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When someone buys a product that's really not that good, perhaps overpriced, and he/she then tells everyone how good it is, to justify the purchase (to him/herself).

Is there a name for the phenomenon?

Example: Someone buys the Beats headphones, finds that they're really bad and cheaply made, but starts telling friends how great they are and what a bargain it was.

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  • The nearest I've come up with are "Making the best of a bad job" and "Trying to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear." I'm sure there's a better one.
    – chasly - supports Monica
    Jul 10, 2015 at 17:08
  • Single-word request? If you'll accept multiple words why not amend your tag? You'll get more responses.
    – user98990
    Jul 10, 2015 at 20:04

2 Answers 2

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Google turns up this wikipedia article which currently reads:

Post-purchase rationalization, also known as Buyer's Stockholm Syndrome, is a cognitive bias whereby someone who has purchased an expensive product or service overlooks any faults or defects in order to justify their purchase. It is a special case of choice-supportive bias.

This is the answer to your question, is it not?

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  • "Post-purchase rationalization", that works. thanks.
    – MightyPork
    Jul 10, 2015 at 17:09
  • This can result from a subconscious attempt to reduce cognitive dissonance
    – Jim Mack
    Jul 10, 2015 at 17:53
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Sounds like an attempt to save face.

To take an action or make a gesture intended to preserve one's reputation or honour.

Wiktionary.org

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  • That's it, +1 Charon.
    – user98990
    Jul 10, 2015 at 20:01

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