The Right Way to Window Shop

Window shopping seems like a really harmless pass-time. And it can be, if you do it right.  Unfortunately, most window shoppers head into a store with the intent to just look, but almost always end up making a purchase.  And not just any purchase, an impulse purchase!  In the world of thrift, these are the most heinous purchases of all.

Merchandisers know this.  That's why they give away freebies.  They know that once you are in the store, there is a very (very, very, very) good chance you will buy something.

So how can you enjoy the fun of browsing a store without getting sucked into the merchandising trap of impulse shopping?

1. Leave your money at home.  If you are really just window shopping, you won't need it anyway.  Right?  There is no just in case money.  If you aren't buying anything, don't bring your money.  Just don't.

But what if I find something super awesome that I really, really need?

2. Leave your money in your car.  Walking to the car and back, take a large measure of the impulsiveness out of your purchase.  If you can put the item down, walk to your car, get your money, and you still want to come back into the store, then you might be serious about this purchase.  It is very likely though that you'll get into the car and decide that you don't want it as badly as you thought you did after all.

What if I want to spend a little money?

3. Carry cash.  It is psychologically harder to spend cash than it is to spend from a credit or debit card.  And cash has a limit.  If you go to the store with $20 in your pocket, that is all you are going to spend.  If you go to the store with a debit card in your pocket and intentions of only spending $20, you are likely to spend a whole lot more.

Can't I have any fun?

4. Have fun.  You may get a lot of happiness out of making  a purchase.  If you are craving that shopping high, try replacing it with something else.  Have fun trying on clothes.  See who can make the craziest outfit.  Read all the funny greeting cards.  Who can find the best joke?  Look for the most ridiculous, overpriced, or impractical items.  Enjoy the people you are with, and not the purchase you make.

Yes, that's a tag on my sweater (because it's not really my sweater!).  :)

Marcia