English

Noun

buyer's remorse ‎(uncountable)

1. A feeling of anxiety or regret after making, or after promising to make, a purchase, especially a purchase encouraged by a high-pressure sales pitch.
   • 1953 May 11, "Correct for Figure Faults to Avoid Buyer's Remorse," St. Petersburg Times, p. 26 (retrieved 21 Oct 2008):

     All too often, however, a gal comes home and buyer's remorse sets in. . . . A dress looks dreamy when you try it on in the shop. But once you're standing in front of the mirror at home, something dreadful's happened.

   • 2002 June 3, Wilson Rothman, "The Smart Ones," Time:

     In your new service contract, read the fine print of the buyer's remorse clause. Some carriers, such as VoiceStream, give you only 72 hours to decide whether to keep their service.

See also

• cooling-off period