Have you ever opened Amazon to buy one thing and left with five? Or scrolled Temu just to “browse” and suddenly hit checkout? You’re not alone. These websites are built to trigger impulse shopping — and for UK consumers, they’re some of the most addictive platforms out there.

Here’s how they hook you — and how to take back control.

1. They Use Endless Scrolling and Personalised Feeds

Like social media, sites like Temu and eBay keep you browsing with infinite scroll and “Recommended for You” carousels.

🧠 Why it works: It taps into your brain’s curiosity loop — you’re always looking for the next great deal.

💡 How to beat it: Set a 10-minute timer before browsing. When it rings, close the tab.

2. Urgency Tactics: Timers, Limited Stock, and “Almost Gone” Warnings

Amazon and Temu are masters of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). You’ve seen the banners:

“Only 2 left!”“Deal ends in 4 minutes!”

These pressure you into buying now, not thinking later.

💡 How to beat it: Use the Don’t Buy That Chrome Extension to pause before checkout — a few seconds delay can save you from spending you’ll regret.

3. Free Delivery Thresholds

“Spend £5 more to get free delivery.”

Sound familiar? Many shoppers add items they don’t need just to avoid shipping fees — and end up spending more.

💡 Hack: Ask yourself: “Would I buy this if delivery were already free?”

4. Flash Sales & Daily Deals

Sites like eBay use countdown deals and lightning offers to make you panic-buy.

📌 Data Point: UK shoppers spend more than £1,000 a year on impulse buys — much of it during “deals.”

💡 How to beat it: Use extensions like Don’t Buy That to intercept these moments and help you rethink the purchase.

5. One-Click Checkout

The easier it is to buy, the faster you do it. Amazon’s 1-click checkout is convenient — and dangerous.

💡 How to beat it: Add friction back in. Delay checkout buttons, remove saved cards, and use a browser extension that makes you stop and think.

Takeaway: It’s Not Your Fault, But You’re in Control

These platforms are designed to win — but you can still come out on top.

✅ Understand the tricks✅ Use tools like Don’t Buy That✅ Build smarter habits over time

Download the FREE Chrome Extension today — it’s privacy-first, UK-focused, and made to help you shop mindfully.