Many of us can’t even remember a time before the Internet, while the evolution of online shopping continues to change dramatically.  One can’t argue the convenience online shopping has brought to all of our lives, but it makes me wonder if the Internet has made spending money a little too easy.  While online shopping has become increasingly shopper friendly, it’s hard to say if this is a good thing or a bad thing.  Nowadays, you can make online purchases so quickly and easily that it’s almost impossible to practice any measure of self-control!  In the age of technology, are shopping websites our friend or foe?

Many shopping apps like Shopbop and Net-a-Porter store your credit card information so that your check-out process takes literally 3 clicks on your smartphone.  There is something about your money or credit card not being phsyically exchanged that makes you feel like the purchase didn't actually happen!  In the absence of actually going to a store, trying clothes on, and waiting in line to pay, it’s easy to forget that you've even spent money.  This has led to some truly shocking credit card statements at the end of the month!

In addition, free return shipping has made it even easier to be a casual online shopper.  Because it’s so easy to click your way through the check-out process, I'm tempted to buy whatever I like and figure if it doesn’t fit - I will just send it back.  This has put me in a constant cycle of buying and returning and I can hardly keep track of what is coming and going.  On any given day, I literally cannot figure out how much money is in my bank account or what my balance is on my credit card with all of the purchases, credits and refunds!

Furthermore, once you make a purchase you are automatically subscribed to receive daily or weekly emails showcasing what’s new and exciting (which is extremely tempting) and you're always notified when there are sales and promotions (which is even more tempting!).  I feel such pressure to buy things during these promotions so I don’t “miss out.”  Most of the time, this is ridiculous because these offers come out all of the time and if I miss one, there will surely be another one very soon.  Despite knowing that fact, I have a really difficult time resisting!!

Perhaps the creepiest part of the online shopping experience is that whatever items you are browsing and possibly adding to your shopping cart, mysteriously pop up all over your screen even after you have left that website.  It shows up as a banner ad or pops up in a window and gives you a real big brother-like feeling.  No matter how hard you try, you end up feeling haunted by all of the items you have been coveting!! 

How do we avoid this sense of helplessness when it comes to online shopping and the endless cycle of click, buy, return? 

1)  Sleep On it - The temptation of the flash sale is to make you purchase your new belt, skirt, or earrings immediately.  But often flash sales give you at least 24 hours notice or even run for a few days.  Try to give yourself a day or two to think about what you really want and will be less likely to return BEFORE you click to purchase.

2)  Pretend You Can't Return - This exercise has really helped me recently.  Asking myself if I would want the item if I knew I couldn't return it forces me to think about my closet and how much wear I will get from the new purchase.  This helps me fill my closest with only things I truly love and wear.

3)  Ask a Friend - Like with a diet or any life goal, accountability is key.  If you find yourself in a moment of weakness ready to purchase the next item to cross your screen, stop and ask a good friend to help you weigh the pros and cons of your new purchase.  If you decide it really will help you create more outfits from clothes you already own or will truly make you feel fabulous (and you can afford the item) then purchase away! 

There is no arguing the increased convenience factor of online shopping, and I am certainly happy that I always have it as an option.  Hopefully these tips will help you make more meaningful purchases that you love and will keep forever.  It’s time to take back control and stop being a victorm of online impulse shopping temptations!!!