It might seem like the more convenient option, but there are a lot of reasons why you don't want to make a major purchase on your phone
Here’s Why You Should Never Make a Major Purchase on Your Phone—Yes, We’re Talking to You, Gen Z
Published on Oct. 07, 2024
Gen Z and the older generations have sparred on everything from jean styles to the interpretation of the word preppy. One of the most recent battles? Phone versus laptop purchases. It all started with an innocent post on X (formerly Twitter), stating that “booking flights on a phone is crazy. That is a laptop activity.” That post caught the attention of millions, sparking a debate about whether or not one should make major purchases on a mobile device. Gen Z comes down solidly on the “yes” side.
You can credit their comfort with shopping online to their lifestyle. “Gen Z often only has mobile devices—they don’t have anything else, so they make it work,” says Jon MacDonald, founder and president of The Good, a digital optimization agency, and author of Behind the Click. “It’s what they know. They’re OK with it.” Plus, this generation that was practically born with a phone in their hand is already well-versed in two-factor authentication and how to spot a fake QR code.
However, just because Gen Z is comfortable on their phones doesn’t mean it’s the best way to shop, especially when it comes to larger purchases. Read on to find out why shopping on your phone may not be a good idea—and smart steps to take if you must shop on a mobile device.
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Why is it a bad idea to make major purchases on your phone?
Here’s the thing: Shopping on your phone is not an inherently bad idea and can be a major convenience, especially when it comes to purchasing staples like laundry detergent or dog food on the fly. There are, however, aspects of mobile purchasing you should consider before deciding to check out, especially when it comes to larger purchases.
A smaller screen makes it more difficult to see, type and read
Imagine, MacDonald says, that you want to buy a home and find one you like on a real estate app like Redfin: “The reality is, most people are going to search for the home on their mobile phone, then move to the desktop to actually dive into the details.”
On a larger screen, you’re more likely to see the little things in photos, like popcorn ceilings and warped hardwood, that would rule this house out for you. The same concept can be applied to any number of larger purchases. “The phone is a great companion, but the more considered the purchase, the more research you’re going to want to do,” MacDonald says.
Doing more research will likely require more typing to search and reading to take in information. On such a small screen, the former may strain your thumbs, while the latter may strain your eyes. It’s possible that these challenges may discourage you from doing your due diligence.
It’s easier to spontaneously purchase—and bust your budget
“With technology like ApplePay and GooglePay, all you have to do is double tap to make a purchase,” explains MacDonald. This kind of convenience is definitely helpful, but the question is this: Who is it more helpful for—the consumer spending money or the retailer making money?
Because we don’t have to type anything in when using a payment app, making a major purchase can be mindless when it should really take more consideration.
The website might not be optimized for mobile
Although this isn’t as much of a problem as it once was, as more brands have pivoted to making their commerce sites mobile friendly, it still comes into play in certain situations.
This is most relevant when you’re buying something like concert tickets, during which your phone might slow down because it has to take in so much information at the same time as hundreds of other people. You might also notice an issue if you’re on a “builder” of some kind (such as one that allows you to customize a car or jewelry), given that it’s a more complex program than simple text and images. This also applies to shopping for airfare, when you might want to check alternate airports or dates to find the best price.
Suggestions for shopping on your phone:
Sometimes making a major purchase on your phone is unavoidable. Here’s how to ensure you’re doing your due diligence.
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Enlarge the images to see the details: Yes, it’s more difficult to see every nook and cranny on a smaller screen, but never underestimate the zoom function.
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Read the reviews (on- and off-site): Taking time to read the reviews is always wise because it’s the most unbiased feedback you can get. You’ll want to prioritize watching videos and reading posts from content creators, both of which are designed to be consumed on mobile.
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Take a break: “Most people use their phone as an impulse tool. Because of this, the best practice we’ve found is to do your research and then pause,” MacDonald explains. “Come back later and complete the purchase when you’re not so wrapped up in the process.”
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Confirm the return policy: You should always do this regardless of how you’re shopping, but it’s easier to forget when you’re on mobile. (And it can be harder to find the policy.) It’s especially important for major purchases because you might end up wasting a ton of money on something you don’t want or can’t use.
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Double-check your purchase before checking out: With small screens and even smaller buttons, it’s reasonable to assume you may accidentally add the wrong color, size or number of items to your cart. Take the extra second prior to paying to make sure you’re ordering exactly what you want.
About the expert
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Reader’s Digest has published hundreds of articles on personal technology, arming readers with the knowledge to protect themselves against cybersecurity threats and internet scams as well as revealing the best tips, tricks and shortcuts for computers, cellphones, apps, texting, social media and more. For this piece, Quincy Bulin tapped her experience as a shopping and lifestyle expert to ensure that all information is accurate and offers the best possible advice to readers. We rely on credentialed experts with personal experience and know-how as well as primary sources, including tech companies, professional organizations and academic institutions. We verify all facts and data and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
Sources:
- Soulohlove on X
- Jon MacDonald, founder and president of The Good and author of Behind the Click
