Five Ways to Avoid Impulse Shopping on the Internet
For most of the day, I am either on the computer or near something that gives me easy access the internet. Therefore, it is purely out of convenience that I’d find something to buy on the internet much faster than I would in a store. And boy, have I been tempted lately! It’s a new seaon and every retailer is enticing consumers with their semi-annual sales. But somehow, I’ve been able to resist. Here are the steps I follow to avoid impulse shopping on the internet:
1. SEARCH, SAVE & SIMMER
I haven’t bought any new shoes since…uh…hmm… *scratching my head* Shoot, if I can’t remember, then it’s been way too long. However, it hasn’t stopped me from [internet] window shopping. When I find something I like, I tag the link in a “shopping” folder. The Firefox ‘read it later’ feature makes it easy to click and sort. Then I wait a few days – at least three but no more than seven – before I pull the trigger.
2. PROCESS OF ELIMINATION
After a few days, I clean up the folder and delete most of the links. I may decide not to buy an item for various reasons: don’t like it anymore, found something better/cheaper, or admit I don’t need it. Like these…
These are a beauty, but I don’t need anymore suede peeptoe pumps. Then again, if the price was right (think: out of season clearance), I may give in to the temptation. This waiting period eliminates about 75% of my impulsive purchases because it forces me to think about if I really want it.
The other 25% require a little more effort…
Occasionally, I run across something that makes my heart skip a beat every time I see it, even after the waiting period is over. Like these…
and these…
The style…the color…oh my! I’ve been admiring these sandals for about 2 weeks. In fact, I had a dream about the pink pair two nights in a row. They are HOT!! And I’ve already put together an outfit (or 2) in my mind for each pair – including the accessories! *fanning myself* I’m sure there’s a name for what ails me when it comes to fabulous shoes. The only logical step is to get them on my feet. POST HASTE! But not so fast…
3. PRICE/VALUE CONSIDERATION
I consider moving the ‘must buy’ item(s) to my shopping cart, but first, I have to decide if the price is reasonable and if I can afford it. Depending on the item, this eliminates another 15% of my impulsive purchases. I will never compromise my financial goals in the name of retail therapy.
Those sandals cost more than I’d prefer to pay – $100+. I could wait for a sale, but I want them so badly. Plus my size (7.5) sells out pretty quickly and I don’t want to risk it. I’ll search for a discount code, find an affiliate cash back site (i.e. fat wallet, ebates, msn live, etc.) and use a cash back credit card to reduce the price.
Also, both brands have a good reputation and they appear to be well made. Assuming they’re comfortable, I know I will wear them often and for years to come. But just in case, I read the site’s return policy. Then, on to the fun part…
4. FABULOSITY ASSESSMENT
Before making the final decision to buy, I ask myself one more question: Do I love it? That one question, alone, eliminates the remaining 10% of my impulsive purchases. If you love it, you’ll always wear it. As a result, the per use cost will decrease and the item’s overall value will increase. Otherwise, if an item was $5, it’s a waste of $5 if it doesn’t make you feel FABULOUS.
5. BUY IT, GUILT FREE!
At this point, it’s a no brainer. I found, I waited, I eliminated, I priced, I loved – and now I’m buying it. Guilt Free. When I say ‘guilt free’ I mean, I do not…
- Say “I deserve it” to satisfy my conscience.
- Brownbag (or make other minor changes) for a week to justify the purchase.
- Think about all the hungry kids in Africa I could have fed or all the whales I could have saved by donating the money.
- Consider the potential earnings if I had invested the money at some ridiculous rate of return for a zillion years.
- Care if Suze Orman thinks I can afford it.
None of that crosses my mind. I sit and wait patiently for the UPS man to bring me the goods. And when they arrive, I get excited! I can’t wait to get home from work so I can rip open the boxes and play dress up in the mirror like a big ol’ kid. :-)
How do you avoid impulse shopping on the internet?
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I actually don’t have this problem. I hate waiting on packages to arrive. I definitely can’t do clothes online b/c I have to try them on. But shoes, my size is pretty standard. 8.5. Now that we have DSW here and I frequent Ross, I can pretty much go in on my lunch for a “pick me up.” You know how most women cut their hair when they break up with a man? Well when a man pisses me off, what makes me feel better is a hot new pair of sexy shoes…. It’s orgasmic! LOL I don’t worry about matching it up with stuff b/c I build outfits around shoes.
I don’t like shopping, so this can be a problem for me. Most of my internet shopping is a result of getting an email from a retailer. Unless it’s a one-day sale (like these sports bras I bought a few weeks ago) I usually close the email with intentions on going back to it. If the purchase is something I REALLY want, I’ll remember to go back and get it. Most times I don’t. So for me, I just don’t buy at first look and then I usually forget about it.
Nice shoes, I like your style
Lately? Total Fail at avoiding impulse shopping. Thank goodness I’m finally at the point where it actually kind of doesn’t matter. ie: doesn’t touch any savings, doesn’t interrupt bill payment, etc. (Then again, I say that as if I would ever have impulse shopped when I was in a much tighter financial situation.)
But *normally,* I follow a lot of the same steps as you’ve got in a slightly different order: Check the price. Insane? Close to reasonable? If insane, immediately cross off list. If close to reasonable, consider how much cheaper it’d have to be to BE reasonable. If reasonable, then proceed to Cool-off Period to see if I forget about it or if it actually doesn’t look *that* great on fifth look.
During the cool-off period, I consider my current wardrobe, closet space, and budget. If the item replaces a high use possession, I have space for it, and I haven’t already spent my fun money for the month(s), then I’ll proceed to make the buy happen.
I made one bad purchase and that cured me from shopping for shoes/clothing on line. Your shoe size is only 7.5? Dang. I bet they my size 9.5-10 stays in full stock!
The readers ask for shoes, and she delivers!
Great topic, as I actually just got a box today with $30 worth of impulse-purchased stuff I shouldn’t have bought– and it’s not even wearable, edible or drinkable! Why did I spend this money again??!!??
I just leave the items in the shopping cart. Usually, I lose interest in a few days. Also, I always think more than twice if I have to pay for shipping.
If I can not find coupon and item is not at least 50% off MRP, it stays in my shopping cart until I either find coupon, it goes on sale or it is sold out. When it is sold out, it is easy-nothing ventured, nothing lost. If by the time I am ready to re consider purchasing it and it is on sale, I search for any coupons possible as well as look for a free shipping and out of state purchase to avoid being charged sales tax. If either one of those requirements is not met, then I would take some more time out and come back if I have a great coupon and shipping offer. More often than not, I buy from Overstock.com and try to have some kind of coupon. With shipping from $0 to $2.95 per order and some great coupons, Overstock is a great place.
Online shopping is my absolute favorite way to go since I have a small child and not a lot of time, energy, or patience for stores when she’s with me. (She’s a diva in the making who loves to shop, too!) As well, I usually get airline miles by shopping online, which is a huge consideration for me.
My bottom line is if I really “need” an item, say to complete an outfit or staple in my wardrobe; if it’s what I consider reasonably priced, and finally if I have the money at hand in my disposable income.
I always shop for good deals and prefer free or close to free shipping, too.
Those are great rules! My deterrent from online shopping is my body type. I’m very petite and thin, so a lot of clothes don’t fit me well at all. The hassle of shipping things back isn’t worth it to me, so I really can just browse clothes. Purses on the other hand… I just try to stay away!!!
@me in millions
come to site purseforum if you are not already a member
at times you can satisfy your cravings there just by looking, blogging and talking to other bagaholics
Thanks Rufina. I’ll def check it out!
Those first shoes make me gasp for air.
If I’m really feeling the need to shop, e.g. I get a merchant email that is extremely tempting, I let myself run hog wild on their website and fill up the basket with everything that looks tempting. Goodies of all kind, no limit. Then I shut it down and walk away. It’s a mindgame, but it works for me. 10-15 minutes of virtual shopping, without any real damage done. Very rarely do I make a real purchase, and the item must stick in my mind for a few days before I act.
It’s much easier for me to achieve this in the virtual world than the real world. I do NOT go out shopping (other than obvious necessities like food) in the real world anymore, and I have a much fatter bank account because of that!