Big deals, countdown timers and “only 2 left!” messages can make it hard to think clearly. Here’s how impulse buying works, and some simple ways to stay in control of your money.
What is impulse buying?
Impulse buying is when you buy something on the spot, without planning to. You might see a hoodie on sale, a game on offer or a beauty set in a TikTok video, and suddenly it’s in your basket. It happens to everyone, and it’s especially common in the weeks before seasonal events, like Christmas.
Big sales events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday can make it even harder to resist. Lots of shops start their “deals” weeks before the actual day, so the pressure to buy can last much longer than you’d expect.
Why it’s so easy to get pulled in
Shops and apps are designed to make you spend. Countdown clocks, flashing “low stock” warnings and phrases like “today only” create a feeling of urgency. That feeling is sometimes called FOMO, which stands for fear of missing out. When we feel rushed, we’re less likely to stop and ask whether we actually want something.
Social media adds to this. Influencers often get paid or receive free products to promote things, and adverts can be targeted at you based on your interests and what you’ve looked at before. It can feel like everyone else is buying things, which makes it harder to say no.
Special occasions bring their own pressure too. Around birthdays, festivals or holidays, you might want to get gifts for friends and family, or feel you should keep up with what others are spending. It’s worth remembering that the people who care about you will value your thoughtfulness far more than the price tag.
Is it really a deal?
Some Black Friday offers are genuinely good. Others aren’t as great as they look. Prices are sometimes raised before a sale so the discount seems bigger. Price comparison websites and price tracking tools can show you what something has cost over the past few months, so you can see whether the offer is real.
A good question to ask yourself is: “Would I buy this if it wasn’t on sale?” If the answer is no, it might be worth leaving it.
Simple ways to stay in control
Before the sales start, try writing a list of things you actually want or need, along with a rough budget. Sticking to a list makes it much easier to ignore everything else.
If something catches your eye, give yourself some breathing space. Leave it in your basket for 24 hours and see if you still want it the next day. Often, the urge passes.
You could also try turning off shopping app notifications, unfollowing accounts that make you feel like you need to buy things, or avoiding saving your card details on websites. Small barriers can give you time to think.
Be careful with “buy now, pay later”
If you’re over 18, you might see options to split payments or pay later. These can seem helpful, but it’s easy to lose track of what you owe across different apps.
Missing payments can lead to extra charges and may affect your credit score, which is a record that lenders use to decide whether to lend you money in the future. It’s a good idea to only use these if you’re confident you can afford every repayment.
What if you regret a purchase?
If you’ve bought something online in the UK, you usually have 14 days to change your mind and return it, even if there’s nothing wrong with it. Some items, like personalised products, are exceptions. Many shops also offer longer return periods over Christmas, so it’s worth checking their policy.
Impulse buying is something we all do now and then, so there’s no need to feel bad about it.
Getting help
If money worries are getting to you, talking to someone you trust can really help. You can always talk to Meic.
