If You Were Offered $5000 for a Useless Item, What Would You Buy?
When faced with the question of what to buy if it was useless and worth up to $5000, opinions vary drastically. Some might see it as an opportunity to indulge in luxury, while others would rather not waste their money. Whether it's a diamond necklace, an art piece, or a vehicle, each choice reveals something profound about the buyer's personality and priorities.
Unnecessary Luxuries
For someone who enjoys glitz and glamour, the idea of buying a diamond necklace would surely catch their eye. This accessory, as they describe, is 'totally useless yet sparkly.' When shopping at Costco, such a purchase seems even more tempting:
‘I’d happily pay the extra 500 they’re asking for a big fat diamond necklace. All because I like pretty sparkly things.’
Selling an Invaluable Item
Another intriguing choice is selling something famous, like an artifact or a weapon. For instance:
‘I would buy the Atlantean Sword from Albion Armourers. Since it has to be useless, I would buy it unsharpened so that if it is sharp, it is a massive weapon.’
This scenario might hint at a willingness to sell estate or valuable items, perhaps for a quick profit or an unexpected opportunity.
Art as an Investment
When considering the purpose and value of an item, art might seem like one of the most useless purchases. While it can be quite expensive, its value lies in its aesthetic and emotional appeal rather than practicality:
‘If you were offered $5000 to buy something that’s useless to you but not everyone else, you might choose something that others are willing to pay big bucks for and then sell it to the highest bidder. Perhaps a diamond ring.’
And what about investing in modern art? This could be seen as a very useless investment:
‘Ladies and gentlemen, I give you this. Modern “art” is a very useless investment. If you were offered $5000 to buy something that was useless to everyone, you would be tempted to buy something you can put up on the wall to really liven up your home and show off your taste.’
Such an item, capable of drawing negative attention from others, might serve as a stimulating conversation starter at social gatherings:
‘Something that really shows your taste. Something that shows you are a true patron of the arts a virtuoso of creativity. Something that makes all your friends go “Wow, this guy is a fucking idiot.”’
Practicality vs. Utility
When real life crosses paths with this hypothetical scenario, priorities may shift:
‘My bank gave me a loan for a car even knowing I had already purchased the car with cash. I’m using the loan to pay for itself no penalty for early payment, I’ve just lost $50 in filing fees and any interest just to have something extra in my bank account in case of a sudden emergency.’
In this case, there might be a more practical yet mundane choice:
2004 Ford E250 - $5000 - Craigslist
‘I’ve already looked into what it would take to install a trailer hitch and a roof rack, something this van is lacking. If the price ever drops to around $4000 I could go for it. The day I was test driving my 2005 Corolla, I missed buying this van for $5500. I also missed a red AWD van that was already set up with two beds and a sink for $4000 and an excellent van for $2300 with a bed, desk, and chair.’
My goal is to build a bug out vehicle in which my wife and I would be able to live if our home was severely damaged in a hurricane. I want to install solar panels for off-grid power for AC, a refrigerator, a hot plate, and a microwave:
Van for rent $100 - Craigslist
‘A bug out vehicle or camper is absolutely useless to me. I do not camp, surf, hike, bike, hunt, or fish. I don’t go on road trips. I don’t sell on the side or offer candy to strangers. San Francisco’s Infamously Creepy Free Candy Van is Up for Auction - Citylab. Free Candy Van - Know Your Meme. I can find cheaper, more practical, estimated 13 mpg overall vehicles for use as a spare car. It is useless unless my home becomes unlivable. I’ve been waiting since 1992 for the next major hurricane. My money would be better spent on a sturdy shed in the backyard in which we would be able to take shelter or live temporarily in case the house is damaged.’
Alternatively, a local van could be the perfect solution, even if it looks more like a home or surfer van:
Camper van - $1300 - Craigslist
‘I could have my fun with this van, use it as a spare car while my children are home for the summer, and sell it for the same price or even more when I’m done if it doesn’t require repairs. Registration about $230 a year and insurance about $600 a year. It would never be a logical choice for me as a 1999 though. I don’t like buying more than about 12 years old or with high miles because of potential problems or routine maintenance.’
In summary, while some might find a unique piece of art or an unconventional item appealing, practical needs and future preparedness often take precedence when faced with a hypothetical scenario involving useless and valuable items.