In a world filled with endless choices, practising mindfulness in your purchasing decisions can be a game-changer. This involves emphasising quality over quantity and aligning your choices with core values.
5 Ways to Shop Mindfully and Make Every Purchase Count
Affordability Calculation
A quick and intelligent approach to avoid costly impulse purchases is by calculating affordability. For instance, if a luxury product costs Rs 20,000 and your monthly salary is Rs 80,000, understand that you need to work 44 hours to afford it. This simple calculation will make you realise how hard you need to work to afford an expensive purchase, hence helping you make your purchase decision!
Quality over Quantity
Prioritise quality over quantity in your purchases. Opt for sustainable and durable products that last longer, saving you from frequent replacement or maintenance expenses. This principle applies to various items like clothes, luggage, utensils, etc., making the initial higher cost worth the long-term investment.
Location of Essentials
Be aware of the strategic placement of essential items in supermarkets. Don’t succumb to the allure of eye-catching products deliberately placed on your way to household essentials. Remind yourself of your purpose and avoid falling for unnecessary consumer discretionary products.
The image depicts India’s Private Consumption. Percentage of GDP from Jun 1996 to Jun 2023.
Psychological Play
Beware of pricing tactics like ‘Buy jeans at Rs 999/-’. Marketers play with psychology by setting price points just below the next thousand. Understand the psychological game at play and resist falling for these tactics. Remember, it is a mere Re 1 difference, and marketers are experts at playing with your mind.
Fun Fact:
Zomato’s founder, Deepinder Goyal, admits to playing with consumers’ minds. Offers like ‘50% off up to Rs 80’ actually mean a discount of only Rs 80, not 50% of the order value. Be mindful of these tricks to make informed choices.
Evaluating Special Offers
When faced with special offers at the billing counter, analyse them carefully. Don’t be swayed by enticing discounts if it means unnecessary additional spending. Assess whether the offer genuinely saves you money or if it leads to unnecessary splurging.
Conclusion
In this moment, embark on a journey of mindful shopping with heart. The goal is not just to fill your cart but to enrich your life with intentional choices. Pamper yourself wisely with your hard-earned money, making each purchase a step towards a more fulfilling existence.
*The article is for information purposes only. This is not an investment advice.
*Disclaimer: Teji Mandi Disclaimer
