Do you find yourself mindlessly shopping online? If so, you’re not alone. This has become a growing concern for consumers of all ages.
An Interesting Statistic
The average American consumer spends over $1,000 per year on impulse online purchases, making at least six impulse buys per month.
Online shopping has become an integral part of our daily lives across all generations. With just a few clicks, you can have almost anything you want or need delivered to your door the next day.
No wonder this huge temptation has led to online shopping becoming such a prevalent issue in this digital age.
Why Is It So Hard to Resist the Allure of Excessive Online Shopping?
Easy Access
The truth is the convenience and easy access of online shopping can be a slippery slope that comes with a cost. At any time of day or night, one click can lead to another and then another. Before you know it, you’ve spent more money than you intended. This leads not just to overspending, but also to overbuying and an accumulation of unnecessary items.
As fun as it might be to see an Amazon package on your doorstep, the constant influx of packages can also lead to guilt, buyer’s remorse, and even marital disputes.
Emotional Triggers
Impulse online shopping is frequently triggered by our emotions:
- Fear of missing out on a good deal
- Boredom, loneliness, anger, or stress
- Social influence or the desire to fit in
It’s easy to get triggered when mindlessly shopping on the internet and social media. In a weak moment, you click “buy now.”
Targeted Ads
Targeted ads are another major culprit when it comes to online shopping temptation. Advertisers use sophisticated algorithms to target our specific interests and demographics, encouraging us to click the “buy now” button.
To make matters worse, social media influencers and celebrities often promote products, making us feel like we need to have them, too.
If you struggle to resist the allure of targeted ads and want to overcome the temptation to overspend on impulse online purchases, these five effective strategies will help you regain control so you can confidently shop online for only what you truly need or want.
5 Effective Strategies to Overcome Online Impulse Buying
Set a Budget
The first critical step to combat online shopping temptation is to set a budget and stick to it.
Track Your Spending
Use apps like Mint or Personal Capital to track spending and stay on top of your finances. These easy-to-use apps will help you stay on track.
Emotional Awareness
Recognize and acknowledge your emotional triggers. Are you mindlessly shopping online because you’re stressed, bored, or lonely? Identifying these patterns can help you address the underlying issues, allowing you to find healthier coping mechanisms such as exercise.
Use Online Tools
Use browser extensions like uBlock Origin or News Feed Eradicator. These tools help block targeted ads, making it less likely for you to be tempted.
Practice Intentional Spending
One of the most powerful tools to overcome online shopping urges is the satisfaction you feel when you save money by being mindful about what you’re purchasing and how much you’re spending.
It feels great to know you are in control, resisting temptation, and making conscious decisions to spend your money wisely.
Overcoming online shopping temptation requires awareness, intentionality, and strategy. By acknowledging emotional triggers, setting a budget, and using apps to track your spending, you can regain control over your online shopping habits.
Getting Started
Recall a time when you resisted the urge to buy something online. Write it down as a reminder.
It’s not easy, but keep reminding yourself how confident it made you feel to manage temptation – and keep doing that!
Also read, What’s the Deal with Shopping Anyway?
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Have you fallen victim to the impulse buying trend? What have you recently purchased that you don’t really need? Why do you think you bought it? If you have overcome any online shopping temptations, please share your tips with the community!
