That rush when you spot an unbelievable deal? You’re not imagining it. Our recent national research shows 86% of Brits feel a genuine dopamine hit when they land a discount. In fact, 41% ranked the ‘bargain buzz’ amongst life’s top pleasures – edging out chocolate, compliments, and even late-night bedroom fun.
The pleasure of a smart saving can be all encompassing, but without a bit of control, it can quickly turn messy - leading to overspending, missed opportunities, and that all too familiar morning-after regret.
As VoucherCodes’ in-house Savings Expert, I know the importance of making saving both smart and satisfying. So, to help keep your brain boosted and wallet happy, I’ve shared my top five deal-hunting mistakes to avoid in this blog.
1. Impulse buying
Over half of shoppers admit to buying on impulse, simply because something’s on sale. That surge of excitement can be intoxicating, but it can also leave you questioning your choices the next morning. I always follow the 24-hour rule - this gives you time to pause, consider if it’s a genuine want, and give yourself a little thinking time. A short wait keeps the thrill high, without the regret.
2. Get the timing right
Yes, we know we just told you to wait… but hear us out. Patience can pay off, but it’s a fine balance. 53% percent of shoppers hold off on buying in the hope of a better offer, yet wait too long and items can sell out or prices creep up. The key is to shop smart: track must-have items, and check their price history before buying. Sites like PriceSpy and CamelCamelCamel help you see whether a “sale” is truly a bargain, so you’re not fooled by flashy red tags or catchy slogans.
3. Not using trusted sources to find deals
Ever tried to redeem a code and felt your stomach sink when it didn’t work? Make saving simple (and stress-free) by relying on trusted sources for your bargain fuel. Brand mailing lists, automated alerts, and hand-tested voucher platforms like ours (wink wink) ensure you catch genuine deals that actually go-through. In fact, every single discount is hand-checked before you buy and, if you do spot a non-working code, our Code Guarantee ensures you still get the discount you were promised, so redeeming vouchers feels fun, not frustrating.
4. Not considering hidden costs
It goes without saying that before you buy anything, you should shop around to make sure you’re getting the best deal. But, even the most seductive deal can lose its appeal if delivery, returns, and extra fees creep in. Always calculate the full price before committing - creating that dopamine rush, without any unpleasant surprises.
5. Shopping without a list
Ever visited the supermarket without a list, and left with +£20 on your bill, along with six random items that seemed like a great idea in the shop? (Aldi middle aisle, we’re looking at you).
Unplanned shopping often leads to overspending, even when discounts are involved. And, this doesn’t just apply to groceries - whenever you see something you want, be that a new wardrobe staple or this season's must-have trainers, add it to a wishlist in your notes app. A simple shopping list keeps you focused on what you truly want and lets you prioritise purchases, helping you enjoy every deal without the post-purchase guilt.
How to be the ultimate bargain hunter
Bargain hunting can deliver one of life’s most satisfying thrills – as long as you shop smart. Avoid common mistakes and focus on real savings, so you can enjoy every deal-fuelled dopamine-hit without a hint of regret.
At VoucherCodes, we’ve partnered with top retailers to hand-pick a lineup of exclusive ‘dopamine deals’, designed to keep your heart racing, and your bank balance happy. Check them out here.
Interested to find out what kind of deal hunter you are? Check out our ultimate savings personality checker. Or, want to find out more about how deals affect our mood, and the science behind it? Check out our research report.
