Impulse Buying: The Facts and the Fixes
By Delia Passi and the WomenCertified Team

Impulse buying can cost you hundreds and even thousands of dollars a year. Just $25 a week in impulse spending equals $1300 in excess spending a year.

Here are some facts on impulse buying:

• 88% of impulse purchases are made because the item was on sale.

• Impulse buyers tend to make purchases because it improves their mood –
  not because the item is useful or necessary.


• Shoppers make an average of 3 unplanned purchases during 40% of all
  store visits.


• 25% of unplanned purchases are clothing items. 14% are food items.


• When people shop with the purpose of buying immediate needs for
  forgotten items, the rate of compulsive buying drops 53%.


• Shoppers who drive to the store, rather than walking, are 44% more likely
  to make an impulse purchase


• When the shopping trip is unplanned, impulse purchases go up 23%.

• Plan your trip. Then make a list and stick to it. For those of us on a
  budget, impromptu shopping trips and shopping without a
  list can be a treacherous situation!


• Go on foot when possible. If you have to carry your purchase any
  distance, you’ll think twice about whether you really need that alluring item.


• Shop after you’ve eaten. You know this one! When you shop hungry,
  you’re more likely to buy items you don’t need simply to satisfy immediate
  cravings rather than the actual needs of your pantry.


• Think on it. If you really want that item badly enough, you’ll still want it just
  as badly two days from now. Most stores will let you put an item on hold for
  up to a day, allowing you to decide whether or not you really want it.


• Give yourself an allowance. Sometimes little splurges really do make you
  feel good, like little presents to yourself. Give yourself a set “splurge
  allowance” for the month, and stick to it. You’ll begin to look forward to
  picking out your “impulse” purchases!