First Person: How to Avoid Impulse Internet Purchases

Whether it's a racy magazine or a candy bar at checkout, we've all been tempted by the grocery store impulse buys. Aware of these end-of-line pitfalls, the resilient shopper can avoid being lured into spending money on needless items. Internet impulse buys, however, aren't nearly as transparent, which is why even the most vigilant Internet shopper may become a victim to an Internet impulse buy.

With Internet shopping at its highest, now more than ever, it's imperative that you protect your wallet by implementing small measures that can save you time and money.

Take Your Time Before Finalizing the Purchase

Unlike in a brick and mortar store, where the impulse buys are strategically located to give you little time to fully contemplate whether you actually need the candy bar or magazine, the Internet affords you plenty of time rethink your purchase. Once you have your desired items in your cart, get up from your computer. Find something productive to do around the house, or even just take a few minutes to relax. When you return to the computer again, ask yourself if you really need to make this purchase. Once the initial excitement of finding this particular offer has faded, you will often find that it is something you can live without.

Never Save Credit Card Information

Never save your credit card information to an online store when checking out. Not only will this make it less likely that you will make another purchase, it will also make your life more secure. Just the extra time it takes to reenter credit card information can be enough time to make you reconsider your purchase. It will also ensure that there are fewer places on the Internet where a criminal could extract personal and billing information.

Unsubscribe From Frivolous Websites

Email alerts make it easy to get notifications from your favorite stores. However, many of these email alerts come out daily and can result in an increase in unnecessary purchases. When you awake to 15 emails from your favorite retailers encouraging you to check out the latest deals or to simply update your wardrobe for the upcoming season, an Internet impulse buy isn't far behind. Unsubscribe as needed.

This does not, however, mean that you can't use your email account to make you a veritable shopping weapon. Utilizing alerts on Slickdeals.net will allow you to find the best deals on the items you and your family do need, while avoiding many tempting upsells and unneeded items.

Leave Items in Your Cart or Wish List Until the Price Drops

Many online stores, most notably Amazon.com, will allow you to store items in your cart. This will allow you to return to your cart over the next few days or weeks to view any price decreases on items that you would like to have, but don't yet need. This is a wonderful way to avoid shopping around for the best prices on those items you need at some point, but not immediately.

Google for Coupons, Cautiously

Never make an online purchase without first Googling for an online coupon. Most online retailers provide some sort of deal from free shipping to a dollar amount off. However, don't be tempted to add to your purchase in order to meet the threshold for receiving the coupon.

Check Froogle.com to ensure that your product isn't cheaper elsewhere.

Remain Vigilant Post Purchase

Finally, remain vigilant, once you have purchased your item. Many stores offer a price drop policy and will refund you the price difference within 30 days of purchase.

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