We all have made an impulse purchase and regretted it at some point. But is all our fault? Retailers work hard to manipulate buyers into buying more and thinking faster. Below are the most common tricks and ways to avoid them.
There are two types of shopping: conscious and unconscious. Unconscious shopping may be caused by a mental condition, mood or simple boredom. Here are some tips on taking it under control.
1. Shop with a list
Regardless of what you are planning to buy and where you are going to shop, always make the list and stick to it. If you don’t need anything in particular, don’t go near stores and don’t window shop.
2. Set a budget
Shopping is one of a few guilty pleasures that those of us who work hard should be able to enjoy. However, it shouldn’t become an addiction or cause financial issues. Setting a yearly or monthly budget will keep track of your indulgences.
3. Quality over quantity
I never get tired of writing about quality. Once you make it a priority, most things just won’t catch your attention. Make it a habit to read the label, not just the price tag.
4. Avoid shopping as socialization
Going out with girlfriends or family? There are plenty of things you can do that don’t involve maxing out your credit cards. If the temptation is too strong, avoid malls or shopping streets altogether. Hopefully you won’t need to find new friends as well.
5. Never shop to feel better
Shopping triggers the happiness hormone, that’s why they call it “shopping therapy”. The only problem is that it won’t last too long. Whenever you are feeling down, depressed or just bored, try to find another pleasant activity to lift your spirits. How about excercising or watching a movie?
6. It’s on sale!
There are dozens of sales, promotions and special offers every day. Don’t fall for the old marketing tricks over and over again, do it the other way around: wait for the sale on that special item that you can’t live without.
7. Ask yourself if/when you will wear it
Just look into your closet and count the things you never wore. Do you really need another one? Let’s take a moment before the next buy to think where and when exactly we will use it. It also applies to groceries and stocking up on anything you won’t need very soon if ever.
8. Shop online rather than in store
Retailers use psychological tricks like scents and music to lure shoppers to come in and stay longer. Not to mention the colors and visual effects to make the merchandise more appealing. You are not completely safe when shopping online either, but at least not all of your six senses are attacked at the same time.
9. Check the return policy
If you still end up with an impulsive purchase and later come to your senses, it will be helpful to have a return option.
10. Do your research
Read customer reviews or at least the product description carefully. The fact that you are taking your time already brings conciousness into the process. In fact, the longer the wait the better the decision. See if you still want this product in a week.
11. Reduce the loyalty
Once we buy from a certain brand, we are easily convinced to buy more, and we may even feel obligated to keep buying out of loyalty. Always think of your budget first and let the brand worry about itself.
12. The fear of missing out
Retailers are merciless when cashing out on human nature. Scarcity and flash sales are the best proof. Think carefully when urged to buy something now, otherwise it will be too late. This is the biggest trap!
13. Distinguish between wants and needs
Once again, create the list of the things you need before every trip to a store. The chances are, you don’t need a new pair of shoes, a bag of cookies or another lipstick, but you have a habit of wandering through the isles “just looking”. If it’s not on the list, you don’t need it!
14. Disable advertisement
Modern marketers use every possible to trick to feed you as many ads as possible. And if you click on one product, it will haunt you forever. You may use one of many browser extensions for disabling cookies, pop-ups and ads.
The first step in avoiding an impulse purchase is awareness. Take a deep breath before grabbing something and putting in your cart. Besides, prepare for every shopping trip and avoid temptations, such as browsing or window shopping. Let’s keep it conscious!
Price and Quality 
Leave a comment