Skip to main content

Two million people have shopped online while drunk, leading to some regrettable purchases

| Research tools

An estimated two million people in the UK have shopped online after drinking, with drunken purchases ranging from new cars and expensive holidays to exotic animals.

The study by online marketplace Flubit.com, found that one in 20 people have bought goods online after consuming alcohol. The figures follow recent data from ONS showing that the amount of money consumers spend online has risen by almost 20% in just a year with Flubit’s study finding that the average adult now spends more than two hours a week browsing for goods online.

Among the most bizarre drunken purchases revealed in the study were a didgeridoo, a plastic croaking frog, two turtles and a snake. The most expensive drunken purchase was a £6,500 Volvo, with other costly transactions including a £1,700 return flight to the USA and a £300 personalised number-plate.

Many of the purchases revealed in the study were music-themed and included a VHS of Take That’s Greatest Hits, a cardboard cut-out of Britney Spears and a VIP ticket to see American artist Jason Derulo.

According to Flubit data, the most popular time for late night purchases is the early hours of Sunday morning, with the total number of demands between 3am and 4am trebling most other days of the week.

Tia Saunders, spokesperson for Flubit.com, said: “The convenience of online shopping and vast amount of choice available has seen a huge shift in consumer behaviour, with time traditionally spent in stores now being spent online. Shoppers can purchase almost anything from the comfort of their own home, day or night.

“While this makes life easier, our study shows that it can occasionally lead to regrettable purchases. We would advise people to avoid ‘drinking and shopping’ where possible, but if you’re going to do it, make sure you’re using websites which offer you the best deals.”

Pin It

Related Articles

By: Hanno Labuschagne - MyBroadband MyBroadband recently pitted Checkers and Pick n Pay’s on-demand delivery services against each other and found both performed exceptionally well.
As a cold front sweeps across South Africa, Kantar's fourth annual Mzansi check-in also revealed growing consumer concern over loadshedding and the rising cost of living.
A national survey, released during Men’s Health Month, unveils fascinating insights into the beverage preferences of South African men.
By: Given Majola - IOL While consumers paid more to buy chicken between February and April this year, farmers were paid less for this commodity, according to the latest Farm-to-Retail Price Spread report, published in May this year by the Nationa...
Pick n Pay Smart Shopper customers are increasingly spending their points on airtime and data, a popular loyalty reward exclusive for retailer Pick n Pay.