LONDON — One in five shoppers admit they’re “too lazy” to hunt around for the best deals, which could be costing them a small fortune. A survey of 2,000 adults in the United Kingdom found 19 percent will book the first vacation that pops up after a search if it looks halfway decent, rather than shop around for a cheaper price.
Meanwhile, 37 percent will complain about the price of services like utilities, but then do nothing about it. The top excuses for not making a change include “it’s boring,” “it’s confusing,” and “I don’t believe the effort is worth the reward.”
For those thrifty adults who do spend time shopping around, they believe they save a whopping $261 per year, on average. When it comes to phone contracts, however, over one in five (22%) don’t think they’ll get a better deal by shopping around.
“Switching isn’t always the best move – but it usually is,” a spokesperson for mobile network provider, SMARTY, which commissioned the study, contends in a statement.
“We know that finding the best deals can save people money. In this research, 41 percent of Brits are telling us they feel stuck in a rut in their day to day lives – maybe it’s time to embrace change and switch things up.”
1 in 3 haven’t changed mobile provider in over 5 years
Despite potential savings, 25 percent don’t believe the effort to switch their basic services is worth the reward. Another 31 percent of respondents say they “feel loyal” to their current mobile provider, and don’t want to change for fear they may be “cheating.”
Of the 41 percent of people who have started to shop around for a better deal on a utility service and then gave up, 38 percent got bored and 27 percent claim they were distracted, preventing them from switching.
Additionally, 15 percent of those that dislike shopping around for utilities say they just don’t like change, according to the OnePoll figures.
“As humans we are incredibly adaptable,” says life coach Rachel Coffey. “Making appropriate lifestyle changes will help you feel happier, more confident and in control. Even the smallest of changes can have a positive impact, and you’ll start to see it trickle into other areas of your life.”
When it comes to being too lazy to shop around for deals, people working in accounting and finance are among the top offenders (45%). Conversely, 83 percent of those working with insurance and retirement plans will always look for a better deal on their car insurance.
The study also reveals that a third of Brits actively enjoy looking for the best deals on services and utilities.
“Some people find shopping around a genuinely enjoyable experience and love the thrill of bagging a bargain, while others fear it will be a time-consuming and tedious experience,” the SMARTY spokesperson adds.
“Being passive can save time, but end up costing you financially, so it all depends on your personality type really, and what your priorities are.”
Rachel Coffey’s Top 5 Tips For Making a Change and Getting Out of a Rut:
- Think holistically. One small change may not seem important, but when you look at the impact of all your small changes put together it can have a big impact.
- Stop making excuses. Instead ask yourself what’s stopping you, make that decision and get it done.
- Think long term. Putting the effort in now can save you a lot of time, money, or stress long term. Make a change today and reap the rewards tomorrow.
- Share the love. If you manage to change a habit, let people know. Their positive reaction will help keep you on track – and who knows maybe they’ll join in too.
- Be money mindful. Unused subscriptions? Old contracts that are just rolling on? Take a look at what’s new and refresh. You’ll feel lighter, brighter and better off.
South West News Service writer Richard Jenksins contributed to this report.
