We all shop in different ways and for different things. Our more regular shops include things like food and household goods, while we might shop less often for clothes and even less often for electronics and gadgets. Some of us enjoy shopping, while for others, it’s a chore that just has to be done. However you feel about shopping, the choices that you make when you spend your money can affect your finances, but also the wider world. Changing the way that you shop could save you money, plus it might make you a more responsible shopper.
There are lots of ways you can shop differently and be a new type of consumer. If you want to rethink your approach to shopping for all kinds of things, this post will give you some ways to change how you do things.
Always Have an Intention
Shopping, whether online or offline, without something in mind that you want to buy, can be fun. Even if you don’t end up buying anything, browsing the possibilities is a good way to entertain yourself. However, going shopping just for the sake of shopping can also be dangerous. It can lead you to buy things that you don’t need and spend money that you can’t really afford to spend. Even if you can comfortably buy things at random, it could mean that you’re not saving money that you could be putting away for a better purpose.
If you want to start changing the way that you shop, consider no longer going shopping just to browse. When you’re going to shop, give yourself a list or an intention to buy something specific. This doesn’t mean that you can’t shop for fun or go window shopping. You can still look at things that you like but do so with a goal or limit of buying or spending something specific. Give yourself a budget or shop knowing that there is one specific thing that you’re going to allow yourself to buy.
Consider Longevity
The way we have shopped has changed a lot over the years. One thing that has changed a lot is that we’re now much more casual about replacing things. We buy things knowing that they won’t last long and that we can simply buy a replacement when it’s no longer useful. This goes for everything from clothes to tech, which we often just throw out when it’s not wearable anymore or has broken. But if you want to change the way you shop, and maybe be more responsible when you buy things, you should start thinking about longevity. What’s going to last longer? What can you repair instead of replacing? This can save you money in the long-run, as well as being more eco-friendly. Can you store it until next year? Lots of trends come back and you tend to regret getting rid of it. I recommend Marylebone 24-hour Self Storage if you live in London and need somewhere to store your things.
Step Outside of Your Comfort Zone
Many of us have preferred shops and preferred brands that we gravitate towards. We’re used to them, and they work for us. But sometimes, sticking to the things that we know isn’t the best way to shop. It could be needlessly costing you more money, or you might be buying from unethical brands. If you’re willing to shop outside of your comfort zone, you could discover better options. You could be saving money or even finding better quality products when you look at different shops and brands. It can be hard to convince yourself that the most well-known brands aren’t always the best, but there are always great alternatives available.
Think Smaller
Shopping in big shops and buying top brands can be a cheaper way to spend your money. However, shopping with smaller brands and in independent shops can offer you a very different experience. One benefit of shopping in this way is that you’re often supporting the local economy, putting money into your own community. Another benefit is that you can get great quality from items made in smaller batches, instead of mass-produced. You might find that the things you buy are better made and last longer. Not only that, but you can discover unique finds that you wouldn’t be able to buy from larger shops.
Use Technology
Technology has definitely changed the way we shop, not just through online shopping but also with everything from mobile apps to augmented reality. It can help you to find what you need and save money, plus much more. Technology can allow you to try glasses on using a virtual tool online so that you can expand your choices and avoid being limited to the range offered by your optician. It makes it possible to have things delivered straight to your home or pay/reserve online, then collect in the nearest store. When you make use of different types of technology, you can change your shopping habits.
Get Advice Online
Another thing that technology can do for you is to make it easier to find the things that you want and need. You can get the information and advice that you need more easily, using a range of resources and tools. Hopping onto social media to ask someone behind a brand twitter account for help can be faster or easier than other methods. You can research what you want to buy online and even get advice from someone through video chat when you’re trying to make a purchasing decision. It’s easier than ever to get professional advice from people who know what they’re talking about, as well as from other customers who have personal experience.
Make the Effort to Try on Clothes
Shopping online is so easy now, and many of us do it when we need to buy new clothes or shoes. However, when you buy online, you can’t try things on before you buy. This often means that you order multiple sizes to try, then send them back if they don’t fit. But not only is this an inconvenience for the businesses that you buy from, it also means that you have to wait to be refunded when you return things. Sometimes making the effort to go to a store and try on the things that you’re interested in is the better way to do it.
Enjoy the Experience of Shopping
On the high street, things are changing to try and keep up with online shopping. Many brands are realising that they have to offer more of an experience to their customers if they want them to come into their stores. They’re adding things to their shopping experiences that make people want to come and see them in person, from augmented reality apps to bars and personalised service. Even though online shopping is convenient, taking advantage of these experiences can be a great way to make shopping more fun. It keeps you more connected to what you’re buying, allowing you to look at and touch things before making a purchase.
Investigate Where Things Come From
Do you know where the things that you buy are made? Do you know who makes them? A lot of people don’t give much thought to questions like these, but asking them can change how you shop and how you live your life. If you want to shop in a way that is kinder to the planet and to humanity, scrutinising the origin of the things that you buy is one of the ways that you can do it. Buying things made from sustainable materials by people who are paid and treated fairly can make your lifestyle more ethical.
When you change the way you shop, you can save money and make a difference to your lifestyle too.
