No one is free from the guilt of impulse purchase. At one time or the other you may have purchased something that you never intended to buy or have no need for, but because you could not resist how attractive the product was strategically placed or packaged at the store you purchased it simply because you can afford it. Have you ever wondered why stores usually place their snacks, sweets, chocolates, bakeries and all mouth watering items right after the entrance? Or why the heavy display of goods in local markets is yelling for purchase? It is to appeal to your sense of purchase. Traders are not interested in whether you need a product or not, their only interest is in you opening that purse or wallet.
Always go with a shopping list
Going shopping without a list is like a herd without a shepherd. A shopping list not only guides and reminds your purpose of shopping but help curb that unnecessary item.
Go with a full stomach
As humans, what we see with our sight triggers our demand. When we go shopping with an empty stomach we compelled to say yes to the alluring snacks and bakeries purposely displaced to tempt one. Buying any of the items may not keep you off from eating a complete meal later, making one to spend double. Even if you do not, but you have bought something you never intended to buy making it an extra purchase
Pay in cash if the amount permits
With the cashless policy, most people pay with their debit cards, ATM, online transfer, well this can be allowed but if you are shopping for smaller items that permits you to pay in cash, please do.
A person tends to spend more when paying with invisible cash. A friend of mine, once said “each time I go to the mall with my debit card I send my account into exile and return home with items I have no clue on their usage, and the ones I know; I over buy them”. Another pal confessed that “he has given up on going to the mall with his ATM card, because each time he does, he just want to buy; it is like a disease”
Limit your shopping time
Always allocate specific time to do your shopping; any extra minute spent gives more room for an extra item into your shopping bag. It is like someone on a diet standing in front of a candy bar, hence once you are done with the items on your list, head to the exit door.
Learn to say ‘no’ if you are shopping with demanding children or an adult
Shopping with the kids or an adult can make the task more fun, but may be frustrating with kids who keep pointing at the yummy chocolates or cereal pack and an adult who reminds you how much you have always wanted that cosmetic product to do wonders to your skin or that pair of shoes to match dress. They may even ask you to buy them an item as a tip for coming along with you. At situations like this, you need to politely say no, and explain to them why you cannot spend off your budget. It is time to toughen up and feel accomplished that you did not stretch your budget.
Discipline
This may be the last step, but certainly not the least. Being disciplined would make you to have a grasp of self control and determination not to say ‘yes’ to those items that your eyes finds difficult to resist.
ANINGO GENEVIEVE EZINNE
