Drink This Before Shopping and Psychologists Warn You’ll Regret It Later – Find Out Why!
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As members of the Seniors Discount Club, we're always on the lookout for savvy shopping tips and tricks to stretch our hard-earned dollars further. But did you know that something as simple as your pre-shopping ritual could be influencing your spending habits? According to a recent revelation by the British Society of Psychologists (BPS), there's a popular drink that might be turning your budget-conscious shopping trip into an impulsive spending spree.
Before you head out to the shops or even click through an online store, you might want to rethink that cup of coffee. Yes, the same beverage that perks you up in the morning and keeps you company through countless catch-ups with friends could be the culprit behind those unexpected splurges.
The BPS shared a video on TikTok that has caught the attention of shoppers worldwide. The clip, which features images of coffee and shoppers in the throes of retail therapy, comes with a cautionary message: drinking coffee before shopping can significantly increase your impulse buying.
This intriguing claim isn't just a shot in the dark; it's backed by a study titled 'Caffeine’s Effects on Consumer Spending,' published in the Journal of Marketing in 2022. The research involved a series of experiments designed to explore the influence of caffeine on shopping behavior.
In one experiment, shoppers at a large chain store in France were offered free drinks—some received caffeinated espressos, while others were given decaf. The results were eye-opening: those who had a caffeinated beverage spent a whopping 50% more than their decaf counterparts. They also gravitated towards 'high hedonic' items—think indulgent treats and relaxation products—over practical purchases.
The study replicated these findings in Spain and conducted further experiments, including one with students who were offered caffeinated or decaffeinated drinks before being asked to choose items from a 'relaxation category.' Time and again, the caffeine drinkers reported feeling more excited, which translated into more impulsive buying decisions.
But why does caffeine have this effect? The BPS suggests that the excitement felt by caffeine consumers may be due to a misinterpretation of a caffeine-induced faster heart rate. When we feel excited, our impulse control can wane, leading to those unplanned purchases that can wreak havoc on our budgets.
For retailers, this information could be gold—offering customers a complimentary cup of coffee might encourage them to loosen their purse strings. However, for consumers, especially those of us who are mindful of our spending, this insight is a valuable tool. In times when the cost of living is on the rise, understanding how caffeine can impact our shopping habits is crucial.
So, the next time you're preparing for a shopping trip, consider swapping out your pre-shop espresso for a decaf or a glass of water. It might just be the difference between a successful budget-friendly haul and a trolley full of items you didn't intend to buy.
We'd love to hear from you, dear members. Have you ever noticed a difference in your shopping habits after a cup of coffee? Or do you have other rituals that help you stay on track with your spending? Share your experiences in the comments below, and let's help each other become more mindful shoppers!
Before you head out to the shops or even click through an online store, you might want to rethink that cup of coffee. Yes, the same beverage that perks you up in the morning and keeps you company through countless catch-ups with friends could be the culprit behind those unexpected splurges.
Coffee perks consumers up with its caffeine content and could keep people alert throughout the day. Image Credit: Pexels/Chevanon Photography
The BPS shared a video on TikTok that has caught the attention of shoppers worldwide. The clip, which features images of coffee and shoppers in the throes of retail therapy, comes with a cautionary message: drinking coffee before shopping can significantly increase your impulse buying.
This intriguing claim isn't just a shot in the dark; it's backed by a study titled 'Caffeine’s Effects on Consumer Spending,' published in the Journal of Marketing in 2022. The research involved a series of experiments designed to explore the influence of caffeine on shopping behavior.
In one experiment, shoppers at a large chain store in France were offered free drinks—some received caffeinated espressos, while others were given decaf. The results were eye-opening: those who had a caffeinated beverage spent a whopping 50% more than their decaf counterparts. They also gravitated towards 'high hedonic' items—think indulgent treats and relaxation products—over practical purchases.
The study replicated these findings in Spain and conducted further experiments, including one with students who were offered caffeinated or decaffeinated drinks before being asked to choose items from a 'relaxation category.' Time and again, the caffeine drinkers reported feeling more excited, which translated into more impulsive buying decisions.
But why does caffeine have this effect? The BPS suggests that the excitement felt by caffeine consumers may be due to a misinterpretation of a caffeine-induced faster heart rate. When we feel excited, our impulse control can wane, leading to those unplanned purchases that can wreak havoc on our budgets.
For retailers, this information could be gold—offering customers a complimentary cup of coffee might encourage them to loosen their purse strings. However, for consumers, especially those of us who are mindful of our spending, this insight is a valuable tool. In times when the cost of living is on the rise, understanding how caffeine can impact our shopping habits is crucial.
So, the next time you're preparing for a shopping trip, consider swapping out your pre-shop espresso for a decaf or a glass of water. It might just be the difference between a successful budget-friendly haul and a trolley full of items you didn't intend to buy.
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️ for over spending!!
