OnePoll conducted a study on behalf of Slickdeals that looked into the spending habits of Americans. The poll of 2000 American adults found that they spent their money impulsively. Moreover, the researchers found that impulse spending has increased in 64% of Americans in the past two years.
Impulsive spending has increased this year
In 2020, the average American spent $183 on impulse purchases. The figure was $276 in 2021 and $314 in 2022. Furthermore, respondents could spend $157 on one item in 2020, $277 in 2021 and $310 in 2022.
More Americans were making spontaneous purchases this year (73%) than last year (59%). However, they admitted most of their impulsive purchases weren’t fun. About 68% believed inflation had impacted their spending.
Inflation has made more Americans pay attention to their spending. As a result, many believe that while they might spend more money, they buy fewer items. Another 41% say they spend more money on buying essential items.
The poll also showed that participants would shop impulsively online (52%) and in-store (53%). This was compared to 53% of people who mostly shopped online in 53% in 2020 and 42% in 2021.
The tendency of Americans to shop online while in bed has also increased. The number is currently 7 in 10, which is a slight increase from 66% in 2020 and 68% in 2021. Furthermore, 37% of impulsive shopping was done in bed.
Items Americans often bought
The respondents tended to display specific patterns for online shopping. For example, they purchased everyday items such as technology (27%), shoes (28%), household items (29%), groceries (30%), and clothing (35%). Approximately 51% claimed to only shop for themselves. Another 58% claimed impulsive shopping had saved them money.
There appeared to be factors that made it more likely for respondents to participate in impulsive shopping. For instance, 65% would purchase an item with free shipping. Additionally, 69% don’t continue the purchase if they see a shipping fee.
Emotions also influenced the decision to purchase, as 61% said they felt better after buying something. This made them more likely to buy things impulsively when sad or stressed.
