Do you want to buy something when you see the “countdown to discounts” on Double 11? 4 tips from doctors to prevent impulsive orders

You Guantang, a psychosomatic physician, recommends making a list and setting a budget before shopping online. Products not included in the list can be collected first and then decided the next day. The picture is a situational photo, and the people in the picture have nothing to do with this article. (Picture taken from shutterstock)

[Reporter Luo Bi/Taipei Report] During Double 11 online shopping, I originally only wanted to refill my laundry detergent, but when I saw “the last two hours of sale left,” I checked out with my coat and cup. Dr. You Guantang, a psychosomatic physician, pointed out that when they are tired from work and feel depressed, some people will transfer their stress through shopping. When encountering time-limited or limited-edition promotions, they are more likely to buy things they did not intend to buy because they are afraid of missing out on the discounts.

You Guantang cited an e-commerce experiment in which researchers sold milk tea redemption coupons with an original price of 10 yuan and a special price of 6 yuan. Among 182 students who had not originally planned to buy the drink, 74 people placed orders, accounting for about 40%. Research has found that limited time and limited quantities will affect consumers' current level of excitement, thereby increasing the possibility of impulse purchases.

You Guantang said that from choosing styles, comparing prices, to imagining wearing a new coat to go out on the weekend, the joy of shopping can appear before checkout. After a busy day, being able to decide for yourself what to buy can sometimes divert your attention temporarily. However, if you want to relieve stress by placing an order every time you are in a bad mood, it is worth paying attention to your shopping habits.

◎Do this before checking out on Double 11

●Make a list and set a budget first

Before opening the store, write down what you want to buy and how much you can spend at most. I originally planned to buy milk tea, but the price dropped from 10 yuan to 6 yuan, which saved me 4 yuan. I originally planned to drink water, but the order cost an extra 6 yuan.

●Collect items not in the list first

When you see a coat you like, put it in your collection list first, then open the wardrobe the next day and think about whether you really lack this one.

●Ask yourself “Do I want to buy now, or do I want to take a breather?”

If you have just finished working overtime, you can take a shower first; if you are in a bad mood, you can also talk to someone first and wait until your mood calms down before making a decision.

●Add one more step to payment

Turn off promotion notifications on shopping apps or cancel pre-stored credit cards. The more time you have to take the card and enter the information, the more time you have to reconsider.

You Guantang reminded that there is no need to worry too much about occasional impulse purchases. If you repeatedly want to buy less but are unable to do so, or even misappropriate living expenses, have conflicts with family members over bills, or feel painful every time you buy something, you can seek help from a psychosomatic doctor or psychologist for evaluation.