Online Shopping Vs Offline Shopping: 7 Ways To Avoid Spending More Than You Planned

You go to buy one dress and come back with five bags. Or you open an app for one lipstick and end up ordering for Rs 5000. Sound familiar? Whether it is online or offline, shopping is designed to make us spend more. From bright sale banners to buy 1 get 1 offers, all of these trick our brain into buying extra. But you can still enjoy shopping without breaking your budget. 

Online Shopping Vs Offline Shopping: 7 Ways To Avoid Spending More 

Here are 7 smart ways to avoid spending more than you planned, whether you shop online or in a mall.

1. Make A List Before You Shop

Never shop without a list. It is beneficial to write down exactly what you need. For online, add only list items to the cart. For offline, take a photo of your list and stick to it. If it is not on the list, don't pick it up.

2. Set A Fixed Budget

Decide your budget before you open the app or enter the mall. For example, Rs 2000 for this month. Keep cash for offline shopping and use only one card or UPI for online.

3. Don't Fall For Fake Sales

Online sites show MRP Rs 4999, sale price Rs 999, but the real price was always Rs 999. Offline stores also put 'Up to 70% Off' boards to pull you in. Check the price on 2-3 apps or stores before buying.

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4. Wait 24 Hours Before Buying

This is the golden rule for online shopping. Add to cart, but don't buy immediately; wait for 24 hours. If you still want it after a day, buy it. Most of the time, you will forget about it. This one trick can save you 50% of your extra spending. For offline shopping, walk around the mall once and then decide. Don't buy in the first 5 minutes.

5. Unsubscribe From Sale Notifications

Those Big Billion Days and End of Season Sale notifications are made to make you shop when you don't need to. Turn off notifications from shopping apps and unsubscribe from sale emails. Less temptation means less spending.

6. Avoid Shopping When Emotional

Whether you are sad, bored, stressed, or happy, all are dangerous times to shop. We do retail therapy and buy things we never use.

7. Compare Online Vs Offline Before Paying

Sometimes online is cheaper; sometimes offline is cheaper after trying and checking quality. Always compare price, delivery charge, and return policy before paying.

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Online or offline, the problem is not shopping; the problem is shopping without a plan. If you make a list, fix a budget, wait before buying, and avoid fake sales, you will never spend more than you planned.

(Image Credits: Magnific)
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