Over Ridiculously Priced Pair of Rainbow Sandals

I think I must have contracted a disease from ‘ma-noy’ K (‘ma-noy’ means ‘brother’ in his province) from reading his post, ‘Postsecrets: Looks like I’m wearing a panty’. I’m not one to go shopping at the mall but after reading him saying that ‘I think it’s a disease that sometimes I cannot stop spending my money unwisely.’, I’m beginning to see why, and totally agree with him, I might have contracted this disease just by reading, you’ll see what I’m talking about.

I was bored, so I went to the mall during my lunch break, didn’t have anything particular in mind that I need to buy until I saw a Summer Breeze stand; they sell Rainbow Sandals. I remember one of my co-workers told me in the past that I have to get one because it’s so me. I’ve never seen them before so walked around the stand twice, and stopped at the lady section.

I asked to try them on, a size M in black, and I can’t believe they were too small, I do have long feet for an Asian person, so I asked for a size L (size 7 ½ – 8 ½), which feel somewhat odd because I’ve never buy anything in a size L before. The sales person asked if I want the single stack or double stack, I thought for a moment, since I want to be tall, so I asked for a double stack. They were a bit narrow, but since my feet are thin, they look okay. I decided to make my purchase.

When he told me that it’s $47.95, $51.23 included tax, I couldn’t believe it, that much for a pair of sandals. He explained that it’s lifetime warranty, which sounds a bit better. I’m thinking to myself, if I have to buy a pair of sandals every 2 years for the next 30 years at $8 a pair, that would be $120 future value, then the present value of these sandals at a discount rate of assuming 6% would roughly be $20. The sales person probably was seeing smoke coming out from my head, I don’t know if it’s worth it. It’s $51.23 now but assuming that I put this in a saving and earning 1.50% interest, in 30 years it’ll be $80. I’m torn if I should part with $51.23 as an investment for this pair of Rainbow sandals, if you’re still confusing about the calculation, don’t feel bad because I’m too.

I keep thinking, if ‘ma-noy’ K can buy his silly ‘tri-colored’ briefs, and was smiling up to his nose when he left the store, why not. So I made the purchase. When I got back to work, all the ladies wanted to see what them pairs of $50 Rainbow Sandals look like. One lady mouth dropped open after finding out the price. I had to explain to her that they made me look tall and thin; she then wanted a pair if they’d do that for her; it’s strange that short people want to be tall, and tall people want to be taller.

At this point, I feel kind of bad that my co-workers think that I’m paying too much for a pair of sandals. I went back to my desk, then my office buddy, whom is in her early 60s wanted to see what them $50 pair of sandals looks like. She asked me if they’d be damaged if they get wet. I didn’t think they would and stressed to her about the lifetime warranty. She said, “If it’s comfortable, then it’s worth it, just like the sandals that I have on, I washed them several times in the dishwasher, and they still look brand new.” I didn’t think I heard her right, so I asked, “You mean washing them in the washing machine with your laundry, right?” She said, “No, I washed them with my dishes, most of the time if I’m washing coffee cups, and glasses on top, then I usually wash my sandals on the bottom, it’s antiseptic, everything come out clean at the end.”

I looked at her strangely, I keep thinking, “Note to self: if invited to her house, not to eat or drink from her cups and plates.” I’m Laotian, I don’t do this, in fact, I seldom use my dishwashers. I’m beginning to wonder, do all American wash their sandals with their dishes?

Please also see updated post on August 17, 2016: Over Ridiculously Priced Pair of Rainbow Sandals Update