikeit on 08/01/2017 - 14:08
      +3

      It's a wallet, not jewellery. Wallets are meant to be used. Get that sucker out and load it up. I bet your wife would actually really appreciate it since it was a gift. She obviously didn't buy it because she thought you would use and admire it, but also because she would feel special and sophisticated watching you use it. Remember that we are an extension of our partner, whether we like it or not.

  • jelko on 08/01/2017 - 00:51
    +1

    What's the point in having a $600 wallet when it's hidden in your pocket 95% of the time?

    What are you expected to do when you take it out? Subtlety show the wallet to the check out chick at the Coles?

    Absolutely ridiculous to spend that sort of money on a wallet.

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