I kind of wanted the substack to become a bit of a playground for random folks to share their thoughts on various topics related to sneakers and collecting, so this week we have a special guest post Marc-Louis Paprzyca, aka @pappy_power_hour on Instagram. Marc and I have developed a rapport over the years and have discussed these topics at length…if you feel so inclined, reach out to him on IG, I’m sure he’d be happy to talk :)
The Frugal Flex
The modern world often associates wealth with spending large sums of money on luxurious items. However, there is a hidden art to flexing with frugality, showcasing the ability to acquire valuable items while spending very little.
I didn’t grow up with a lot of money but I was always into sneakers. Shopping trips with mom usually began and ended at the sale racks. Not even at Foot Locker but at places like Marshall’s and TJ Maxx. They were nothing like episodes of ‘Sneaker Shopping’ on Complex. I had to search, work, barter and deal with my mom for pairs when I didn’t actually need any pairs.
My mom taught me great lessons about how to make a little go a long way. I didn’t have the most expensive pairs in my youth but I had a lot of really cool sneakers that not everyone else was wearing. Today I use those lessons from my mom for buying sneakers and items for all of my other interests.
I’ll explore why paying very little for an item can be a bigger flex than paying a lot, highlighting the benefits and strategies of this approach.
Challenging Traditional Notions of Status
In a society driven by conspicuous consumption, the ability to defy norms and showcase resourcefulness can be a true mark of distinction. Paying very little for an item challenges the notion that material possessions define one's worth. It demonstrates a savvy and unconventional approach to acquiring valuable goods, setting one apart from the crowd.
The funny part is that no one is setting themselves apart acquiring the same hype sneakers. We all know how they acquired them. They paid a lot. That’s it. That’s the story. I’d much much rather hear about how little they paid and how they got them.
The Thrill of the Hunt
Finding hidden gems and scoring incredible deals can be an exhilarating experience. Paying very little for an item often requires extensive research, patience, and a keen eye for opportunities. This pursuit adds a sense of adventure and satisfaction that surpasses the mere act of making an expensive purchase.
I’m not impressed by the sneaker collections of celebrities. They can buy anything they want at any time. There’s no research involved. It’s just a phone call or click away. They may really like a pair of sneakers but they don’t get that satisfaction of completing the hunt anymore. Maybe it doesn’t matter anymore because they have the money now. Not all of us have that luxury.
Financial Freedom and Smart Money Management
Flexing with frugality signifies financial independence and wise money management. By saving money on purchases, individuals can allocate resources towards experiences, investments, or long-term goals. It represents a mindset that values sustainability, practicality, and the ability to make the most of limited resources.
I don’t restrict myself of everything I like but I, like many regular people, need to be financially responsible. I have a wife and kids who like to do things too. Having a $1,000 or even a $300 pair of shoes on seems irresponsible. That money could be going towards our future. But I like to have some nice things too. So, I need to get creative.
Empowering Creativity and Individuality
Paying little encourages resourcefulness and innovation. When financial constraints exist, individuals are forced to think outside the box and find alternative solutions. This fosters creativity, allowing personal style and individuality to shine through in unique ways.
I won’t lie. I buy and resell items. Through the hunt I’ve developed that keen eye about the items I’d like to possess. This knowledge has led me to opportunities to buy items that I know are undervalued in comparison to the market value. It creates arbitrage opportunities to sell and fund future purchases.
Contributing to Sustainable Consumption
Paying little promotes sustainable consumption practices by reducing waste and unnecessary production. By embracing pre-owned or second-hand items, individuals can minimize their environmental impact. This approach aligns with growing concerns about sustainability and responsible consumerism.
I definitely find the most joy in buying used items in secondary markets. I know the corporations already made their money. There’s nothing I can do about that after the fact. But now I’m buying from a real person, keeping an item out of the dumpster and not creating anymore waste by buying from the corporation.
The art of the frugal flex empowers individuals to redefine what it means to possess valuable items and display status. Paying very little for an item showcases resourcefulness, creativity, and smart money management. It challenges traditional notions of wealth and consumption while promoting sustainability. So, next time you acquire a valuable item for a fraction of its original price, remember that the ultimate flex lies in paying very little.
Don’t tell me how much you paid. Tell me how little you paid. - MLP
This is one of the things I really enjoy *fun* about any hobby predicated on consumption - finding the best deal. Clicking that ‘buy now’ button without regard for the price is a luxury, and most luxuries, IMO, are just not all that interesting. - JT