If you've ever woken up hungover and looked at your bank account with guilt, you're not alone, according to new research by Finder.
A nationally representative survey of 1,015 respondents revealed 18% of Australians – equivalent to almost 3.5 million people – have shopped online while drunk.
The research found 1 in 8 (12%) have done it once or twice, and 6% do it often. That's around 1 million people who regularly shop online while under the influence.
Kate Browne, personal finance expert at Finder, said the surge in popularity of online shopping has transformed the experience entirely.
"You can buy just about anything online at any time these days, which is super convenient and a great way to bag a bargain.
"One of the downsides, however, is that it's easy to drop quite a lot of money online, at any time of the day, no matter what state of mind we're in."
The average amount most spent online while drunk in one sitting was $328.
The most popular activities taken online while intoxicated are getting food delivered (12%), buying alcohol (11%) and shopping for clothes or shoes (9%).
Some have even gone as far as applying for a job (2%), applying for a house/apartment (1%), buying airline tickets (1%) and purchasing a pet (1%).
As we head into what could be the biggest sales season ever, Browne encouraged Australians to shop wisely.
"With Black Friday and Cyber Monday just around the corner, there are some great deals on offer.
"While it's great to bag a bargain, it's not really a bargain if you're buying things you don't need, or worse, things you don't want once you've sobered up.
"The best way to avoid this is to make a wishlist of the things you really want and compare retailers in advance. That way, you can be sure that you buy what you need and don't drink and shop."
According to Australia Post, online purchases grew by 57% year on year for the 12 months to 31 December 2020 as Australians spent a record $50.46 billion online, up from $32.1 billion in 2019.
Generation X drunk shoppers are the worst offenders, spending $425 on average per sitting, compared to $299 for millennials and $265 for generation Z.
Men have admitted to spending $343 while drunk in one sitting, compared to $306 for women.
| Have you ever shopped online while drunk? | |
|---|---|
| No, but I have shopped online while sober | 62% |
| No, I don't shop online | 20% |
| Yes, I've done it once or twice | 12% |
| Yes, I do it often | 6% |
| Source: Finder survey of 1,015 respondents, October 2021 |
| What actions have you taken online while drunk? | |
|---|---|
| I haven't done any of these while drunk | 72% |
| Bought food delivery | 12% |
| Bought alcohol | 11% |
| Bought clothes or shoes | 9% |
| Bought groceries | 6% |
| Bought beauty or skincare products | 5% |
| Signed up for a dating site | 4% |
| Bought technology (e.g. TV, phone) | 4% |
| Bought entertainment tickets (e.g. festival, sporting event) | 3% |
| Applied for a job | 2% |
| Bought sporting equipment | 2% |
| Other | 2% |
| Bought airline tickets | 1% |
| Bought a pet | 1% |
| Applied for a house/apartment | 1% |
| Applied for credit (e.g. credit card, personal loan) | 1% |
| Source: Finder survey of 1,015 respondents, October 2021 |
Don't wait until November 26 to save. Check out all the Black Friday deals available now.