10 sneaky tactics online shopping sites use to make us spend more (and how to outsmart them!)

Find out easy tips to avoid online shopping traps and outsmart their tricks. Save money with our smart strategies!

Have you ever found yourself going online to buy just one thing and ending up with a basket full of stuff you didn’t plan to buy?

Well, you’re not alone!

Online shops are really good at tempting us to buy more but don’t worry; we’ve got the inside scoop on their tricks.

By knowing these secrets, you can shop smarter and save your pennies.

What are the most popular “tricks” that shopping websites use to get us to buy more?

Online shopping platforms are designed to tempt us into buying more. ExpressVPN’s research on this topic shows that online retailers use a combination of psychology and various marketing techniques to achieve that.

Websites make things look super urgent, like a sale that’s about to end or make us think that everyone else loves what we’re about to buy. Ever get that sense of FOMO?

Here’s an in-depth look at these tactics and how you can shop more smartly and save money in the process.

1. The “limited time offers” trick

Online shops love to say things like “Sale ends soon!” or “Only a few left at this price!”

This makes us feel like we have to buy it right now or we’ll miss out.

Before you checkout, take a moment to think if you really need the item.

Always remind yourself that sales are not a once-in-a-lifetime event.

Retailers often rotate their promotions, so what’s on sale today will likely be discounted again.

Instead of making an impulsive decision driven by fear of missing out, bookmark the item and check back later.

You may find that your desire for it decreases over time, or it becomes available at an even better price.

2. Free delivery… but there’s a catch

Ever seen: “Free delivery on orders over £50”?

This tempts you to add more to your basket just to get free delivery, even if you were only planning to spend £20.

Check if what you’re adding is really worth it just for free delivery.

Sometimes, paying for delivery is cheaper than buying things you don’t need.

3. Reviews and ratings

Seeing lots of positive reviews can make us more likely to buy something.

It’s social proof that the item is suited for us.

Shops know this and make sure to show off their best reviews. I am seeing this increasingly on Facebook shop pages with hundreds of comments about how great the items are, and I’ve been tempted to buy them.

Remember, just because others love it doesn’t mean it’s a must-have for you – and it doesn’t always mean the reviews are legit.

Stick to your list and budget, think carefully about whether you really need the item, learn how to spot fake reviews, and check out reviews from other sources.

4. The “you might also like” suggestion

After you add something to your basket, they show you more things, saying, “You might also like…” This can make you think about buying more stuff.

They usually suggest additional products based on your browsing history or current cart contents, to make you consider items you hadn’t thought of, increasing the likelihood of additional purchases.

Be strong and stick to your shopping list! Resist the temptation.

These suggestions can be tempting, but remember what you came for.

5. Flashy deals and discounts

Big, bright banners and pop-ups advertising major discounts, with words it’s “50% OFF!”

They are there to grab your attention and can make you feel like you’re getting a bargain.

Ask yourself if you were planning to buy this item before you saw the deal.

If not, it’s probably not saving money, it’s just spending it on something you didn’t need.

6. Countdown timers

Ever noticed a countdown timer on a deal, ticking away?

This creates a sense of urgency, making you feel like you need to but it right now or miss out forever.

Remember, most once-in-a-life-time deals come around more often than you think.

Give yourself a moment to think it over. If it is not on your list, you probably don’t need it.

7. Checkout add-ons

Right when you’re about to pay, they suggest small items to add to your cart, often labelled as “Customers also bought” or “Add for a special price”, like it’s an exclusive offer for you.

This is where discipline comes in. Focus on what you came for.

These add-ons can add up, turning a small purchase into big spend.

8. Making returns a hassle

Some sites make returning items complicated or expensive, betting that you’ll just keep the item instead of going through the trouble.

When buying from UK stores, you get a 30-day “cooling-off period” for online shopping, which starts the day after you receive your order.

However, if you are buying from an overseas seller, your rights are different, which is why it’s always a good idea to check the store’s return policy before buying.

If it’s too complicated, consider whether you’re 100% sure about your purchase.

9. Subscription traps

Offers to join clubs or subscriptions for extra discounts can be tempting, but they count on you forgetting to cancel (it’s known as inertia).

They are usually small charges that slip past when you check your bank statement, but you’re likely not getting too much benefit from it.

Set a reminder to review and possibly cancel any subscriptions you sign up for, especially if the first month is free or discounted.

10. Personalised ads

Ever looked at something online and then seen ads everywhere?

That’s no coincidence. Sites track your browsing to show you ads for things you’re more likely to buy.

Use private browsing modes or incognito mode to keep your shopping habits private and reduce impulse buys from targeted ads.

11. Spend more to save more

I know we said 10, but I’m going to be sneaky to add this one in as it’s a tactic I hate, but also love to beat.

Amazon quite often offers 15% off if you buy four qualifying items. I only want three, typical!

But, with a few minutes browsing, I can generally find an item for around £1, nab the 15% off and spend less with four items than it would have been with three.

I am starting to get a growing collection of car air fresheners..! Do they make good gifts?

Becoming a savvy online shopper

Understanding these tricks can transform you from an impulse buyer to a savvy shopper.

Here are a few extra tips to keep your online shopping smart and budget-friendly:

• Make a list: Before shopping, write down what you need. This helps keep you focused. Tick off when you’ve made your purchase to get a quick dopamine hit (if it’s not on the list, you can’t tick it off)
• Set a budget: Know how much you’re willing to spend before you start shopping and stick to it.
• Compare prices: Use comparison to make sure you’re getting the best deal, rather than believing the first sale price that flashes at you.
• Take breaks: If you find yourself filling up your cart, take a break. Step away from the screen and come back later to reassess. Leaving it a day can even see you get email reminders with a discount code.

Online shopping doesn’t have to be a wallet-emptying experience.

With these strategies, you can enjoy the convenience without the financial hangover.