It feels like there are more sponsored ads in my social media feeds these days than posts from my friends and family. Products promising to remove my undereye bags, help me sleep better, deal with perimenopause, and tighten up my stomach. Damn, algorithms! Some of them are very convincing — enough so that I let the impulse get the best of me and hit that shop now button.
I do try to do research before pulling the trigger on an online purchase. I read the comments and testimonials. I see if the product is available on Amazon because then I don’t have to pay for shipping. Sometimes people say the product is a scam, and it’s not always that obvious, but it does normally make me think twice about buying. I worry about where my information is going or being stored. Yet sometimes I still feel compelled enough by their marketing tactics to make a purchase.
A study by Bankrate.com found that four in 10 social media users have made an impulse buy with an average of $750 spent. TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook are all ready to take your money. Millennials lead the spending pack.
What have I bought?
A few recent items include:
- Magnetic eyelashes that promised to be so simple a child could do it. I made such a mess with the glue that I looked like I had a black eye. I gave up after the first failed try.
- A red-light therapy face roller that looked so easy to glide around your face to smooth lines and tighten your skin. The warmth on my face did feel good but I don’t use it twice a day like they recommend.
- Foundation that after a skin quiz should have matched my skin but wasn’t exact. I did like the texture of the foundation, though.
- Neck cream that was pretty inexpensive with thousands of reviews — and it turned out to be a great product.
- Provitalize probiotics for women, menopause, joint support, digestive health, and bloat. I never miss a day taking these pills but I now order them on Amazon vs. the original seller that popped up on my feed.
- A pair of miracle leggings that were not nearly as flattering as on the model who happened to be a size two! I know better than to buy clothes online because I typically have to try things on before buying.
What have I learned?
- It’s easier than ever to shop online. The impulse struggle is real, so take some time to think on it before you hit buy now. Consider it a waiting period.
- Things add up quickly, especially when you’re baited with add-on items at checkout or when there is a “surprise” discount when buying higher quantities.
- Returns are a hassle and could cost you more to return items than what you originally paid. Or returns may not be accepted at all. Read the fine print.
- A lot of the stuff being sold is lower quality which is why the price seems too good to be true. And who knows where it’s being made.
- Don’t link credit card info to sites so you avoid one-click purchases. This makes it even easier to impulse shop!
- Reviews matter. The more positive reviews a product has, the more likely I am to buy it. There is no way to tell if the reviews are authentic but it’s hard to question products with thousands of positive reviews.
What has Insta or TikTok made you buy?
