With shops gearing to open soon, I thought I share 5 ways to be more responsible when shopping, whether you are shopping for back to school or lounge wear. I mean, who doesn’t love shopping for clothes, shoes, and accessories? Admittedly, people often go a bit crazy especially when surfing fashion websites and what may have originally started as simple window shopping could turn into a full-blown online shopping spree before you know it! I have been there many times in the past and it too years of developing responsible shopping habits to over it although on occasion I do go crazy online.
The problem with impulse buying is that it often comes a lot of negative emotions that usually surface right after the adrenaline rush of last-minute shopping. For instance, you may end up with buyer’s remorse about items that didn’t turn out as beautiful as you had expected, or guilt about having gotten so much stuff that you don’t actually need. You may even become afraid of looking at your next credit card statement, fearing how much you’ll have to pay for as a result of your splurging and this is why I thought I share 5 ways to be more responsible when shopping.
Disclosure: This is a collaborative post
5 Ways to be more Responsible when Shopping
The biggest challenge most of us are facing in this day and age is the ease of accessibility to credit that we may or may not have. By this I mean, everything is online these days including our bank accounts and we can shop at the click of a button and sometimes we spend money that we do not have. Don’t get me wrong here, there is nothing wrong with indulging in some retail therapy and it doesn’t have to always be a traumatic experience. In this post, we’ve compiled some tips on ways to be more responsible when shopping whether you’re looking for comfortable sleepwear or the perfect party dress.
Shopping should always be a good experience, the right dose of retail therapy and this can be achieved by budgeting. Every single month I budget for retail therapy money aka ‘shopping money’ and whilst I don’t use it all the time, I know I have it if I need to spend money that month. One of the biggest issues people run into is impulse buying even when they don’t have money allocated to shopping which can lead to debt. In order to avoid that, follow these simple tips on ways to be more responsible when shopping.
Plan Ahead
It takes a bit of discipline to go online shopping only when you are mentally prepared. Just as experts advise not to go to the grocery store when you are hungry, don’t visit e-commerce sites when you are sad, needy, or experiencing any other negative emotions.
That may seem counterintuitive (because doesn’t everyone go shopping to make themselves feel better?), but these emotions might drive you to rash decision-making and impulse purchases. Instead, try to make a list of things that you really need or items that you have been thinking about for a long time already. This can help keep you on track and avoid spending too much time and money online. Another great tip is to allow yourself some online shopping on special occasions only, such as on your birthday or your wedding anniversary.
Check Out Sales and Other Promos
Part of planning ahead entails being on the lookout for sales or discount blitzes. Nothing feels better than getting the stuff that you want at marked-down prices—just as nothing might cause you more regret than buying something at regular price only to find it on sale just a few days later.
Fortunately, there are many great deals on fashion pieces these days if you know where to look. Online shopping communities and social media groups are great places to start when searching for leads on e-commerce sites with upcoming sales. Be mindful as well of the usual seasonal sales holidays such as Black Friday or Cyber Monday.
Don’t Use Your Credit Card
Getting neck-deep in debt after the euphoria of an online shopping spree is not fun. A simple way to avoid this is to not use your credit card at all when shopping online. This is the same advice that experts give to avoid overspending if you were shopping in a brick-and-mortar store.
The good news is that e-commerce sites now accept many other modes of payment such as debit cards. This ensures that you spend only the budget that you allot or that you only use money that you already have.
Feel Free to Return Stuff
Online shopping has become so convenient that you sometimes end up buying things that you may not need or clothes that don’t fit you. Don’t be ashamed to send these things back or have them replaced with the proper size instead of just allowing them to gather dust in your closet.
Indeed, e-commerce sites have made it generally easier to ship back items that did not turn out as you had expected them to be. Some even offer convenient services such as picking up the item at your home. Don’t forget to follow through on refunds in instances when you return some items.
Consider Better Alternatives
Retail is an industry that has a significant impact in terms of global issues, particularly when it comes to environmental waste. Whenever possible, go for products that help support social issues such as using ethically sourced or recycled materials and avoiding animal testing or unfair labor practices. It would also be a great idea to patronize brands that are known to support charities. That way, you’ll know that part of the profit these companies generate from shoppers like you will go to meaningful causes.
Remember, shopping is meant to be fun and enjoyable! These are just some tips that can help keep it that way.
Farrah Less says
Most of the time when i shop online i look for discount code or at least free shipping. Online shopping is so convenient and majority of online store has easy exchange/return policy.
Everything Enchanting says
I hardly buy clothes online. But if an outfit doesn’t fit me, I immediately return it no matter what! I really liked these tips, thanks for sharing 🙂
Mama Maggie's Kitchen says
I do love checking out sales and promos before going to the shopping center! It’s nice to have discounts.
Blair Villanueva says
When I fancy to shop online, I check the ‘clearance’ section, and if the mall is just nearby, I also check the ‘clearance, clearance’ section (yes it’s a thing!). But most of the time, I shop in many charity stores in my map within my city. And upcycle my clothes more.
Jay Aguirre says
This is some really good advice. Impulse shopping was a big problem I had before, but now I’m a lot more responsible about shopping and buying things.
Kita Bryant says
These are some really helpful tips. I love having a good day shopping.
Kathy says
These are some great ideas. I’m always careful when it comes to shopping. I’m always looking around for great deals. I’m a deal shopper.
Monica says
If I give myself a monthly budget of “fun money” it helps to not go crazy when shopping.
Clarice says
These are great tips! I seldom use credit cards too as I want to make sure I stick to my budget. 🙂 I also love the idea of support brands for a cause or those who are known to support charities.
MELANIE EDJOURIAN says
I always plan ahead when shopping. I know exactly what I want to buy and where to get it. I never use my credit card when shopping.
Clarice says
These are great tips! I seldom use credit cards too as I want to make sure I stick to my budget. 🙂
Cierra Vollmerhausen-Warner says
Love that this article has a section about not using your credit card! There are so many young, inexperienced consumers out there that have no idea what they are getting themselves into. It’s wonderful that you included that in this piece.
Dan "Jay" Reyes says
Being accountable with our actions, including being responsible when shopping is good.
Gervin Khan says
These are great advice. I am actually waiting for a grand sale before buying new things for myself and I am using cash instead of credit card.
emman damian says
Great tips! I make sure I shop for quality clothes which I can mix and match. Also, I always go for value for money.
Nikki Wayne says
I agree to all this. Especially on not using our credit cards.
Eloise says
these are great tips for staying responsible when shopping (esp for clothes)… I’m all about checking out the sales and discount racks first before heading to regular price ; )
Heather says
I’m happy to see that I’m already doing a number of these things. I love a good deal.
A Nation of Moms says
We also buy from consignment shops. Often the clothes still have tags on them!
Tasheena says
These tips are really helpful. I have to get better at returning stuff.
Sondra says
Thanks for the advice! Sometimes I can be an impulsive buyer and I don’t consider these things.
Amber Myers says
I will keep these in mind. I usually always wait for a sale before I buy! Unless it’s something I worry might sell out. But like 90% of my purchases are on sale!
Catherine says
Great tips..I’ve been trying to practice minimalism when it comes to buying clothes. Staple pieces only- the necessities that be versatile too.
melissa chapman says
We sometimes forget that we can always return things and especially if the size is wrong. These are great tips for shopping and sales can be good savings
Carleen says
Not using the credit card is a great tip. I always overspend when using the card.
Ron Donoho says
Great suggetion to budget the amount of $ you spend on shopping each month.
MELANIE EDJOURIAN says
I don’t shop for clothing often online. I prefer to buy in store. In many cases I’m the exception to the rule as I only buy what we need when it comes to clothing.
Melissa cushing says
Love this post and appreciate your shopping tips. I also purchased a lot on impulse when I was in my 20s and honestly I was bad in my early 30’s too…. but I have learned and take advantage of sales as much as possible still treating myself to those must aves too 🙂
Cristina Petrini says
When it comes to shopping I have to say that I organize real attack plans. In short, now I have found my mood and for fashion I spend very little with maximum results.
Ntensibe Edgar says
Aaahhhhh…it all makes sense now why so many people desist using their credit cards for online shopping. It’s such a silent trap into debt! Thank you for sharing.
Cindy says
Great tip about not visiting e-commerce sites if you aren’t in a good emotional place. That can definitely make a situation worse.
Neely says
I have really tried to really see if I need something vs just want something.
kidneyfornikki says
These are good tips for those days when you just have to buy something. I used to buy a lot on impulse in my 20s. Now I spend a lot of time thinking about it. I have never been must of a returner –I will have to work on that step!