Spaving

Spaving is a marketing strategy where consumers are encouraged to spend money to gain access to savings. Common spaving tactics include discounts, sales, and promotions such as free shipping at a certain threshold and buy one, get one free.^[1] The term is a portmanteau of the words spending and saving.^[2] The concept has been popularized by online retailers and social media.^[3]

Spaving has been criticized as a financial pitfall causing consumers to purchase more than needed and creating excessive buying habits.^[4][5][1]

Consumers engage in spaving due to fear of missing out and loss aversion.^[6] Consumers who excessively engage in spaving are referred to as spavers.^[7]