ALABAMA A&M and AUBURN UNIVERSITIES

DON'T BUY IMPULSIVELY DURING HOLIDAY SEASON

AUBURN, NOV. 22---The biggest shopping season of the year is almost here. Retail stores are already enticing consumers to buy, buy, buy.

The holiday season and use of credit cards make impluse buying too easy for consumers, says Dr. Fred Waddell, an Extension family management specialist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

Most consumers at some time or another buy something on the spur of the moment without plan or thought, but for some reason, impulsive buying increases dramatically during the holiday season. About three out of 10 purchases are decided upon in advance, while about half of all purchases are made completely on impulse.

Not all impulse buying is bad if a shopper has a flexible plan, Waddell says. For example, while on vacation you find a picture and know it would be a perfect Christmas gift for Aunt

Sue. That's not impulse buying. Neither is buying a rib roast instead of a pot roast or fresh asparagus instead of canned green beans when price or quality are a better deal.

A shopping list is essential whether it is a mental one or a written one. However, grocery lists as well as lists for household supplies, gifts, clothing, appliances or other home furnishings should allow some flexibility.

Waddell says shoppers should ask themselves several questions to help separate impulse buying from planned buying.

Do I need it? The answer to this question can immediately weed out impulsive buying.

Will I use it? This answer can be misleading. It's easy to convince yourself you will use most anything, but further prodding will help clarify the answer.

Can I afford it? This probably is the true test. Shoppers can answer this question by asking another question. What will I have to give up if I buy this item now?

To avoid impulse buying, consumers should:

Shop alone. It is usually easier to say no to yourself than to a spouse, child or friend.

Shop when refreshed. Tired shoppers are not as willing to take time to compare prices, consider uses and answer the questions that weed out impulse buying.

Shop less often. If you have difficulty controlling impulse buying, avoid the temptation by making fewer shopping trips.

Shop sales. But be alert! Just because an item is on sale doesn't mean it's a good buy.

SOURCE: DR. FRED WADDELL, Extension Family Management Specialist, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, (334) 844-3244