How a few extra clicks can curb your impulse spending online
(InvestigateTV) — It’s never been easier to spend money online. With just a couple of taps or clicks, you can have a product shipped to your doorstep—sometimes before you even stop to ask whether you really need it.
Sara Rathner, a credit card expert with NerdWallet, said retailers make checkout effortless on purpose. But she encouraged consumers to make the process just a bit harder.
“It adds a lot of convenience, of course, to be able to make a purchase without having to memorize your credit card number or re-enter it manually,” Rathner said.
“But having a little bit of inconvenience, having to re-enter your credit card number or having to find your credit card in your pocket or your purse or your wallet before you make that purchase, it’s going to give you even a few seconds of time to second guess what it is you’re about to do.”
Those few seconds can help you avoid impulse purchases. And according to Rathner, delaying your decision even longer can make an even bigger difference.
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“So, imagine if you did something like put an item in your online shopping cart and then just let it sit for 24 or 48 hours,” she said.
“Probably at the end of that time period, you are much more likely to not even think about buying that item.”
And here’s another perk of waiting: some retailers will send reminders or even offer discounts to encourage you to complete the purchase. Others may notify you when the price drops.
They’re small tweaks, but they can add up, especially if online shopping is part of your regular routine.
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