While online shopping is a phenomenon that has been gaining traction over the past few years, the recent pandemic made is almost a necessity in some cases.

When COVID-19 hit hard in 2020, I had no qualms about ordering my groceries online through the local grocery store. I also had no issue buying non-grocery items from Amazon as needed.

Was I worried I would spend too much money? Rack up credit card debt? Buy things I didn’t need?

I was at first but instead of worrying that I was going to overspend online, I simply compared my shopping habits online to those in real life. What I realized was that was actually spending less online and in a way that was smarter than I did in stores.

How so?

Before I explain the “how”, let’s look at an all-too-familiar scenario I’m sure you’ve experienced before:

“While I’m here…”

Does this phrase sound familiar?

Imagine you are Walmart so pick up a few essential items. On the way, unneeded and unnecessary items somehow find their way into your hands.

You hold the items over the cart, allowing your grip to loosen. You don’t really need it but, since you’re there (and you’re not sure when you will be going back), you may as well get it now.

Into the cart it goes.

We’ve all been there. And we’ve all had to bite our tongue when the cashier asks, “Did you find everything you were looking for today?”

Do we really want to admit that we weren’t even looking for 90% of our purchase in the first place?

Online shopping reduces the need to purchase right away. Even discounted and tempting items are easier to avoid when going through the online prices.

A word of warning though:

Avoid The Panic

Many online retailers have caught on to the fact that shoppers are frequently throwing items into their shopping cart and leaving them there as they think about whether or not they want (or need) to make that purchase.

For this reason, online shopping platforms such as Wish will give you coupon codes that you must use immediately on the items in your cart. Suddenly, you find yourself panic buying because you just cannot miss out on that deal!

Some online retailers will constantly email and harass you if you leave items in your cart, hoping that you will go back and buy them.

Just be warned that it is super important that you make thoughtful purchases when shopping online! Don’t give in to the temptation to buy something but of FOMO.

With all that being said, let’s look at ways in which online shopping can save you money:

Subscribe & Save

Amazon offers a service known as “Subscribe & Save”. This feature allows you to save 5%-10% on your purchases if you sign up to receive them on a regular basis (which can be bi-weekly, monthly, every three weeks, whatever you want!).

This may seem like a money grab and the idea of subscribing monthly to some items seems ridiculous. I mean, do you really need a hamster wheel every month?

(True story, I saw the Subscribe & Save option on hamster wheels.)

This is a great feature to use when it comes to items that you will need on a regular basis such as pet food, cat litter, toilet paper, diapers, etc.

Plus, you get the added bonus of having these items delivered straight to your door!

Am I ordering cat litter off Amazon instead of going to the grocery store to buy it? Heck yes – now I don’t have to lug a huge container of cat litter into my home.

And I save money. Bonus!

However, Amazon isn’t stupid and only offers 10% off items prices if you subscribe to 5 items. Don’t let yourself mindlessly add products you don’t need just to boost your savings – it’s not worth it.

The only caveat is finding a better deal on products you’re subscribed to in the grocery store. Luckily, if you catch your Subscribe & Save order soon enough, you can cancel it or set it to a later date.

Comparison Shopping and Thoughtful Purchases

While online shopping is a great way to not have to deal with people, it also gives you an opportunity to compare items and their costs before making a purchase.

With apps like Flipp, which allow you to view flyers from local stores, you can quickly compare the prices in-store to those online.

Plus, you can simply place items in your online shopping cart and give them a good think before you buy.

Imagine this: You’re back at Walmart and you have filled your cart with about $50 worth of stuff you don’t need. How long do you think the employees will let you stand there staring at your items wondering if you should really purchase them or not?

Probably not hours or days.

In the real world, you would make a snap decision about the items and be on your way. Likely, you’re going to buy them.

Now imagine that you have put those items in your cart on Amazon. You can safely leave them for days, weeks, or even months while you decide whether or not to purchase them.

There’s no rush and you can take the time to mull over the items you have chosen as well as compare prices before making a purchase.

It’s all About Self Control

Saving money no matter where you shop is all about self-control – and online shopping is no different.

The main difference, however, lies in the opportunity you have to not rush a purchase online. Other than the platforms that try to create a sense of panic, there are no real reasons why you have to make a snap decision on a purchase.

In a department store, you obviously have to be out before closing time (and you probably have other things you want to do with your life).

So, as long as you aren’t order-happy when it comes to making online purchases, the system can definitely work to your benefit!

If you find you are a bit impulsive when it comes to online shopping, start taking advantage of the shopping cart feature and give yourself a day or two before you commit to buying anything.

How to Curb Your Spending When Online Shopping

Okay, so now that I’ve given you the ways in which shopping online can save you money, we can’t ignore the elephant in the room:

Online shopping addiction is a very real thing.

So if you find yourself doing any of the following, it’s time to address this issue:

• You’re hiding purchases from your family.
• You own a secret credit card.
• Your credit card debt is becoming hard to manage.
• You’re fighting with your partner over purchases.
• You get anxious if you feel like you’re missing out on a “deal”.
• You’re purchasing items you don’t need.

If you do find yourself in this situation, try tracking your purchases or blocking online stores. You can also set a budget for yourself or make yourself leave items in your cart for 48 hours.

In the end, if your online spending gets out of control, do not hesitate to speak to a mental health professional.