The question prompts are about buying branded or imitation goods. The prompts for May 12 and May 13 are related and are paired together here.
Helen’s prompt for May 12 2025 asks, “What is something you should buy the brand name version of?” (Buying branded)
It is not the something that I feel has to be expensive, but when I have the occasion to use to show off class; then I would prefer to use the original than a cheap imitation.
When I was young and working in an office, there were thousands of staff in the big company and I didn’t know I was required to show off. I didn’t own a single brand name and I thought it was ok, until one day, my boss (former) told me to buy a better pair of shoes with my bonus. Then she stared at my shoes, and her implication was clear. My shoes were worn and the canvas was fraying at the edges. I wasn’t supposed to save the money. I had to dress decently not to embarrass myself and the department head. My bonus was a pittance and a fraction of what a branded pair of footwear costs. I bought new shoes, but they were not branded. Instead of buying the brand name, I would spend money to buy quantity, for variety. I preferred to have several different outfits than three expensive ones. Later, when my colleagues suggested I buy better looking clothes, I went to stores that sold office wear.
Helen’s question prompt for May 13 is “What is something you prefer to buy the store brand or knock-off (imitation) version of?” (Buying imitation)
I shall always prefer to buy the store brand, if I have the money to spend. Store brands are not always expensive. There are local stores and those of big brands. I don’t like to be noticed with an imitation product. People will talk and gossip behind my back. I know I paid good, honest money for cheap products, but still, people will look down on me for being a skinflint. I feel uncomfortable accepting presents from others, even when it is my birthday. I think about how I am going to return the favor by gifting the person a present that will please her/ him. Just as I don’t like to sponge off people, I don’t wish to splash money and then later regret it. For these reasons, if I have a small budget, I prefer to buy and use the knock-off versions.
I buy Apple cell phones, iPads and MacBooks, but use small brands for accessories like phone case and iPad covers. I need quality for the tech equipment, but I don’t mind using cheap cases.
I don’t support big brands (and rich people) if their products are the labor of blood, sweat, tears and inhuman conditions. In my local area, I saw one business owner bullying people, treating them as whipping boys and girls. Just because they’re rich, it doesn’t mean they can ill-treat other people. Nothing was too low for the business owner.
I have more to tell but not here. My fellow bloggers suggested that I string together some episodes to make a more cohesive longer story. I’m trying. Watch this blog and pay attention to the categories for Blogging and Fiction.
