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] Spaving 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]