How to Stop Buying Things You’ll Just Return Later

Table of Contents

1. Why We Buy and Regret It
2. Smart Habits to Curb Impulse Shopping
3. Track Returns with Less Stress
4. FAQs

Why We Buy and Regret It

Online shopping makes it easy to click “Add to Cart” before we’ve thought it through. Free shipping, easy returns, and constant promotions encourage impulse buying. But those casual “try-it-and-return-it” habits waste time and money—and they often lead to refund delays or missed return windows. Not to mention the impact on the environment. 

Smart Habits to Curb Impulse Shopping

Before checking out, ask yourself three things: Do I already own something similar? Would I pay full price for it? Will I still want it next week? Studies show that adding a brief "cool-off" period to your shopping routine reduces regret-driven returns. Consider unfollowing tempting brands or deleting stored card info to make the checkout less instant.

It's also worth tackling one of the biggest drivers of returns in fashion: size uncertainty. Research by AI platform True Fit found that 48% of Gen Z shoppers buy the same item in more than one size, returning whichever doesn't fit. Before adding multiple sizes to your cart, check the retailer's sizing chart and, where available, look for customer reviews that mention fit — many shoppers note whether an item runs small, large, or true to size. A little extra research upfront can save you the hassle of a return altogether.

Track Returns with Less Stress

While you can’t avoid every regret purchase and sometimes you just really need to buy something with the intention of possibly returning (e.g. multiple sizes, different colors), you can stay on top of your refunds. Refundly, a free app in the Apple App Store, helps you automatically track your returns and refunds. It alerts you the moment a refund hits your account—so you never lose track of money you’re owed. The app also includes a dashboard of your returns and refunds and tracks the progress of the returns you’ve shipped back to a retailer. 

No more wondering if you ever got that refund. Everyone needs this app - it’s your personal refund tracking assistant. Get the app today in the Apple App Store!

FAQs

How can I avoid buying things I’ll return?
Pause before purchasing. Research reviews, compare items, and wait 24 hours before checking out.

Why do I regret so many online purchases?
Impulse buys feel good in the moment but often don’t meet expectations once they arrive.

What happens if I miss a return deadline?
Retailers rarely make exceptions, so tracking return windows is key to getting your money back.

Can apps help me manage refunds?
Yes. Tools like Refundly automatically monitor your shopping returns and refunds so you don’t have to check manually. Plus, it’s free in the App Store.

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