I was at the hardware store in Boise and saw a guy buy a single, specific 3/8-inch washer for 12 cents.

It made me remember when a project meant buying a whole new box of something you'd only need one of, and how that simple shift in thinking has probably saved me a couple hundred bucks over the years, anyone else have a tiny purchase that actually felt like a big win?

3 comments

3 Comments

faith_thomas8d ago

Used to buy a whole box of screws for one little project, then I'd have a random box sitting around forever. Now I just go to the little bins at the hardware store and get exactly two, maybe for a dime. Feels like beating the system.

taylor.sean8d ago

Yeah that "beating the system" feeling is so real. I read an article about how this bulk packaging is a huge profit driver for them, counting on you to overbuy. Grabbing just the two screws you need from the bins is like a tiny act of rebellion.

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craig.john7d agoMost Upvoted

Man, they really do get you with that. I bought a box of washers last year for one stupid leaky faucet. Now I have a lifetime supply rattling around in a drawer. Grabbing just what you need feels like you finally outsmarted the whole store. Next time I'm taking a victory lap down the aisle.