You walk into a store for one item, but somehow, you leave with a bag full of stuff you didn’t plan to buy. (Who could’ve guessed you’d come across so many “must-haves,” right?) In the moment, it may feel exciting—like you’ve scored a win. But later, as you unpack those bags or review your online cart total, you may ask yourself, “Did I really need all this?” This shopping habit has a name—impulse buying—and it’s something most of us wrestle with at some point.
Impulse buying has become a huge part of how consumers shop today, especially with online stores making it easier than ever to make a purchase with a single click. The combination of convenience, clever marketing, constant discounts, and the instant gratification of getting something new makes it hard to say no.
In this article, we’ll take a look at why impulse buying happens, what makes it so tempting, and how you can stay in control without saying no to what you truly want and enjoy.
What is impulse buying?
“Impulse buying is the spontaneous, unplanned decision to purchase a product or service, made just moments before the transaction,” says Dennis Shirshikov, a finance professor at the City University of New York and head of financial education at itutor.com. “It's driven more by emotions and immediate gratification than by careful consideration or necessity.”
Impulse purchases can range from small items like snacks and accessories to big-ticket items like pricey electronics or even cars, often leading to buyer's remorse. This feeling of regret or dissatisfaction comes from realizing the item wasn’t necessary or worth the money. Regardless of the product, impulsive buying can strain your finances and disrupt your budget.
Impulsive buying examples
Wondering if you're part of the impulsive buyers' club? Consider these everyday situations:
- Picking up candy or magazines at checkout counters
- Grabbing extra items while grocery shopping when hungry
- Purchasing clothes during flash sales
- Clicking “add to cart” for items seen in social media ads
- Buying coffee or snacks you hadn't planned on
- Stocking up on sale items without checking if you need them
- Making major purchases, like a car or home renovation, on a whim
These are all common impulsive buying examples, and they can add up to significant expenses over time.
Why do people buy things on impulse?
Impulse buying often stems from emotional triggers. “People often make impulse purchases due to emotional triggers like excitement, stress, or even boredom,” Shirshikov says. “Retail environments are strategically designed to capitalize on these emotions through lighting, music, and product placements.”
For example, retailers often strategically place items at eye level, near the checkout, or at the end of aisles to trigger emotional responses. These prime spots encourage customers, already influenced by the store's spend-friendly atmosphere, to grab “last-minute” items.
Online shopping has only intensified this trend. A study by The National Center for Biotechnology Information found that over a third of Americans shopped to cope with stress or boredom during the COVID-19 pandemic, using retail therapy to ease their negative emotions. The changes in shopping habits during this outbreak highlight the significant role these emotions play.
Promotions that use scarcity or exclusivity create the fear of missing out (that’s right: FOMO), which can lead to unplanned purchases. Additionally, social pressure can significantly contribute to impulse buying, as do seasonal influences—with irresistible holiday deals encouraging festive splurging on gifts for family, friends, and even yourself. (Black Friday, Cyber Monday—we barely stand a chance.).
Potential consequences of impulsive buying
Impulse buying may deliver a temporary mood boost, but it can have negative consequences in the long run.
- Financial impact: Overspending on unplanned items strains budgets and can hinder saving goals. “I've seen clients accumulate significant debt through small, impulsive buys that add up over time,” Shirshikov says.
- Increased debt: Impulse buying is often fueled by credit cards, as the ease of swiping without handing over cash lowers purchase barriers. This can lead to debt, high interest, and potential late fees and credit score damage.
- Increased stress levels: Impulse buying can give a quick thrill and short-lived happiness, but it often leads to buyer's remorse, “where the satisfaction fades quickly, leaving feelings of guilt or regret,” Shirshikov says.
How to stop impulse buying
Here are some practical tips to control impulse buying.
1. Wait for 24 hours before purchasing
“Implementing a cooling-off period—waiting 24 hours before making a purchase—allows you time to assess its necessity,” Shirshikov says. You’ll give yourself time to consider if the item is really something you need or want.
2. Stick to a shopping list
Before heading to the store, take some time to plan and write down everything you need. Avoid deviating from your list and stick to it, which helps reduce unplanned buying and impulse purchases.
3. Delete shopping apps
To minimize temptation, delete shopping apps from your phone. These apps are designed to encourage browsing and buying, often using notifications to lure you back. Removing them can help you resist the urge to shop unnecessarily.
4. Unsubscribe from promotional emails
Sales and discounts can be tempting, often leading to impulsive buys that stretch your budget. Unsubscribe from these emails to reduce the chance of unnecessary purchases, so you can focus on genuine needs and foster better financial habits over time.
5. Use cash instead of cards
This method limits your ability to make spontaneous purchases beyond a set amount. With cash, you can physically see how much you're spending, which can make you more mindful of your purchases and help you stick to your budget.
Read this next: How Often Should I Use My Credit Card? Answers Here
6. Document potential purchases
Keep a detailed record of the items you plan to buy, including their prices, brands, and features. This allows you to review them later, and feel certain before buying.
7. Track spending patterns
Monitor your spending habits over time by categorizing expenses into areas such as groceries, entertainment, and utilities. This gives you insight into where your money goes, so you can make more informed financial decisions.
8. Set specific shopping goals
Define clear shopping objectives by identifying priorities and setting a budget. This helps guide purchasing decisions and avoid impulse buys. With set goals, focus on items that add value while staying within your financial means.
This simple act can significantly reduce unnecessary spending. Over time, using such a checklist can help cultivate more mindful consumption habits, leading to substantial savings and a healthier financial outlook.
9. Create an impulsive-buying checklist
“An impulse buying checklist is a practical tool to help you pause and reflect before making a purchase,” Shirshikov says. For more mindful spending, consider asking yourself a few thoughtful questions before you buy:
- “Do I need this?” Is the item truly essential or are you just buying it because it’s there/on sale/fun?
- “How often will I realistically use it, and will it hold its value over time through regular use?” Think about how often you’ll actually use the item and if it’ll still be useful or in good shape after a while.
- “How will this item benefit me in the long run?” Will the item actually make your life easier or better in the long run, or if it’s just a short-term fix that you’ll quickly forget about.
- “How does this fit into my financial goals?” Think about your budget and whether you have the funds available to purchase without causing any financial strain.
- “Is there a more cost-effective alternative?” Before making a purchase, research if there are more affordable options available that still meet your needs.
Shop smart
It's OK to treat yourself occasionally, but planning for it can help prevent impulse buying from taking a toll on your finances. By understanding the impulses behind these purchases and using strategies to manage them, you can enjoy shopping without the regret that often follows an impulsive buy.
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