Viral Shopping Is a Bad Idea. This Survey Explains Why

In today's digital era, it's all too easy for a single social media post to steer our shopping decisions. But have you ever stopped to think about the true impact of chasing after viral shopping trends? 

We all know deep down that following these trends might not be the wisest choice. Yet, the temptation of a trending product is often too hard to resist. 

But what's the real outcome of these spur-of-the-moment purchases? 

Trustpilot has conducted a survey revealing surprising facts about this trend. Let's dive into what they found and why it matters to us as consumers. 

The Allure and Disappointment of 'Dupe' Purchases 

Imagine this: you see a product on social media that looks like a high-end item but at a fraction of the cost. Tempting, right? Trustpilot surveyed 1,000 U.S. adults from Gen Z and Millennials to shed light on the reality behind these “dupe” purchases. 

About 70% of us are turning to social media for our shopping needs, with 69% having snapped up a viral product. 

But here's the catch: the excitement often fizzles into disappointment. A significant 49% of buyers end up feeling cheated. 

Why? 

Because these dupe products – the budget-friendly twins of expensive items – oftentimes don't live up to their promises. Whether it's the quality that doesn’t match up, the item is damaged, or it comes with health risks, the allure of dupes leads to a letdown. 

Influencers and Promoted Posts: The Drivers of Dupe Sales 

Have you ever wondered how so many people find out about these dupe products? 

Influencers and social media ads are the main culprits. 

Around 55% of buyers discovered dupes through influencers, while 49% found them via promoted posts on social media. What’s more, over 90% of people were drawn in by slick, eye-catching videos, leading them to purchase directly from these platforms. 

However, 28% of shoppers felt let down by the brands or influencers promoting these products. And 32% lost trust in smaller brands because of their dupe purchases. 

So, give it a second thought the next time you see that glossy ad or influencer endorsement! 

The Money-Saving Myth of Dupe Buys 

Funny, isn't it? We often go for dupe products thinking they'll be a win for our wallets, but the reality is quite different. 

Trustpilot's findings show that trying to save money this way often backfires, as 18% of people who bought dupes felt they lost money by not just buying the real deal. And it gets more frustrating – 34% couldn't even return their dupe purchase or get a refund.  

Tracking Down Dupes 

Ever wondered where all these dupe products are popping up? Trustpilot's survey gives us the inside scoop. 

TikTok leads the pack with 50% of dupes discovered there. Facebook follows at 48%, then Instagram and YouTube both at 42%. 

But where are people actually buying them? It turns out Amazon is the top marketplace for these items, with 44% of dupe sales happening there.  

Beware of the Hype 

This eye-opening survey is like a red flag for anyone swept up in the rush of the latest viral shopping craze. 

Before you click “buy” on that next trendy item, take a moment. Think it through. Is it worth it? 

Remember, the thrill of getting something viral might be short-lived if it ends up being a letdown.

So, let's keep our excitement in check with a healthy dose of skepticism. Because in a world of online shopping, not everything that glitters on your screen is worth its weight in gold.